By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
The 2026 NCAA March Madness is underway. 68 teams are competing for the national title to crown the best university in the country.
In teams brimming with talent, more and more Europeans are carving out a niche for themselves in the US system and are stars who could see their names drawn in the next Draft.
We review the five European players to watch at March Madness and what we can expect from their tournament.
1. Christian Anderson Jr (PG | Texas Tech | Germany)
2025/26 Stats: 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 42.5 3P% (8.0 3PA)
Christian Anderson has been the undisputed leader of Texas Tech this season alongside JT Toppin. Following his teammate’s serious injury, the German point guard has proven to be one of the best at his position in the entire NCAA.
Capable of both scoring and assisting, Anderson is one of Germany’s rising stars, joining other notable players like Hannes Steibnach and Jack Kayil. Texas Tech is expected to advance in the tournament, so we can expect to see him play more than one game.
2. Aday Mara (C | Michigan | Spain)
2025/26 Stats: 11.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.6 blocks
If we’re talking about dominant big men in the NCAA this season, we have to talk about Aday Mara. The Spanish giant has been key to Michigan’s successful year.
His transfer from UCLA has been a pivotal step in his career, and he’s ready for the next level. In a 2026 NBA Draft with a shortage of centers, Aday could be the solution for several teams. Now, he’ll have to continue leading the Wolverines in March Madness.
3. Dame Sarr (SG/SF | Duke | Italy)
2025/26 Stats: 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1 steal, 0.8 blocks
The former Barcelona youth player has steadily improved throughout the season with the Blue Devils. A defensive expert with a knack for shooting, he’s a formidable presence on the court.
On a team led by Cam Boozer and featuring the dominant presence of Patrick Ngongba, Sarr has become one of the ACC’s best perimeter players. He’ll be a key piece in Duke’s quest for the national championship.
4. Henri Veesaar (C | North Carolina | Estonia)
2025/26 Stats: 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 61% FG
Henri Veesaar is one of the best big men in the entire NCAA. The Estonian player, formerly of the University of Arizona, has dominated the paint, leading North Carolina alongside an injured Caleb Wilson.
A great rebounder, a good shot blocker, and capable of playing with his back to the post, Veesaar is one of the European players to watch in this March Madness.
5. Thijs De Ridder (SF | Virginia | Belgium)
2025/26 Stats: 15.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 34% 3P
Thijs de Ridder’s season is one of the best seen from a European freshman in recent years. The former Surne Bilbao player has led Virginia to a third seed and made them one of the most dangerous teams in the NCAA.
His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and solid defense makes him one of the tournament’s must-have stars.
Honorable mentions: David Mirkovic (PF | Illinois | Montenegro), Mario Saint-Supery (PG | Gonzaga | Spain), Johann Grunloh (C | Virginia | Germany), Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivisic (PF/C | Illinois | Croatia)…