March Madness 2025: Most Important Players
Rejoice, everybody, March is HERE. The most eagerly anticipated month of the year for college ball has arrived; with a season’s worth of hard work about to be settled by a few short weeks of thrilling upsets; buzzer-beaters, and, perhaps, a Cinderella story. Now is the time for college players to elevate themselves to superstar status, and these are some of the names that we believe will shine the brightest. Here’s our March Madness 2025: Most Important Players list:
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
This is a man who needs little introduction. Cooper Flagg has been destined for greatness ever since he stepped onto the court at high school. A stellar high school career has quickly evolved into an even better college career. With the freshman winning ACC Player of the Year at the first time of asking. His 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.5 steals, amazingly, all lead the team. He is just that good.
With Flagg wreaking havoc this year, the Blue Devils have enjoyed a 28-3 record to stick them atop the Atlantic Coast Conference. Amongst those 28 wins are 10 conference victories by a margin of 25 points or more, which is the most ever achieved in ACC history. On top of that, it is the most by a D1 team since 1991, and you know that their star man is a big reason why.
Flagg is as physically imposing as he is talented. Combining his big frame with crafty skill and nuance to make himself a key contributor at both ends of the court. There is nothing this guy can’t do, and with Duke entering the tournament as betting favorites; it is hard to imagine anyone else having as big of an impact.
However, Cooper had a recent scare. Suffering an ankle injury. But for now, all signs point positively to him working towards playing in the NCAA Tournament.
Furthermore, Flagg is the only freshman who we are featuring on this list. But if you want to learn more about the freshman who could make some noise this March Madness, check out our ‘Freshmen to Watch’ article by clicking here…
Important Players to Know in 2025 March Madness Tournament
2. Johni Broome, Auburn
Johni Broome is the only other player in with a shot at winning the prestigious John Wooden Award. Behind of course, the heavily favored Cooper Flagg. Broome is the driving force behind a very talented and threatening Auburn roster, who enter the NCAA tournament as second favorites. The 6-foot-10 senior leads the SEC in both rebounds (10.6) and blocks (2.4) per game. While also ranking third in the conference in scoring, with 18.6 per game.
Those are pretty impressive numbers to be posting in college basketball’s toughest division. And they are a testament to the quality of Broome as a player. The fact in a stellar personal performance he delivers 20 points and 12 rebounds against Duke; despite being in a losing effort. Still shows what a big-game player he can be, further emphasized by his 19 rebounds and 23 points against the Tar Heels.
Though he was temporarily hindered by an ankle injury in January; Broome has refound his health and form just in time for March Madness. As evidenced by his season-high 34 points last time out against Alabama. He is a big name on a big team, and absolutely someone who will greatly impact the overall outcome of this tournament.
March Madness 2025–Important Men’s Basketball Players
3. R.J. Davis, North Carolina
RJ Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels is another name to keep a close eye on during the tournament. The fifth-year senior is a proven winner, having led the Tar Heels to a national championship game. Plus, also an ACC title as well as playoff berths in all but one of his seasons. As the ACC Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American for the 2023-24 season; Davis’s 21.2 points per game propelled North Carolina to a 29-8 record and a regional semifinal.
While his numbers have fallen back a little bit this season. 17.1 points per game is nothing to be ashamed of; and opposing teams will know that there aren’t many as dangerous as him if he can find his form. After all, he holds UNC’s single-season record for three-pointers with 113; and is the program’s all-time leader in career threes. So you won’t want to take your eyes off him since he is a entertaining deep threat.
Furthermore, despite being small, coming in at just 6-foot. Davis absolutely makes up for this with his quickness and crafty play style. And his previous big-game experience will be key in giving the Tar Heels a chance at going deep.
March Madness 2025: Most Important Players
4. Mark Sears
We have another fifth-year senior for our next playmaker to watch. The great Mark Sears operating as the engine behind Alabama’s high-octane offense. With 91.2 points per game, the Crimson Tide led the entire nation in scoring this year; and Sears’ 19.2 points and 5 assists per game are a big reason why.
As an offensive weapon, Sears is as polished as they come. He can shoot from anywhere on the court and finds his way to the rim with impressive craftiness. Thus, showing great patience to wait for his opponents to make a mistake before pouncing.
Moreover, Crimson Tide fans will be delighted to see that their main man appears to be heating up at just the right time. Excluding an unusual single-digit performance last time out; Sears was averaging 28 points per game in the five games prior. This includes three outings with 30 or more points.
Alabama are one of a few teams in the SEC that holds strong claims this March, and they will need good performances from their main man if they hope to be celebrating at the end. Bring on the fireworks!
Last But Not Least—2025 March Madness Important Players
5. L.J. Cryer
It is the Cougars defense that has made Houston such a dominant force this year, restricting opponents to the lowest points total per game in the nation, with 58.1. That doesn’t mean there isn’t some fine scoring going on though. With his 43.1% three-point scoring rate, L.J. Cryer is a true threat from anywhere on the court, leading the Cougars with 15.3 points per game. In addition to that impressive efficiency from deep, Cryer is also shooting 91.5% from the free-throw line.
Like Mark Sears of Alabama, Cryer has found his form at just the right time, notching over 20 points in four of his last five outings. When you combine this sharp shooting with Houston’s suffocating defense, Cougars fans could be in for a fun few weeks!
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