NBA Academy and Basketball Without Borders Alums Shine in 2026 NCAA Tournament

March is in full swing, and with it comes the NCAA Tournament. For NBA fans, March Madness provides an early look at some of college basketball’s most gifted prospects, including players who could soon be NBA-bound. Among these players are various graduates of the NBA Academy and Basketball Without Borders programs.

Here’s a deeper dive into some of the NBA Academy and Basketball Without Borders alums to watch before first-round play gets underway.

Key Players to Watch

Elliot Cadeau (Michigan)

Basketball Without Borders alum Elliot Cadeau leads Michigan in assists (5.6 apg) and is shooting 38.4% on 3-pointers this season [1]. The 6-foot-2 American-Swedish guard found his footing during his sophomore season at Michigan after transferring from North Carolina. He started in 30 games for the Wolverines, leading the team with 5.6 assists per game. With Cadeau orchestrating the offense, Michigan enters the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region [1].

Cadeau recorded three games of 10-plus assists and 20 games of five-plus, including a career-best 14 assists against Oakland (Nov. 3). At 10.1 points per game, the 21-year-vintage is scoring at the highest clip he has in his career, thanks in part to his 38.4% shooting on 3-pointers (also a career best).

Alex Condon (Florida)

NBA Global Academy alum Alex Condon is a vital player for No. 1-seeded Florida as it aims for a 2nd straight NCAA title. The 6-foot-11 Australian forward had an impressive junior campaign with the Gators, averaging 15 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 54.8% shooting.

The 21-year-old was named a finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, which is given to college basketball’s best center. Condon scored a season-high 26 points on 12-of-16 shooting in a win over Mississippi State to secure the outright 2026 SEC title.

Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)

Basketball Without Borders alum Christian Anderson is averaging 18.9 ppg and is a key player for Texas Tech this season. After earning a spot on the 2025 All-Big 12 Freshman Team, the 6-foot-3 German American guard elevated his offensive production to another level, averaging 18.9 ppg and 7.6 apg (third in the nation). With Texas Tech’s star forward JT Toppin sidelined for the season, Anderson is poised for a standout run as he looks to lead the Red Raiders to a deep tournament push as the Midwest Region’s No. 5 seed.

Thanks to his shooting prowess (42.7% on 3-pointers), the 19-year-old landed at No. 17 on Johnathan Wasserman’s latest mock draft. Anderson was the 2026 Big 12 Most Improved Player and made the All-Big 12 First Team.

Motiejus Krivas (Arizona)

Basketball Without Borders alum Arizona big man Motiejus Krivas is averaging 10.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 1.8 bpg this season. The 7-foot-2 Lithuanian native emerged as a dominant interior force, helping the Wildcats secure the No.1 seed in the West Region. Krivas’ most notable performance came against Kansas, when he posted 14 points, 15 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in a win.

The 21-year-old has given up just five field goals around Arizona’s basketball all year, which has slotted him at No. 29 on Johnathan Wasserman’s latest mock draft. Krivas was named First Team All-Big 12, receiving Big 12 All-Defensive Team honors as well.

Rueben Chinyelu (Florida)

NBA Academy Africa alum Rueben Chinyelu is averaging a double-double (11.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg) this season for UF. Hailing from Nigeria, the 6-foot-10 junior has been a double-double machine for the Gators this season. Nicknamed “Big Freaky” by his teammates due to his intense playing style, high energy and a memorable dunk in which he stuck his tongue, Chinyelu is averaging 11.2 ppg, 11.5 rpg (No. 2 in the nation) and shooting 58.3% overall.

Chinyelu recorded 18 double-doubles this season for the Gators, tying the school’s single-season record set in 1975. The 22-year-old was named an Associated Press All-American as an honorable mention.

Thierry Darlan (Santa Clara)

NBA Academy Africa & Basketball Without Borders alum Thierry Darlan is a solid contributor for Santa Clara as it makes its return to the NCAA Tournament. Born in the Central African Republic, the 6-foot-8 junior has taken an unconventional path to Santa Clara. Darlan spent two seasons in the NBA G League, most recently with the Delaware Blue Coats in 2024-25, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists across 29 games.

The 22-year-old was named to the WCC’s 10-man preseason all-conference team. Darlan had a season high of 15 points against San Francisco (Feb. 21).

Killyan Toure (Iowa State)

NBA Academy Africa & Basketball Without Borders alum Killyan Toure is known for his defensive acumen at Iowa State and is averaging 1.4 spg. In his first year at Iowa State, the 6-foot-3 French guard has quickly made a name for himself with his defense and is averaging 1.4 steals per game. Toure’s ball-hawking presence will be crucial as Iowa State works through the Midwest Region.

The freshman scored a career-high 20 points in a win vs. Creighton (Nov. 20). Toure has shown the potential to become a perennial two-way player in the future.

Additional Players Participating in the 2026 NCAA Tournament