March is in full swing, which means the NCAA Tournament is right around the corner. For many NBA fans, March Madness is an exciting way to get a first glance at some of the college game’s most gifted players – many of whom could one day find themselves on NBA rosters.

Among these young men are various graduates of the NBA Academy.

Here’s a deeper dive into some of the NBA Academy alumni to watch before first-round play gets underway on Thursday afternoon.

Tyrese Proctor (Duke)

NBA Global Academy

Proctor and No. 4 Duke face No. 13 Vermont on Friday (7:10 p.m. ET).

After being selected to the 2023 ACC All-Freshman team, the 6-foot-5 Australian guard has made strides as a sophomore, starting 21 games for the Blue Devils this season and leading the team with 3.8 assists per game. With Proctor at the helm, Duke looks to make a deep run as the No. 4 seed in the tournament’s South Region.

• The 19-year-old erupted for a career-high 24 points in a win over Louisville on Jan. 23
• Proctor is just the fourth sophomore captain in Duke men’s basketball history (joining Tre Jones, Greg Paulus and Josh McRoberts)

Johnny Furphy (Kansas)

NBA Global Academy

Furphy and No. 4 Kansas take on No. 13 Samford on Thursday (9:55 p.m. ET).

The 6-foot-9 Australian guard had an impressive inaugural campaign for the Jayhawks, averaging 8.8 points on an efficient 47.6% shooting from the floor. The 19-year-old Big 12 All-Freshman team member helped Kansas secure the No. 4 seed in this year’s Midwest Region.

• Thanks to his unique combination of size, shotmaking and athleticism, Furphy landed at No. 20 on Jonathan Wasserman’s latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• He broke out for 23 points and 11 boards (both career highs) in a win over conference foe Cincinnati on Jan. 22

Oumar Ballo (Arizona)

NBA Academy Latin America

Ballo and No. 2 Arizona battle No. 15 Long Beach St. on Thursday (2 p.m. ET).

Hailing from Mali, the 7-foot senior has been a dominant inside force on both sides of the ball for the Wildcats this year, averaging 13.1 points, 1.2 blocks and a career-best 10.1 rebounds. The two-way talent looks to power No. 2 Arizona past No. 15 Long Beach St. in the pair’s first round West Region matchup on Thursday.

• The 21-year-old has started all 33 games for the Wildcats in 2023-24, recording a team-high 18 double-doubles on the season
• Ballo was named First-Team All-Pac-12 (his second consecutive selection), receiving Pac-12 All-Defensive team honors as well

Nelly Junior Joseph (New Mexico)

NBA Academy Africa

Junior Joseph and No. 11 New Mexico look to upset No. 6 Clemson on Friday (3:10 p.m. ET).

Born in Nigeria, the 6-foot-10 junior big man had a strong first season with the Lobos after transferring from Iona, averaging 8.8 points and 8.1 rebounds. If No. 11 New Mexico manages to upset No. 6 Clemson in the first round of West Region action on Friday, look for Junior Joseph to be a big reason why.

• The 22-year-old forward has started 33 games for the Lobos in 2023-24, ranking second on the team in total rebounds (282) and blocks (49) for the year
• His season-best performance was an imposing 26-point, 8-rebound, 5-block outing in a win over Utah State on Jan. 16

Aly Khalifa (BYU)

NBA Global Academy

Khalifa and No. 6 BYU face No. 11 Duquesne on Thursday (12:40 p.m. ET).

The 6-foot-11 Egyptian native had a strong first season at BYU after transferring from Charlotte, helping the Cougars go 23-10 and earn the No. 6 seed in the East Region. Nicknamed the “Egyptian Magician,” the junior big man is a uniquely gifted passer, ranking second nationally in assist/turnover ratio (140/30, 3.80) this year.

• Khalifa has been ultra-efficient of late, dishing out 33 assists while committing just 2 turnovers over his last eight games
• Even more impressive? He’s been performing at a high level while fasting for Ramadan, which started on Mar. 10, recording a game-high plus/minus of +25 in BYU’s 87-73 win over Central Florida during the Big 12 Tournament.

Find the full list of NBA Academy alumni participating in the 2024 men’s NCAA Tournament below: