Underrated stars and coaches on the hot seat in 2025 NCAA Tournament

The 2025 NCAA Tournament will soon begin, and we are sure to be in for another thrilling March Madness. 

The tournament will showcase the best teams across the nation and will be a great opportunity for underrated players looking to make a name for themselves to stand out. It will also be a time for some coaches on the hot seat to prove they can still win games.

Before the start of the tournament, let's look at a few players to watch and coaches who could be fighting to keep their jobs.

Players to Watch

Earl Timberlake (Bryant University)

Timberlake was instrumental in leading Bryant to the America East Conference title and provided 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting in the semifinals against Albany. He can score, rebound and facilitate, and his large size will make for tough matchups with smaller guards.

John Poulakidas (Yale University)

Poulakidas has recently started to show a lot more confidence on the court and has emerged as one of the most dangerous shooters who will be in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. He led Yale in scoring multiple times and is comfortable playing under pressure.

Johni Broome (Auburn University)

Johni Broome has been a dominant force all season, and he should continue to be during March Madness. He is a double-double machine, and his footwork makes him one of the most dangerous big men in the tournament. He can bully smaller defenders and has a good eye for reading defenses.

Coaches on the Hot Seat

Rodney Terry (University of Texas)

Throughout the season, there has been speculation regarding Terry's future with Texas. The team’s inconsistent performance, including a 6–12 record in SEC play, has led to reports that Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte might be considering other options. As the Longhorns prepare for their NCAA Tournament game against Xavier, Terry's future may hinge on the team's success in the tournament.

John Calipari (University of Arkansas)

John Calipari is a Naismith Hall of Fame coach who became head coach of Arkansas in 2024 and led the team to a 20–13 record. However, several key injuries and an inability to create a consistent offense led to the Razorbacks being listed as one of the most disappointing teams. Calipari will need to use the NCAA Tournament and his extensive experience to win back support with a deep postseason run.