As the NBA playoffs unwind, fans and analysts are eagerly desirous of turning their gaze toward the collegiate ranks, searching for the next player confident to rule the world of basketball on the sport’s grandest stage.
Playoff success usually takes a rare blend of skills, resilience, and exceptional performance, qualities that have become evident in particular college standouts. Let’s spotlight a trio of emerging talents who could soon leave their mark on the NBA postseason.
Top Prospects To Watch
Cooper Flagg (Duke)
At just 18, Flagg has already exemplified himself as a name to watch. The 6’9” forward came to Duke as the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, and his freshman statistics show that he is living up to the hype.
In his first 10 games of the 2024-25 season, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, showcasing dynamism that breeds comparisons to Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.
His length and athleticism make him a defensive terror, while his developing jumper and basketball IQ hint at an offensive ceiling that’s still untapped. Flagg’s ability to impact both ends of the floor sets him apart.
Across five NCAA Tournament games, Flagg averaged 21 points, 7.6 rebounds, and five assists per game, showcasing the two-way dominance that NBA playoff teams covet.
AJ Dybantsa (Kentucky)
If scoring ability is the key to playoff success, let’s suggest Dybantsa might be the next in line. The 6’7” guard, a freshman at Kentucky, has taken the SEC by storm in the 2024-2025 season, leading the Wildcats with a 22.1 average points per game on 42% three-point shooting.
His ability to create his own shot, off the dribble or from deep, pairs with a playmaking flair that resonates with that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, another Kentucky alum who’s become a playoff standout with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dybantsa’s highlight reel is filled with acrobatic finishes and step-back triples, but his composure under pressure stands out. In a game they narrowly won over Tennessee, he scored 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, a signal of the clutch gene that defines playoff greats.
Kentucky’s guard-heavy lineage, from John Wall to Devin Booker, suggests Dybantsa could follow the same step, bringing his scoring magic to the NBA postseason in the coming years.
Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets, Formerly Kentucky)
Reed Sheppard, who was selected No. 3 overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2024 NBA Draft, also fits the mold. During his single season at Kentucky in 2023-24, the 6’3” guard had an average of 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and shot an astounding 52.1% from three on 4.1 attempts per game.
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His sharpshooting and basketball IQ secured him SEC Freshman of the Year honors and a swift rise up the draft board.
Currently in his rookie season with Houston, he is carving out a role as a microwave scorer off the bench, with an average of 10.2 points in a few minutes through his first 15 games. His ability to stretch defenses and knock down shots in crunch time is top-notch, and it mirrors the playoff impact of players like Tyler Herro, who’s another Kentucky product.
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