March Madness: Ranking the Top 20 Final Four Starters

Chasing the Crown: The Standout Stars of the NCAA Final Four

The teams in this year’s NCAA Final Four have proven that there’s more than one way to build a title contender.

Duke has focused on top-tier freshmen and complemented them with veteran role players from the transfer portal. Houston has built its success by developing under-the-radar recruits and transfers with multiple years of eligibility left. Auburn and Florida, on the other hand, made their star acquisitions through the portal, then surrounded them with a blend of transfers and homegrown talent.

These diverse strategies have helped these four teams separate themselves during the regular season and carry that momentum into the first two weeks of the NCAA Tournament. Now, for the first time since 2008 and only the second time in NCAA Tournament history, all four No. 1 seeds will meet in the Final Four.

The action tips off Saturday at 6:09 p.m. ET in San Antonio with SEC regular-season champion Auburn facing off against SEC tournament champion Florida. Then, the nightcap will feature Duke’s No. 1 ranked offense against Houston’s No. 1 ranked defense. Here’s a ranking of the starters from all four teams, from 1 to 20:

Top 20 Stars of the Final Four

1. Cooper Flagg (G/F, Duke)

Flagg is the best freshman to enter college basketball since Zion Williamson. His all-around game — from defense to passing to scoring — has made him a strong contender for the No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. He leads Duke in every major statistical category and some that can’t even be measured on the stat sheet.

2. Johni Broome (F/C, Auburn)

Broome’s transformation from a redshirt candidate to a first-team All-American at Auburn is nothing short of remarkable. His 25-point, 14-rebound performance against Michigan State in the Elite Eight showed his immense potential and warrior-like mentality.

3. Walter Clayton Jr. (G, Florida)

Clayton is one of the most feared clutch scorers in college basketball. His ability to knock down big shots in crunch time has made him a deadly weapon for Florida.

4. Kon Knueppel (G, Duke)

Knueppel might be the second-best freshman at Duke, but he’d be the centerpiece at many other programs. His scoring versatility, ability to create off the dribble, and defense have made him an invaluable asset for the Blue Devils.

5. LJ Cryer (G, Houston)

Once a bench player during Baylor’s 2021 national championship run, Cryer is now one of the primary offensive forces for Houston. His shooting ability and defensive efforts will be key in Houston’s pursuit of a national title.

6. Alijah Martin (G, Florida)

Martin is one of three players to play in two Final Fours with two different schools, showcasing his experience and resilience. He’s been a key contributor for Florida throughout the tournament.

7. Milos Uzan (G, Houston)

Uzan, who transferred from Oklahoma, has stepped into the starting role at Houston, filling the void left by Jamal Shead. He’s blossomed as a playmaker and a scoring threat, helping Houston stay dominant.

8. Khaman Maluach (C, Duke)

Maluach, a 7-foot-6 center from Uganda, has become a pivotal part of Duke’s defense. Despite being raw offensively, his shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills make him a key contributor for the Blue Devils.

9. Will Richard (G, Florida)

Richard is a steady and experienced presence for Florida, having contributed significantly to their success. As the first recruit of Coach Todd Golden’s tenure, Richard’s leadership has been invaluable.

10. Alex Condon (F/C, Florida)

Condon’s rise from a water polo goalkeeper and Australian Rules Football player to an SEC-caliber big man is remarkable. His rapid development has helped Florida become a Final Four contender.

11. J’Wan Roberts (F, Houston)

Roberts has been a fixture at Houston for five years, growing from a bit player to a key starter. His toughness, motor, and passing ability make him a valuable piece on both ends of the floor.

12. Denver Jones (G, Auburn)

Jones has stepped up in recent games to take on more of the scoring load. His ability to score off the bounce and play tough defense has made him a key contributor to Auburn’s success.

13. JoJo Tugler (F, Houston)

Tugler, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, is one of the most versatile defenders in college basketball. His length and athleticism allow him to disrupt plays all over the court.

14. Chad Baker-Mazara (G, Auburn)

After an unfortunate ejection during Auburn’s first-round loss last year, Baker-Mazara has matured into a more controlled yet fiery player. He’ll need to step up in San Antonio for Auburn to make a deep run.

15. Tyrese Proctor (G, Duke)

Proctor has redeemed himself after a rough showing in last year’s Elite Eight. His leadership, ball-handling, and three-point shooting have been crucial for Duke’s success this season.

16. Miles Kelly (G, Auburn)

Kelly made a smart decision to leave Georgia Tech for a more complementary role at Auburn, where he’s been one of their most efficient shooters this season, especially from beyond the arc.

17. Emanuel Sharp (G, Houston)

Sharp’s clutch performance in the Elite Eight against Tennessee, including a pivotal 3-pointer, helped Houston secure the victory. His ability to deliver in pressure moments has been key for Houston’s success.

18. Sion James (G, Duke)

James, a graduate transfer from Tulane, has seamlessly fit into Duke’s system, providing defense, leadership, and the ability to knock down open shots. He’s been an ideal complement to the freshmen at Duke.

19. Dylan Cardwell (C, Auburn)

Cardwell, Auburn’s emotional leader, was a key motivator during the NCAA Tournament. His fiery leadership and hustle have been crucial to Auburn’s success, particularly after their mid-season struggles.

20. Rueben Chinyelu (C, Florida)

Chinyelu, Florida’s best rim protector, has been a solid defensive presence for the Gators. His role in the Final Four may depend on how Coach Golden uses his lineup to match up with Auburn’s players.

Final Thoughts

With such a talented group of players, the Final Four promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Who will rise to the occasion and lead their team to the national championship? The upcoming weekend will reveal who truly has what it takes to claim college basketball’s ultimate prize.