Standout players shine in 2025 NCAA Tournament's first weekend

The first weekend of the NCAA Tournament showcased many outstanding performances by college basketball players. Several stars stepped up, helping their teams fight for survival in the tournament. Compiling an All-First Weekend Team was challenging, as many deserving players were left off the final list. Some notable absences include Josh Hubbard from Mississippi State, Dain Dainja from Memphis, and Chucky Hepburn from Louisville, all of whom had impressive seasons but were eliminated early. Similarly, players like Jackson Shelstad from Oregon and Curtis Jones from Iowa State had solid games but were edged out after their teams lost. The two favorites for National Player of the Year, Johni Broome from Auburn and Cooper Flagg from Duke, also did not make the list. The following players were honored for their impressive performances: - **LJ Cryer, Houston:** Scored 30 points in a key victory over Gonzaga, showing his ability to deliver in crucial moments. - **Walter Clayton Jr., Florida:** Helped secure a tight win against UConn, scoring 23 points in both weekend games. - **Tyrese Proctor, Duke:** Delivered strong performances, scoring a total of 44 points, including hitting 7 of 8 three-pointers in one game. - **Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue:** Excelled with 43 points and 23 rebounds, leading a solid effort for Purdue. - **Caleb Love, Arizona:** Scored 29 points in a comeback win after a quieter game in the first round. - **John Tonje, Wisconsin:** Despite his team losing, he made headlines with a tournament-high 37 points. - **Richie Saunders, BYU:** Led his team to the Sweet 16 with 41 points over the weekend. - **Darrion Williams and JT Toppin, Texas Tech:** Both had standout games in victories, with Williams scoring 28 points and Toppin contributing 25 points and 12 rebounds. - **Chaz Lanier, Tennessee:** Notched 49 points across two games with stellar three-point shooting. - **Sean Pedulla, Ole Miss:** A key player in getting the Rebels to the Sweet 16 with consistent scoring. - **Derik Queen, Maryland:** Hit a game-winning buzzer-beater, finishing with a total of 29 points and 21 rebounds. - **Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn:** Stepped up with 23 points in a win over Creighton. - **Pharrel Payne, Texas A&M:** Scored a combined 51 points over two games, showing his scoring ability. - **Bennett Stirtz, Drake:** Played all 80 minutes across two games, contributing significantly to his team's performances. These players made their mark and played key roles in their teams' efforts during March Madness.