As the 2025 NCAA March Madness tournaments near, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate standout performances from some of the country’s top prospects.  

This year’s tournaments promise thrilling matchups, with several contests taking place in Indianapolis, providing local fans a chance to witness high-octane basketball up close and personal.  

Here are some of the players and teams to watch this season. 

Ace Bailey (Rutgers Scarlet Knights) 

Ace Bailey is a pivotal force for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights this season. Standing at 6-foot-10, Bailey’s versatility allows him to effectively impact both ends of the court. Throughout the 2024-25 season, he has averaged 18.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Despite the Scarlet Knights holding the No. 14 seed in the Big Ten Conference with a record of 7-11, the two-way freshman often shows his defensive prowess, averaging his defensive prowess, marked by 1.3 blocks and a single steal per contest. Despite being a freshman, Ace Bailey is definitely worth watching during March Madness. 

Cooper Flagg (Duke Blue Devils) 

Another Freshman sensation, Cooper Flagg, stands out for the Duke Blue Devils. In his debut season, Flagg currently averages 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. Flagg delivered a record-breaking performance against Notre Dame, tallying 42 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out seven assists, which set a new freshman scoring records for both Duke and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC.) Expected to be a high draft pick in the NBA Draft, viewers should keep an eye on Flagg this March. 

Juju Watkins (University of Southern California Trojans)

Sophomore guard Juju Watkins is a driving force for the USC Trojans. Watkins averages 24.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game this season. A recent standout performance includes a 38-point outing against UCLA on Feb. 13. Her consistent high-level play alongside standout forward teammate Kiki Iriafen has been pivotal in USC’s successful season, making her a key player to watch in the women’s tournament. Analysts believe Watkins will soon be a No. 1 WNBA draft pick, adding depth to her upcoming March Madness campaign. 

Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame Fighting Irish) 

Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo is an integral cornerstone in Notre Dame’s success this season, helping the team secure first place in the ACC behind a 16-2 record. Hidalgo currently averages 24.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.7 steals per contest. Her defensive prowess earned her the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year award while her offense reigns equally significant. Be sure to stay glued to Hidalgo and Notre Dame this tournament. 

Coach Dawn Staley and the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Team 

Under the leadership of Coach Dawn Staley, the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team has had an impressive 2024-25 season. They secured a share of the SEC regular-season title, alongside the University of Texas, demonstrating consistent excellence throughout the season. With talents such as Te-Hina Paopao, Maddie McDaniel and MiLaysia Fulwiley, their strong defensive strategies and cohesive team play are vital to their successful 15-1 season. And plus: Dawn rarely loses, boasting a 463-108 overall coaching record with South Carolina. 

For more information on up-to-date seeding, schedules and bracket-busting matchups, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral.