The San Antonio Spurs are 4-11 since the All-Star break and have shut down their two star players for the season. With just 15 games left, all signs point to a team looking ahead to the offseason. Now is the perfect time for fans to look to the next generation of NBA stars playing on the biggest stage in the NCAA Tournament.
The big dance is more star-studded than it’s been in years. The top-four teams, Duke, Florida, Auburn, and Houston boast NBA-level talent and have dominated college basketball all season. The 2025 NBA Draft class has far fewer top-end international prospects than last year, and a lot of the college guys are playing in the tournament. If you’re looking for who the Spurs might draft in June, the tournament is one of the best places to see them.
The Spurs are slated to have two first-round picks. As of Wednesday, San Antonio has the best odds at the 8th pick and will receive the 16th pick from the Atlanta Hawks. This draft is set to have a strong top-four in Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and V.J. Edgecombe. Players selected after that profile as long-term starters or role players.
But the tournament is the perfect time for players to raise their draft stock. Stephon Castle’s great tournament run last year showed he could be an impactful player at the next level on his way to winning an NCAA Championship. Maybe the Spurs will find another gem after a strong performance in March. Here are a few prospects to keep your eye on in round one.
Asa Newell, 6-foot-11 freshman, Georgia
San Antonio has struggled to find an answer in their front court alongside Victor Wembanyama, whether it be backing him up or sharing the court with him. There should be plenty of opportunities to find that guy in the 2025 draft. Newell, Georgia’s star freshman, could be the answer.
Listed at 6’11” (he’s probably shorter than that), Newell is athletic, plays with a high motor, and has shown the ability to play on the perimeter. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1 block per game while shooting 54.1% from the field and 29.9% from three. His performance earned him a spot on the SEC’s All-Freshman team. He was one of the most effective big men in the conference this year and the Bulldog’s best player overall.
He’ll face a tough Gonzaga team known for its interior presence in the first round. This will be a nice test for Newell to prove he can succeed against a big, strong front line. His exact role at the next level is a question. Is he big enough to play center in the NBA? Is he quick enough to guard forwards? A good game against Gonzaga could show he can dominate a game inside at his size.
San Antonio could use a versatile big man like Newell, and he would likely be available with either of their selections in the draft. Keep an eye on the Bulldog freshman in the first round.
Liam McNeeley, 6-foot-7 freshman, UCONN
The Huskies don’t look like the powerhouse they were last year, but they still have a chance to be frisky in March. The play of their star freshman, McNeeley, will be a major factor in how far they go. NBA teams looking for a three-and-D wing will be hoping he has a nice tournament as well.
It’s been an up-and-down season for McNeeley, who has looked like a future star in some games, and a struggling freshman in others. He averaged 14.5 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 39.1% from the field and 33.3% from deep this season. Those shooting numbers are a disappointment for a player whose biggest strength out of high school was his perimeter shot. His physicality and competitiveness on the wing has kept him in the conversation for a top-10 pick in the draft.
San Antonio needs to find bigger, stronger and more skilled wings. A nice run for McNeeley could boost him up their draft board. He and the Huskies will need to take down Oklahoma, who has a potential top-10 pick in Jeremiah Fears, whose combination of athleticism, ball-handling and shot creation make him one of the most enticing young guards in the draft.
Kam Jones, 6-foot-5 senior, Marquette
Freshmen get all of the shine in the NBA Draft, but sometimes its the upper classmen who are the most impactful. Especially the ones that are stars at the collegiate level. Kam Jones qualifies. Marquette’s tournament success rests on the shoulders of their senior guard. If you’re looking for veteran stars in the tournament, Jones is a prime suspect.
He averaged a career-high 19.3 points and 5.9 assists as Marquette’s primary ball-handler. His shooting percentages suffered a bit, as he shot 48.4% from the field and 31.2% from deep. He is a career 36.6% three-point shooter. He got a lot better as a primary playmaker this season, which will complement his attacking scoring game. Jones could immediately step into a bench scoring role next season on an NBA roster.
San Antonio needs more guys with Jones’ scoring ability. Having players who can dribble, pass and shoot up and down the roster is the key to building a contender, especially if you can find them later in the draft. Jones draft stock is hard to pin down, as some have him in the teens, and others in the second round. His tournament performance could help determine his range.