Players Who Could Elevate Their NBA Draft Stock in March Madness

It’s March, when anything can happen. NCAA March Madness is the stage where players don’t just chase championships; they can change their futures. A deep run or a few standout performances can send a player flying up NBA draft boards.

Here are some players with the best chance to make that leap:

Tyler Tanner — G, Vanderbilt Commodores

Tyler Tanner currently sits 29th on Babcock Hoops' big board, but he has a chance to rise during March Madness.

Tanner is averaging 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 37.3% from three. He’s shown strong ability as a ball handler and playmaker, highlighted by his 2.5 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Team success matters in March, and Vanderbilt is in a good position as a 5 seed. With potential wins over Nebraska and McNeese, Tanner could get at least three games to showcase his skills. He’s been one of the SEC’s most underrated guards, and this is his chance to prove it on the biggest stage.

Alex Condon — F, Florida Gators

Alex Condon sits 40th on Babcock Hoops’ big board, but his trajectory is trending upward.

After struggling in late January, Condon reset mentally and returned to form. Since then, he’s scored 20+ points in 6 of his last 12 games, showing major growth as a low-post scorer.

With Florida earning a No. 1 seed in the South, Condon will have plenty of opportunities in a deep run. If he puts together dominant performances, think 25 points and multiple blocks in big games, he could rise quickly up draft boards.

Tamin Lipsey — G, Iowa State Cyclones

Currently ranked 55th on Babcock Hoops' board, Tamin Lipsey could be one of the biggest risers in the tournament.

Lipsey is averaging 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, but his biggest impact is on defense. He’s the engine behind one of the top defensive teams in the country and averages 2.2 steals per game.

Recent defensive performances vs. key guards:

Arizona (Brayden Burries): 3 points

Texas Tech (Christian Anderson): 10 points

ASU (Mo Odum): 2 points

Lipsey disrupts everything, especially in ball screens, and has the ability to take over games defensively. If he posts a 5+ steal game on a national stage, don’t be surprised if he jumps up.

AJ Dybantsa — F, BYU Cougars

Even as the No. 1 prospect on Babcock Hoops' board, AJ Dybantsa still has room to elevate by solidifying his No. 1 standing.

He’s been dominant, averaging 25.3 points and 6.7 rebounds, and has already made history as one of the most productive freshman scorers.

Dybantsa is currently just behind Darryn Peterson in the rankings. Matchups against top teams like Texas and Gonzaga will be huge. If he performs as he did in the Big 12 Tournament, he has a shot to secure the top spot firmly.

Isaiah Evans — G, Duke Blue Devils

Isaiah Evans comes into the tournament ranked 25th, but his role is about to expand significantly.

With point guard Caleb Foster out due to injury, Evans will likely see increased usage and responsibility. He’s already averaging 14.7 points per game, and now he’ll have more opportunities to create and lead with higher usage.

Duke enters as a No. 1 overall seed, meaning a deep run is expected. If Evans steps up and becomes a key leader, his draft stock could surge.

Milan Momcilovic — F, Iowa State Cyclones

Momcilovic is not currently on Babcock Hoops’ Big Board, likely because he is only a junior; however, he has a real opportunity to rise. The 6'8" forward is one of the best shooters in the country, leading the nation at an incredible 49.6% from three while taking 7.5 attempts per game.

He’s coming off a dominant performance in which he knocked down eight threes, giving him a major confidence boost heading into the tournament.

With Iowa State earning a No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region, a deep run could put Momcilovic in the spotlight. If the Cyclones make noise, he will be a big reason why, spacing the floor and hitting shots on the biggest stage.

Right now, he’s flying under the radar, but that won’t last long if he keeps shooting like this.

Labaron Philon Jr. — G, Alabama Crimson Tide

Philon Jr. already sits at No. 10 on Babcock Hoops' big board, but he has a major opportunity in front of him to gain wider spread recognition. With the unfortunate news that guard Aden Holloway will most likely miss the tournament, 16.8 points per game are now up for grabs.

Philon Jr. is already producing at a high level, averaging 21.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while shooting an efficient 40.2% from three. With Holloway out, his role is expected to increase significantly, and we’ve already seen what that looks like.

In games without Holloway, Philon Jr. has stepped up in a big way:

26 points and 7 assists vs. Tennessee

29 points vs. Clemson

20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists vs. UTSA (in just 22 minutes)

22 points and 8 assists vs. UTSA

He’s proven he can take over offensively while also facilitating at a high level. Also, Philon Jr. doesn’t shy away from big moments, something that’s crucial in March, where every game is win or go home.

Labaron Philon Jr. has already proven to be an offensive weapon, but with more usage, he could be lethal. If he delivers a standout performance or two in the tournament, don’t be surprised to see him rise.

Final Thoughts

March Madness isn’t just about winning; it’s about proving you belong at the next level. A few big games under pressure can change everything. Every player on this list has the talent, but now they need the moment.