Cinderella’s NBA Prospects: Mid-Major Stars Who Could Make a Statement
Every Year, It Happens: Which Mid-Major Star Will Lead This Year’s Deep Run?
The 2025 NCAA Tournament officially tips off today, and one of the most intriguing matchups in the First Four roundfeatures San Diego State vs. North Carolina—a game that highlights just how much college basketball has evolved. North Carolina, a traditional powerhouse, enters the tournament surrounded by controversy, while San Diego State quietly boasts just as many NBA prospects. That alone speaks to the shifting landscape of the sport.
But beyond the big-name programs, March Madness is a time when mid-major stars get their shot on the biggest stage. These are players who have been on the radar of NBA scouts all season, but now, under the bright lights, they have a chance to make a name for themselves—and, in some cases, turn their team into this year’s Cinderella story. Every year, we see a mid-major program go on a deep tournament run, fueled by an emerging star who upsets a higher seed and puts NBA teams on notice.
In this two-part series, I’ll be highlighting a handful of mid-major prospects I believe are capable of leading their team to an upset, making a statement, and improving their draft stock in the process.
What makes this group particularly intriguing is that they all have different stories—some were lightly recruited, others needed a fresh start at a second school, and some even worked their way up from the Division II level. Regardless of their path, they all have the potential to make this March Madness their moment.
Nique Clifford
Colorado State
Senior
Wing
6’6” | 190
Matchup: (12) Colorado State vs. (5) Memphis
Colorado State needed a Mountain West Tournament title to punch its ticket to the Big Dance, and Nique Clifford delivered in a big way. The 6’6” wing has been on fire, averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over his last six games while knocking down an absurd 54.8% from three. His all-around impact was the driving force behind Colorado State’s championship run.