7 CBB Stars Who Can Take Over the 2025 Men's NCAA Tournament

The journey to a national championship is always a team accomplishment, but that road to a March Madness crown can feature a truly iconic individual run.

Last year, for example, Purdue star Zach Edey thrived in the Big Dance. Even though the Boilermakers ended as the runner-up, he averaged 29.5 points per contest and became the first player in nearly three decades to score 30 points and grab 20 rebounds in a single NCAA tournament game.

That kind of performance won't necessarily happen again, but there certainly are a few great candidates.

While the choices here are subjective, they are a reflection of season production and perceived impact on a team.

Johni Broome, Auburn

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The latest example of Johni Broome's excellence should adequately describe his upside in March.

During a 82-70 victory over Georgia, the fifth-year senior tallied 31 points on 11-of-18 shooting with a couple of threes. He tacked on 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, propelling Auburn one step closer to winning a regular-season SEC title.

Broome, in short, has a hand in everything.

While averaging 18.6 points, he leads the conference in rebounds and blocks per game. He is the Tigers' top scorer and top passer at 3.4 assists per outing.

Auburn may earn the No. 1 overall seed for the Big Dance, and Broome is the single-most impactful reason why.

Cooper Flagg, Duke

The presumptive No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft will be watched rather closely in the tourney.

Cooper Flagg, like Broome for Auburn, has been an all-around weapon on a thriving Duke roster. He leads the team in all five major statistical categories: points (19.5), rebounds (7.7), assists (4.0), steals (1.6) and blocks (1.1) per game.

We've watched any number of much-heralded NBA prospects have a rough time in March Madness. It's certainly possible the 18-year-old won't be immune to a bad game at the worst moment.

But if he's anywhere near his best, Flagg will be a nightmare to handle on both ends of the floor.

Walter Clayton Jr., Florida

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Although the list is organized alphabetically by school, it sure is sensible to focus on this trio immediately.

Auburn, Duke and Florida each are projected No. 1 seeds, according to the latest Bracket Matrix update. The catalyst of the Gators' success is Walter Clayton Jr., a fifth-year guard who defends at a decent level and is especially dangerous on offense.

The 21-year-old is a versatile scorer, creative finisher and good passer, leading UF with 17.1 points and 4.0 assists per game. He takes 7.6 threes per night and makes them at a solid 36.5 clip.

Clayton's outbursts of 25-plus points or seven-plus assists are exactly the kind of moments that are iconic in March.

Kam Jones, Marquette

Marquette has been sliding a bit lately, dropping three straight games to Big East foes Connecticut, St. John's and Creighton. The recent setback to Villanova was an ugly one, too.

Not coincidentally, Kam Jones hasn't been as productive lately. His importance is simply undeniable.

And if he gets hot, look out.

The 22-year-old is a crafty and poised ball-handler with excellent touch near the rim. Though he's connected on just 31.5 percent of threes this season, he finished at 40.6 percent last year. His upside—despite the long-range inconsistency—is still apparent.

Marquette relies heavily on Jones, so a longer stay in March would likely be a direct result of elite production from him.

PJ Haggerty, Memphis

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Unselfish basketball is often a key to successful teams. Also, sometimes you just need a bucket.

Memphis star PJ Haggerty, a 21-point scorer with Tulsa last season and again this year, is comfortable on the ball, in traffic and with contact. He's an aggressive, foul-seeking driver who attempts 7.6 free throws per game, which is a top-10 average in the country.

The important part, though, is he has a well-rounded arsenal. He shoots 42.4 percent from the perimeter in addition to Memphis-high marks of 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals per outing.

Haggerty's scoring talent is the kind of profile that easily captures attention on the biggest stage.

Danny Wolf, Michigan

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The very best moments of Danny Wolf, truly, are absurd.

Typically, a 7-footer does not offer much of a ball-handling prowess. He isn't a finished product, of course, yet he displays rare comfort on the dribble and vision for his size.

His additional value is being a floor-stretching forward to let Vladislav Goldin to command the interior. Wolf attempts 2.9 triples per contest at a respectable 35.5 clip and is second on the Wolverines with 3.8 assists. However, he remains active on the glass with 2.1 offensive and 9.9 total rebounds per game.

Don't expect a 30-point explosion from Wolf, but he's always a threat to finish with a 15-10-5 line.

Donovan Dent, New Mexico

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Know who a No. 1 or 2 seed probably doesn't want to see in the second round? Donovan Dent and New Mexico.

At this moment, the Lobos are a projected No. 9 seed. They'll probably stick around that 7-10 range, barring a major collapse down the stretch. And if that holds true, a pesky UNM defense with the Dent-led scoring attack will be a thorn.

He is one of only three players in the country who averages 19-plus points and six-plus assists. He's a patient facilitator, adept at dribbling into the paint and adaptable near the rim.

Because of that offensive flexibility, Dent gives the Lobos some sneaky-fun potential in March.