Celtics Eye NBA Draft Prospects as NCAA Tournament Unfolds

BOSTON, March 20, 2025 — As March Madness takes center stage in college basketball, NBA teams are busy evaluating prospects for the upcoming draft. The Boston Celtics, holding the 28th pick in the first round and the 32nd in the second round, are keenly watching several standout players.

The NCAA Tournament presents a crucial platform for players to boost their draft stock. Among those on Boston’s radar is Johni Broome, a senior center from Auburn. Standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 235 pounds, Broome has been a dominant force in college basketball. He averaged 18.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists this season, ranking second in the nation in box plus-minus. “His productivity has been remarkable,” said a Celtics scout. “Despite being older as a prospect at 22, his experience and success in college could make him a valuable asset for us.”

Broome’s combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess makes him an intriguing option for Boston. He ranked third in the nation in blocks per game, showcasing his effectiveness as a rim protector. As noted by an NBA analyst, he could serve as a project big man whose game needs to adapt to the NBA pace and skill set.

Another prospect to watch is Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton, an older prospect at 23. Kalkbrenner has been a consistent contributor for his team, known for his defensive presence and ability to stretch the floor with developing three-point range. He is anticipated to provide a blend of offensive and defensive skills in the league.

“Kalkbrenner is versatile and can fit into various lineups,” the scout mentioned. “His defensive instincts make him a potential late first-rounder, and Boston could utilize his talents effectively in a team scheme that values defensive creativity.”

Meanwhile, Danny Wolf, a 7-foot point-center from Michigan, presents a unique skill set as a facilitator while playing primarily from the perimeter. Wolf can make plays others can’t and has shown promise during his college tenure. However, scouts are concerned about his ability to translate his skills to the NBA level, given his turnover rate.

“Wolf has an adaptable game but needs to refine his play to compete at a higher level,” stated an NCAA analyst. “Teams would likely look past some of his flaws if he can prove that he can be a dual threat on both ends of the floor in the tournament.”

On the guard front, Egor Demin from Arizona is also generating buzz. The 6-foot-9 standout has played well despite inconsistency in shooting, average 10.5 points per game. His size and passing ability tantalize scouts looking for playmaking versatility from the guard position. He could unlock Boston’s potential in constructing jumbo lineups alongside existing stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Lastly, Carter Bryant from Arizona stands out as a defender. His 6-foot-8 frame and highlighted agility on defense have earned him comparisons to some of the top wing defenders in this draft class. With averages of 6.4 points and 4.1 rebounds while playing limited minutes, his defensive potential is what has NBA front offices interested.

The Celtics are committed to evaluating talent through the NCAA Tournament, utilizing this time as an extended scouting opportunity to enhance their draft strategies. As stakes rise, players have everything to gain and lose during this vital period.