March Madness has launched countless careers, but some players used it as their ultimate proving ground. From clutch performances to unforgettable Cinderella runs, these nine stars took the NCAA tournament by storm before becoming NBA legends.   Whether it was Carmelo Anthony’s dominant title run or Steph Curry’s deep three-pointers at Davidson, their March Madness moments were just the beginning.

9 Rising Stars of March Madness Who Became NBA Legends

Before "Psycho T" became a household name, Tyler Hansbrough was an absolute force at UNC, grinding his way to an NCAA championship in 2009. His relentless energy and physicality made him one of the most dominant players in March Madness history. Over his four-year career, Hansbrough racked up 300+ points in the tournament, a feat that solidified his legacy.   While his NBA career didn’t hit superstar levels, his legendary college run under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams made him unforgettable in Chapel Hill.

9. Tyler Hansbrough – UNC (2009)

Before he became the greatest shooter in NBA history, Steph Curry was just a scrawny kid lighting up scoreboards at Davidson College. His 2009 Cinderella run in the tournament had even NBA stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant showing up courtside. Curry dropped 30+ points in four straight games, putting his small-school squad on the map.   That electric run led to him getting drafted by the Golden State Warriors, setting the stage for a career that changed the game forever.

8. Steph Curry – Davidson (2009)

Shelvin Mack was the heart and soul of Butler University during their unforgettable back-to-back Final Four runs. After a gut-wrenching loss in the 2010 title game, Mack came back stronger in 2011, averaging 23.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 7.5 APG in the tournament.   Though his NBA career didn’t shine as bright, his dominance at Butler secured his place in college basketball history.

7. Shelvin Mack – Butler (2011)

Kemba Walker didn’t just lead UConn to a national title in 2011—he put on one of the greatest individual runs in tournament history. With his insane handles, clutch shots, and leadership, Walker averaged 23.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His buzzer-beating stepback in the Big East Tournament is still one of the most replayed moments in March Madness history.   After a solid NBA career and a Max contract with the Hornets, Walker eventually took his talents overseas.

6. Kemba Walker – UConn (2011)

Jimmer Fredette was unstoppable in college, with three-point range so deep it felt unfair. In 2011, the BYU sharpshooter torched defenses and carried his team to the Sweet 16, leaving defenders clueless on how to stop him.   While his NBA career never reached the same heights, he’s still considered one of the greatest college players ever. His impact was so massive that even Lil Wayne name-dropped him in a song!

5. Jimmer Fredette – BYU (2011)

Ja Morant didn’t need a blue-blood program to prove he was special. Coming out of Murray State, he stunned the NCAA with his quickness, athleticism, and insane vision. He even notched a historic triple-double during the tournament, becoming the ultimate underdog story.   Though his squad didn’t make it past the Sweet 16, Morant averaged a double-double for the entire season. The Memphis Grizzlies took notice and made him their franchise player in the NBA Draft.

4. Ja Morant – Murray State (2019)

Before he became Chicago’s hometown hero, Derrick Rose was already turning heads at Memphis. His explosive play in the 2008 March Madness tournament had scouts drooling, as he averaged 20.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 6.0 APG while shooting 51.8%.   Even though Memphis fell short in the championship game, Rose was a lock for the No. 1 pick in the draft. His impact on Chicago basketball was so legendary that in 2025, the Bulls announced they would retire his No. 1 jersey.

7. Derrick Rose, Memphis (2008)

3. Derrick Rose – Memphis (2008)

Carmelo Anthony’s 2002-03 freshman season at Syracuse is still one of the best in NCAA history. The DMV-raised scorer dominated the Final Four, averaging 26.5 PPG and 12 RPG, leading the Orange to a national title. His March Madness run solidified his status as a certified bucket, and in 2024, his son Kiyan Anthony committed to Syracuse, bringing things full circle.   The emotional moment between Carmelo, Kiyan, and La La Anthony went viral, proving the legend still runs deep.

2. Carmelo Anthony – Syracuse (2003)

In 2012, Anthony Davis wasn’t just a defensive monster—he was the backbone of Kentucky’s championship team. Averaging 15.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game, he dominated both ends of the floor. Even though Kentucky’s roster was stacked, it was Davis’ impact that led them to their 8th title.   His unibrow became iconic, and his performance made him the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Fast forward to today, and AD is still a force in the league.