March Tourney Brings the Spotlight
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, we’re watching our brackets. But NBA scouts have their eyes on emerging prospects stepping into the white-hot national spotlight. Chief among them are Johni Broome of Auburn, VJ Edgecombe of Baylor, and Kon Knueppel of Duke.
Let’s take a closer look at these players with an eye toward their top traits, expected draft value, and their projected NBA roles. Could these players be a handful of games away from improving their stock both on the court and at the card shows?
Johni Broome (Auburn)
A cornerstone for the Auburn Tigers, Broome has showcased his prowess as a dominant big, averaging 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. His consistent performances have earned him All-American honors. He’s not just a scorer, as he uses his 6′ 10″ frame and long arms to lead the SEC in blocks with 2.3 per game.
Skeptics point to his age (he’ll turn 23 shortly after the draft). There’s not a lot of history in the modern era with older bigs succeeding in the NBA. In Auburn’s tournament opener against Alabama State, Broome played a key role in a dominant 83-63 victory, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals. He went five-of-six on two-point attempts.
VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
Edgecombe’s athleticism sets him apart as one of the most electrifying players in college basketball today. Tony Jones of The Athletic described Edgecombe as a “true [top] five-percent athlete,” drawing parallels to the Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar, who made significant impacts upon entering the NBA. Edgecombe’s explosive first step and ability to penetrate defenses make him a constant threat on offense.
Defensively, he has shown marked improvement throughout the season, evolving into a more complete player. However, areas such as shooting consistency, ball handling, and playmaking all remain focal points for his development. Jones noted that Edgecombe has played “at a star level since January.” In that period, he’s shot 36.5% from three-point range, averaging 16.5 points per game.
Kon Knueppel (Duke)
Knueppel has emerged as a vital contributor for the Duke Blue Devils, especially in the absence of star freshman Cooper Flagg, who was sidelined with an ankle injury during the ACC Tournament. Knueppel seized the opportunity, delivering standout performances that earned him the Tournament MVP honors (21 points on 48.6% shooting, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists per game). His sharpshooting ability, basketball IQ, and defensive effort have drawn comparisons to Klay Thompson.
“He is going to be an absolute star in the NBA, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up being an All-Star,” Jonathan Givony said on the Hoop Collective podcast . “Yeah, he’s a shooter, he’s a great shooter, but he does way more than that.”
Dream Second-Round Matchup for NBA Scouts?
The potential showdown between Edgecombe and Duke’s Cooper Flagg would be a dream for player evaluators, should that second-round matchup materialize. Baylor is the lower seed at No. 9 vs. No. 8 Mississippi State. Both players possess game-changing abilities and a head-to-head battle could cement Edgecombe as a high lottery pick. Matchups like this in the NCAA Tournament often serve as a barometer for NBA potential. A strong showing can elevate a player’s draft stock.
Broome’s consistency will be tested against top-tier competition. Edgecombe will look to prove he has the shooting and playmaking ability of an NBA guard. Knueppel’s continued excellence can validate the Klay Thompson comparison.
As the tournament progresses, their performances not only hold the keys to their respective teams’ success, but they’ll also play a pivotal role in shaping their professional futures.
