NCAA Tournament: Beyond Cooper Flagg, Which Prospects Should Interest NBA Teams?

Jase Richardson #11 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Every week, Mark Medina shares his thoughts and insights on the latest NBA topics for RG. In this installment, he gives his take on which NCAA players besides Cooper Flagg can succeed in the NBA.

Beyond ensuring his left ankle stays durable, Duke phenom Cooper Flagg doesn’t need to show NBA teams anything during the NCAA tournament.

Lottery-bound teams already started tanking for him. NBA players already respect Flagg for how he scrimmaged with the U.S. Men’s Olympic team last summer before the Paris Olympics. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Flagg will become the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.  

When the NCAA tournament begins Thursday, however, NBA teams and fans should also watch other prospects that may help an NBA team next season. They won’t make the same impact as Flagg, but then, again, who will?

Below are a list of prospects that could both have breakout NCAA tournament performances and high upside as NBA rookies.

VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Freshman Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Just like Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards, Edgecombe can fill the highlight reels with aerial dunks that showcase both his athleticism and strength. Unlike Edwards, Edgecombe will need to develop the rest of his game before he can call himself “The Truth.” 

Edgecombe has also become more than just a dunker. He has developed both a dependable outside shot and strong instincts to probe defenses. But Edgecombe will need to become a more disciplined passer and defender, two qualities that can fuel an NCAA tournament run and maintain consistent playing time in the NBA.

At least Edgecombe has a strong starting point with his scoring and attacking. That will allow Edgecombe to keep defenses honest.  Edgecombe will soon have to prove, however, that he can stay dedicated toward becoming both a strong perimeter defender and playmaker.

Jase Richardson, Michigan State Freshman Shooting Guard

After initially assuming a modest bench role, Richardson has blossomed into a full-time starter as a dependable outside shooter, playmaker and defender. Given that Richardson just hit his stride late in his freshman season, NBA talent evaluators anticipate Richardson will continue to develop both in the NCAA tournament and as a projected lottery pick.

Richardson presumably has learned from his father, Jason, who cemented a 15-year NBA career as a two-time dunk champion and electric shooter. Jase, at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, does not have the same strength and size as his pops (a listed 6-foot-6 at 225 pounds). But Jase could eventually mirror his dad’s skills and even surpass it. Based on his trajectory, Jase will likely become a dramatically better player in the NBA.

Kasparas Jakučionis, Illinois Freshman Point Guard/Shooting Guard

As a seasoned international prospect, the Lithuanian guard already has shown strong potential as a 3-point shooter and passer. Jakučionis needs to refine his decisionmaking that has led to streaky shooting and untimely turnovers. Jakučionis presumably will address those weaknesses with more game reps. As he matures, Jakučionis also may not feel he has to show off his creativity. He may become more content with just making the simple play.

Jakučionis has already developed a strong base, however, with both his skills and confidence. Jakučionis has already shown he can make clutch shots, deliver timely passes and become a physical presence on the boards. Jakučionis thrives in high-stakes games, suggesting he will have break-out performances in the NCAA tournament and as a NBA lottery pick.

Kon Knueppel, Duke Freshman Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Knueppel has proven comfortable both with excelling as Flagg’s sidekick and as the team’s interim No. 1 option. Given Flagg’s tenuous ankle injury, Knueppel will have to master both roles in the NCAA tournament. How Knueppel manages that responsibility can also foreshadow his NBA trajectory.

Knueppel can become a perfect role player with his basketball smarts and superb shooting. He’s likely more comfortable with that duty than with carrying a franchise. Despite his physical limitations, however, Knueppel has what it takes to become a franchise cornerstone because of his confidence and complete game. After all, the Blue Devils were expected to struggle without Flagg for two games in the ACC tournament. Not the case thanks to Knueppel showing he can elevate his play on a moment’s notice.

Tre Johnson, Texas Freshman Shooting Guard

Expect Johnson to deliver more than “one shining moment.” Johnson will likely make the NCAA tournament montage by showcasing his diverse skillset. Johnson can make key shots from deep and at the rim both by creating on his own and by moving off the ball. Johnson can set up his teammates with timely passes in the pick-and-roll and on the fast break.

Sure, Johnson needs to improve his defense. The NCAA tournament will expose whether Johnson will improve his awareness and focus. NBA  players will also test Johnson’s current lack of size in his 6-foot-6, 190-pound frame. That will likely take time for Johnson to turn that weakness into a strength. But Johnson can lean on his offensive game both as a brilliant individual scorer and willing team player.