The NCAA Men’s Final Four never fails to deliver drama, rising stars, and unforgettable moments—and 2025 was no exception. With high-octane performances, nail-biting finishes, and stunning upsets, this year’s Final Four gave us plenty to talk about. From standout individual performances like that of Walter Clayton Jr. to the SEC’s dominance, this tournament painted a clear picture of winners, losers, and those somewhere in between.
Let’s break down who came out on top—and who didn’t—in the 2025 Final Four.
Biggest Winners of the Final Four
Walter Clayton Jr.: A Star is Born
Clutch Performance Under Pressure
Walter Clayton Jr. elevated his game when it mattered most. The junior guard showed poise, control, and an elite shot-making ability that not only pushed his team deep into the tournament but also raised his NBA Draft stock significantly.
Stat Line That Speaks Volumes
Clayton Jr. averaged over 22 points per game in the Final Four weekend, hitting crucial shots down the stretch and playing with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. He was the engine that kept his team moving forward in tight games.
NBA Scouts Are Watching
There’s no question that Clayton Jr.’s performance has drawn the attention of scouts. His scoring, decision-making, and calm demeanor under pressure suggest he could be a late first-round or high second-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
The SEC: Dominance on Display
Two SEC Teams in the Final Four
The Southeastern Conference proved its strength by placing two teams in the Final Four—something no other conference achieved this year. This not only highlights the depth of talent in the SEC but also its ability to compete consistently at the highest level.
Rising Recruiting Power
With strong showings from schools like Alabama and Kentucky, the SEC continues to position itself as a recruiting powerhouse. Young prospects now see the SEC as more than just a football conference.
Tactical Versatility
What stood out was the variety of play styles among SEC teams. From gritty, defense-first tactics to fast-paced offensive showcases, the SEC proved it can win in multiple ways.
Coaches Who Shined
Nate Oats (Alabama)
Oats once again proved he’s one of the brightest minds in college basketball. His game plans were airtight, and he got the most out of his roster.
Dennis Gates (Missouri)
Though Missouri didn’t win it all, Gates’ team made a surprising run and showed incredible resilience—an impressive coaching job that’s bound to make headlines in future seasons.
Final Four Losers: Missed Opportunities
The Big Ten: Another Disappointing Exit
Big Ten’s Title Drought Continues
The Big Ten once again failed to produce a national champion, extending a title drought that now spans over two decades. This underperformance continues to fuel debates about whether the conference is overrated come tournament time.
Inconsistency in Key Moments
While Big Ten teams showed promise in early rounds, their inconsistency—especially in late-game scenarios—was glaring. Turnovers, poor shot selection, and defensive lapses proved costly.
Star Players Who Underwhelmed
Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
Filipowski entered the tournament as a top-tier NBA prospect but underperformed in the Final Four. He struggled to find rhythm offensively and was outplayed by more aggressive big men.
Isaiah Collier (USC)
Highly hyped heading into March Madness, Collier never quite lived up to expectations. His inefficient shooting and defensive lapses were key factors in USC’s early exit.
The Pac-12: A Fade-Out Finish
No Representation in the Final Four
With none of its teams advancing to the Final Four, the Pac-12 closed its chapter with a whimper rather than a bang, especially poignant given the looming conference realignment.
Lost Recruiting Edge
This poor showing may hurt recruiting efforts, particularly as more players look east or south for opportunities in conferences like the SEC or Big 12.
Tournament Highlights and Game-Changing Moments
Overtime Thriller Between Alabama and UConn
This Final Four matchup was arguably the game of the tournament. With multiple lead changes and heart-stopping moments, Alabama narrowly edged out UConn in a double-overtime slugfest.
Game-Winning Shot from Walter Clayton Jr.
With the clock winding down and his team down by one, Clayton Jr. hit a buzzer-beating three to seal the win—a moment that will be replayed for years to come.
Lockdown Defense by Kentucky
Kentucky’s ability to shut down high-powered offenses proved critical in their march to the Final Four. Their matchup against a red-hot UCLA offense was a masterclass in defensive scheming.
Rising Stars to Watch After the Final Four
Tre Johnson (Texas)
Though Texas didn’t make the final, Johnson’s elite scoring ability and court vision make him one of the top returning players to watch next season.
Jared McCain (Duke)
McCain showed maturity beyond his years and is likely to become a household name in college hoops next year, provided he doesn’t declare for the draft.
Riley Kugel (Florida)
Kugel’s athleticism and tenacity were on full display, and many expect him to be a breakout star in the SEC next season.
The Future of the NCAA Final Four
Increasing Influence of NIL Deals
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) continues to reshape college basketball. Players like Walter Clayton Jr. will now command major endorsement deals thanks to their Final Four heroics.
Conference Realignments and Tournament Impacts
With the Pac-12 dissolving and major shifts in conference alignments, next year’s tournament could feature very different dynamics, particularly in terms of seeding and conference representation.
The G-League and International Pathways
As more players explore non-college routes to the NBA, the NCAA must find new ways to keep top talent invested in the tournament format.
Also Read : March Madness winners, losers: Bueckers closes chapter with storybook ending
Conclusion
The 2025 Final Four was a rollercoaster of excitement, disappointment, and brilliance. Walter Clayton Jr. solidified his place among college basketball elites, while the SEC emerged as the undisputed powerhouse of this year’s tournament. On the flip side, traditional powerhouses like the Big Ten and Pac-12 stumbled yet again, prompting questions about their long-term competitiveness.
Whether you’re a fan, a scout, or a casual viewer, one thing’s clear—the Final Four continues to be the stage where legends are born and reputations are tested. As we look ahead, the impact of this tournament will be felt not just in draft rooms and locker rooms, but in how the sport evolves for years to come.
FAQs
Who was the biggest winner of the 2025 Final Four?
Walter Clayton Jr. was the standout performer, delivering clutch plays and elevating his NBA Draft prospects.
Why was the SEC considered the biggest conference winner?
The SEC had two teams in the Final Four and displayed both talent and tactical depth, reinforcing its position as a top basketball conference.
What went wrong for the Big Ten?
Despite strong early performances, Big Ten teams failed to perform in clutch moments, extending their long-standing championship drought.
How did NIL deals impact the Final Four?
NIL allowed players like Walter Clayton Jr. to benefit financially from their performances, adding another layer to their college careers.
Which rising stars should fans watch next season?
Tre Johnson (Texas), Jared McCain (Duke), and Riley Kugel (Florida) are expected to lead the charge in the 2025–26 season.
