With the NCAA season now full, our 2025 Prolonged Mock Draft 3.1 dives into the highest 30 first-round prospects, full with in-depth evaluation and NBA comparisons for every participant as draft boards start to take form.
1. Utah Jazz Cooper Flagg 6-8 205 SF/PF Duke Fr.
Cooper Flagg enters the 2025 NBA Draft as some of the full, coveted, and generational prospects in current reminiscence. At 6’8” with elite two-way versatility, Flagg led Duke to a deep event run earlier than falling to Houston in a tightly contested Last 4 matchup. Regardless of the loss, Flagg’s event efficiency solely solidified his standing because the projected No. 1 choose, displaying poise, polish, and a relentless motor on the largest stage. He completed the season averaging 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 4.2 APG with a stable 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His perimeter taking pictures took a serious leap—rising from simply 27% from three over his first 13 video games to 45% throughout his last 24 contests. Together with the improved long-range accuracy, he displayed superior shot creation abilities, notably off the dribble and in isolation units, highlighting his rising offensive versatility. His really feel for the sport, timing as a shot-blocker, and talent to protect a number of positions make him a future All-Defensive candidate, whereas his offensive recreation continues to broaden. Flagg has no evident weaknesses — he processes the sport like a veteran, competes at a excessive stage, and embraces stress. With an enhancing deal with, easy taking pictures mechanics, and a aggressive edge not often seen in gamers his age, Flagg is a franchise-changing, generational expertise. At this level, solely a small handful of groups wouldn’t relinquish their high participant in a swap for the best to “Seize the Flagg” with the highest total choice in 2025.
NBA Comparability: Jayson Tatum
2. Washington Wizards Dylan Harper 6-6 215 PG/SG Rutgers Fr.
Dylan Harper heads into the 2025 NBA Draft course of as a projected No. 2 total choose and some of the bodily imposing and polished lead guards within the class. At 6’6”, 210 kilos, Harper brings a uncommon mix of dimension, power, and really feel that enables him to dictate tempo and bully smaller defenders. Regardless of a difficult yr at Rutgers, he remained a gentle pressure, averaging 19.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 4.0 APG, whereas taking pictures 33% from three. Harper is a winner who thrives in stress conditions and elevates these round him. He’s an elite playmaker with superior passing instincts and wonderful court docket imaginative and prescient within the half court docket. Whereas he lacks top-end velocity or burst, his change-of-pace dribble, endurance, and physicality greater than compensate. He performs with a pure rhythm and makes use of angles and footwork to create house, drawing comparisons to a younger James Harden together with his potential to attain and facilitate. One of many highest-floor prospects within the draft, Harper’s mixture of power, really feel, and management make him a secure guess to turn into a long-term beginning NBA guard. If he can proceed to enhance his exterior taking pictures, he has All-Star potential as a main initiator and high-level offensive engine.
NBA Comparability: Cade Cunningham
3. Charlotte Hornets VJ Edgecombe 6-5 190 SG/PG Baylor Fr.
VJ Edgecombe has skyrocketed into top-5 territory within the 2025 NBA Draft after a breakout freshman season, capping off a fast rise from under-the-radar recruit to elite prospect. Initially from the Bahamas, Edgecombe wasn’t on most recruiting radars till his junior yr, however his mixture of athleticism, motor, and upside shortly made him a coveted title. He averaged 15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and three.2 APG to 1.9 TO whereas taking pictures 34% from three, steadily enhancing all through the season after a gradual begin. A jaw-dropping athlete, Edgecombe performs above the rim with ease and repeatedly finishes by contact and over defenders. His bodily instruments soar off the display — lengthy arms, explosive leaping potential, and fast-twitch reactions give him uncommon upside on each ends of the ground. Although nonetheless uncooked, he’s flashed intriguing level guard potential, displaying progress as a secondary ball handler. Nonetheless, he nonetheless wants refinement as a pick-and-roll facilitator and struggles at occasions to create clear appears in isolation. Defensively, his instruments are elite, however he should turn into extra constant together with his focus and energy. Edgecombe’s ceiling is among the many highest within the draft. If he continues to shine his talent set, he has All-Star potential as a dynamic two-way perimeter weapon.
NBA Comparability: Dwyane Wade
4. New Orleans Pelicans Ace Bailey 6-8 200 SF Rutgers Fr.
Ace Bailey is without doubt one of the most intriguing and high-upside prospects, projected firmly throughout the high 5 of this yr’s draft. A humble, soft-spoken child from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Bailey rose to prominence enjoying for the Atlanta-based AAU powerhouse, Athletes of Tomorrow, and completed as a consensus top-three recruit within the 2024 highschool class. Whereas his unpolished interviews might not totally seize it, Bailey is understood behind the scenes as being passionate concerning the recreation and pushed to succeed. In a turbulent season for Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 1.3 APG whereas taking pictures 33.4% from three. He missed a number of video games resulting from nagging accidents, together with a mid-season ankle sprain that slowed his rhythm. His elite mixture of size, athleticism, and taking pictures contact makes him a prototypical fashionable wing with two-way potential. The important thing debate surrounding Bailey’s draft vary — probably No. 2 or sliding barely decrease — will middle on how a lot of Rutgers’ underwhelming season is positioned on his shoulders. He stays the draft’s final swing-for-the-fences choose: huge upside as a star-caliber wing, however with a barely decrease flooring than a few of the class’s extra polished prospects.
NBA Comparability: Paul George
5. Philadelphia 76ers Jeremiah Fears 6-3 190 PG Oklahoma Fr.
With rising inventory and an actual likelihood to crack the highest 5, Fears is a participant that has made a meteoric rise. A local of Joliet, Illinois, Fears starred on the EYBL circuit and was a top-30 highschool prospect popping out of Compass Prep (AZ), The youthful brother of Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr., Jeremiah carved his personal path by committing to Oklahoma, the place he embraced the chance to guide and be “the person” from day one. In his freshman season, Fears averaged 17.6 PPG, 5.3 APG, and three.9 RPG whereas taking pictures 37% from three. His management, toughness, and maturity stood out, as did his elite burst and talent to get by defenders off the dribble. A fierce competitor with a pointy deal with, he persistently created offense in isolation and in transition, displaying dynamic playmaking upside. Fears saved his greatest for the postseason, delivering a number of standout performances and showcasing noticeable enchancment as a shooter down the stretch.
NBA Comparability: Chauncey Billups
6. Brooklyn Nets Asa Newell 6-9 220 PF Georgia Fr.
Asa Newell is a protracted, fluid ahead with a excessive ceiling who might hear his title known as within the mid-lottery of the 2025 NBA Draft. Newell starred at nationwide powerhouse Montverde Academy, the place he was a top-15 prospect within the 2024 class in line with Rivals. In his freshman yr at Georgia, Newell averaged 15.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 0.9 APG, whereas taking pictures 29.2% from three and 74.8% from the free-throw line — stable indicators of long-term taking pictures potential. Measuring a 7’1” wingspan, and good leaping potential he brings elite bodily instruments and switchable size that NBA groups covet in fashionable forwards. Although nonetheless creating, Newell has steadily improved his power and physicality, displaying a better willingness to rebound and take in contact within the paint. There’s an actual likelihood he’ll find yourself being underrated heading into the pre-draft course of. If he continues to fill out his body and add assertiveness, Newell has the instruments to be a two-way excessive stage contributor on the subsequent stage.
NBA Comparability: Drew Gooden
7. Toronto Raptors Kon Knueppel 6-6 220 SF/SG Duke Fr.
Knueppel is without doubt one of the most expert and mentally powerful prospects within the 2025 NBA Draft and is drawing critical lottery consideration. A local of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Knueppel performed for Phenom College on the EYBL circuit, the place he led all scorers with 22.5 PPG whereas taking pictures a blistering 47.5% from three. A highschool legend in Wisconsin, Knueppel dominated the nationwide scene and carried that poise into his freshman season at Duke. At 6’6” with a 6’9” wingspan and a 30-inch vertical, Knueppel might lack elite quickness, however he compensates with distinctive footwork, elite really feel, and basketball IQ. He averaged 14.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and a couple of.7 APG whereas taking pictures 40.6% from three and 91.4% from the road, serving to information Duke to the Last 4. A fierce competitor with high-level decision-making and underrated bodily power, Knueppel has been described by Coach Jon Scheyer because the “final warrior.” Even when his athletic limitations maintain him again defensively, his worst-case final result is a high-level taking pictures specialist. His talent, toughness, and confirmed successful résumé give him a excessive flooring and robust long-term worth.
NBA Comparability: Chris Mullin
8. San Antonio Spurs Kasparas Jakucionis 6-5 190 SG/PG Illinois Fr.
Jakucionis (pronounced yah-KOO-cho-nis) is a talented, shot-making combo guard with a global pedigree and lottery potential. Initially from Vilnius, Lithuania, Jakucionis joined Illinois after beginning his profession within the FC Barcelona system, spending time with each the junior and senior membership. He averaged 15.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 4.7 APG whereas taking pictures 31.8% from three and 84.5% from the free-throw line throughout his freshman marketing campaign. He began the yr on fireplace, showcasing superior shot-making and positional versatility, earlier than his taking pictures numbers cooled late within the season. Jakucionis measured with a 6’5.5” body, 6’6” wingspan, and eight’3.5 standing attain on the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit. Jakucionis performs with sturdy fundamentals and a mature method. Although he performed stretches at level guard in each Europe and faculty, he initiatives extra as a combo or two-guard on the NBA stage resulting from his scoring instincts and restricted velocity to defend ones. A high-level shooter with deep vary and assured mechanics, he should enhance at producing separation and creating high quality appears off the bounce. Nonetheless, his really feel, scoring potential, and adaptableness in several techniques make him one of many extra polished worldwide guards within the class with lottery upside.
NBA Comparability: Bogdan Bogdanovic
9. Portland Trailblazers Tre Johnson 6-6 190 SG Texas Fr.
Tre Johnson, a cultured scoring guard from Dallas, Texas, enters the 2025 NBA Draft as a projected lottery choose after a powerful and considerably shocking freshman season at Texas. A former top-5 highschool prospect out of Hyperlink Academy, Johnson starred on the AAU circuit with Group Griffin, averaging 23.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and three.3 APG in his senior yr. At Texas, he posted 19.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and a couple of.7 APG whereas posting a 42.7 FG%, 39.7 3P%, 87.1 FT% taking pictures cut up. With a 6’6” body, 6’9” wingspan, and a 35-inch vertical, Johnson blends positional dimension with a excessive talent stage. His easy jumper, superior footwork, and talent to create within the pick-and-roll make him one of many extra refined offensive guards within the draft. He’s additionally an underrated passer, displaying good imaginative and prescient when drawing assist, although not at all times totally constant as a decision-maker. His father performed faculty ball at Baylor, and Johnson selected Texas to remain near house, however scouts have quietly raised questions on his maturity at occasions. Nonetheless, his scoring instincts and upside as a three-level menace make him a possible steal within the mid-lottery.
NBA Comparability: Nick Younger
10. Phoenix Suns Derik Queen 6-10 260 C Maryland Fr.
Queen, a extremely expert and bodily large man from Baltimore, Maryland, has emerged as a doable lottery choose after a standout freshman season at Maryland. Measuring 6’10” with a 7’1” wingspan, Queen compensates for below-the-rim athleticism with wonderful footwork, sturdy fingers, and an important really feel for the sport. He selected Maryland to remain near house and shortly grew to become the guts of the staff. Queen was a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American who dominated at Montverde Academy. A feisty, high-level competitor with superior face-up abilities and smooth contact, Queen thrives within the mid-post and is a talented passer for his place, persistently studying doubles and hitting cutters. He confirmed big-moment confidence, drilling a game-winning shot within the NCAA Match to knock out Colorado State. At Maryland, he averaged 16.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 1.9 APG whereas taking pictures 76.6% from the road and 20% from three. Whereas not essentially the most explosive athlete, his IQ, willpower, toughness, and offensive polish give him a excessive flooring and the potential to be a long-term NBA starter.
NBA Comparability: Brad Miller
11. Miami Warmth Jase Richardson 6-3 180 SG/PG Michigan State Fr.
Richardson, a gifted lefty combo guard out of Las Vegas, is trending towards potential lottery standing within the 2025 NBA Draft after a powerful freshman season at Michigan State. The son of former NBA Slam Dunk Champion Jason Richardson, Richardson overcame a knee damage in highschool however made a rapid and spectacular restoration, regaining his explosiveness and athleticism with out lacking a beat. Measuring 6’3” with a 6’8” wingspan, Richardson is an underrated athlete who flashes a few of the identical bounce and ending potential that made his father a family title. Whereas primarily enjoying off the ball in highschool and faculty, he’s proven enchancment as a passer and decision-maker, although nonetheless must refine his flooring basic abilities to tackle full-time lead guard duties. At MSU, he posted 12.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 1.9 APG whereas taking pictures 41.2% from three and 83.8% from the free throw line.He’s confirmed to be a clutch performer, flattening large pictures within the NCAA Match. Richardson’s scoring, athleticism, and basketball pedigree give him actual two-way NBA intrigue.
NBA Comparability: Monta Ellis
12. San Antonio Spurs (From Chicago) Participant: [Noa Essengue] 6-10 200 SF/PF France 2006
Noa Essengue is a flexible combo ahead with long-term upside and customarily seen as a possible mid-first spherical choose within the 2025 NBA Draft. Hailing from Orléans France, and at present enjoying for ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, Essengue has impressed together with his size, versatility and a creating offensive recreation. At 6’10”, 200 kilos with a 9’3.25” standing attain, he possesses elite measurables for a contemporary ahead. At simply 18 years previous (born December 18, 2006), Essengue averaged 12.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, and 1.6 SPG in professional competitors—spectacular for his age. Whereas his three-point taking pictures stays a piece in progress (29.4%), he’s proven regular enchancment and knocked down 73% from the free-throw line, a promising indicator for future growth. Essengue stands out for his ball-handling potential at his dimension, permitting him to provoke in transition and assault closeouts. Defensively, he’s switchable with fast ft and energetic fingers, producing steals and disrupting passing lanes. Whereas nonetheless uncooked in areas—notably power and shot choice—his fluid athleticism, body, and two-way potential are laborious to disregard. With continued talent growth, Essengue initiatives as a high-ceiling ahead who can affect the sport on each ends. He’s some of the intriguing worldwide names within the draft class.
NBA Comparability: Donyell Marshall
13. San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta) Nolan Traore 6-4 185 PG Saint-Quentin 2006
Nolan Traoré is a protracted, artful lead guard with intriguing long-term upside and mid-first spherical potential within the 2025 NBA Draft. Hailing from Lyon, France, Traoré boasts wonderful positional dimension at 6’5” with a 6’8” wingspan and an 8’6.25” standing attain—preferrred measurables for an NBA level guard. Although nonetheless bodily creating at simply 185 kilos, added power ought to elevate his recreation on each ends. Traoré averaged 11.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 5.5 APG this season for Saint-Quentin in France’s high league, displaying flashes of elite playmaking and court docket imaginative and prescient. A pure facilitator, he thrives in transition and pick-and-roll conditions, persistently making high-level reads. Nonetheless, his taking pictures effectivity stays a priority. He related on simply 27% from three and 68% from the free-throw line, limiting his scoring affect. After a breakout 18-point efficiency on the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit, expectations skyrocketed—however his inconsistency this season cooled a few of that hype. Nonetheless, his really feel for the sport, size, and talent to create offense are attractive. If he can enhance his jumper and add power, Traoré has the instruments to be a high-level NBA guard. He might turn into one of many draft’s greater steals if he slips exterior the lottery.
NBA Comparability: Killian Hayes
14. Dallas Mavericks JT Toppin 6-9 220 PF Texas Tech So.
JT Toppin is a high-energy, bodily ahead with rising mid-first spherical buzz and the type of motor that NBA groups love. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Toppin performs with a relentless edge, keen to run by a brick wall for his staff and persistently impacting video games with hustle, rebounding, and toughness. He averaged 18.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, and 1.2 APG, flashing an enhancing offensive recreation to enrich his defensive presence. Although simply 6’7” barefoot, his 7’0” wingspan and 34-inch vertical permit him to play a lot greater across the rim. He’s an elite rebounder for his dimension and continuously finds himself in the best spots by sheer effort and intuition. Offensively, Toppin continues to be creating. His taking pictures contact isn’t elite, however he’s made strides—hitting 33% from three and enhancing to 67.6% from the free-throw line. He’s working to broaden his vary and turn into extra snug in pick-and-pop conditions. Toppin isn’t a go-to scorer, however his power, rebounding, and defensive switchability make him a powerful candidate to carve out a job on the subsequent stage. With continued growth on the offensive finish, he might emerge as one of many draft’s extra impactful function gamers.
NBA Comparability: Larry Nance Jr.
15. Orlando Magic Egor Demin 6-8 200 SF BYU Fr.
Egor Demin is without doubt one of the most intriguing worldwide prospects within the 2025 NBA Draft and is firmly on the radar as a mid-first spherical choose. Initially from Moscow, Russia, Demin performed for the Russian nationwide youth groups and Actual Madrid’s junior squad (for 3 seasons). At BYU, he struggled some with consistency as a freshman averaging 10.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 5.5 APG whereas taking pictures 27.3% from three and 69.5% from the road. With a 6’9” body, a 7’0” wingspan, he gives a novel mix of dimension and perimeter abilities. Demin brings superior ball-handling and playmaking potential for his dimension — some extent guard in a small ahead’s physique. His imaginative and prescient and passing in transition and within the halfcourt are spectacular, and he can provoke offense or function as a secondary creator. His father, Vladimir, performed professionally in Russia, and that pedigree reveals in his court docket really feel and instincts. He selected BYU to develop below new head coach Kevin Younger, who’s constructing a powerhouse and NBA-style system. Demin might want to enhance his taking pictures effectivity and convey extra consistency to his recreation night-to-night. Nonetheless uncooked in some areas, however his upside as a flexible, jumbo playmaker makes him one of many extra fascinating increase or bust sort picks on this draft class.
NBA Comparability: Josh Giddey
16. Atlanta Hawks (From Sacramento) Khaman Maluach 7-2 260 C Duke Fr.
Khaman Maluach, a 7’2” middle from South Sudan, is without doubt one of the most fascinating long-term prospects within the 2025 NBA Draft and will hear his title known as within the lottery. A product of the NBA Academy Africa. His age is listed as simply 18, and he measured with a 7’6” wingspan, 9’6.5” standing attain, on the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit — making him some of the bodily imposing gamers within the class. Whereas the 1.3 blocks per recreation stat doesn’t leap off the web page, it fails to seize his game-changing affect as a rim protector. His size, instincts, and rim safety persistently alter pictures and opponent’s determination making. Offensively, his fluid free throw movement hints at long-term taking pictures potential, although most of his manufacturing at present comes by way of alley-oop dunks and dump-off finishes. He struggled within the Last 4, recording zero rebounds vs. Houston — a troublesome mark for a participant his dimension. He additionally stays susceptible when defending in house and on switches. Nonetheless, Maluach’s instruments and upside make him a swing for the fences choose with starter potential.
NBA Comparability: Jakob Poeltl
17.New York (From Detroit) Thomas Sorber 6-10 230 C/PF Georgetown Fr.
Thomas Sorber is a talented, high-upside large man with a shot at touchdown within the mid-to-late first spherical of the 2025 NBA Draft. Initially from Trenton, New Jersey, Sorber impressed as a freshman together with his all-around recreation, averaging 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and a couple of.9 APG whereas taking pictures 72.4% from the free-throw line and simply 16% from three. He additionally averaged 1.9 blocks per recreation, flashing promising rim safety instincts. With stad out measurables, Sorber isn’t an explosive athlete however makes up for it with really feel, positioning, and timing. Sorber has a pure understanding of the sport and reveals wonderful imaginative and prescient and decision-making from the excessive submit. He’s among the best passing bigs in his class and persistently makes sensible reads. Long run, he initiatives as a contemporary middle with stretch potential and facilitating upside, however he’ll must considerably enhance his power and conditioning. Nonetheless uncooked bodily, he’ll profit significantly from NBA-level growth. Whereas he’s not explosive off the dribble, his basketball IQ, dimension, and passing give him sturdy long-term enchantment, even when he’s extra of a mission early in his profession.
NBA Comparability: Greg Monroe
18. New York (From Milwaukee) Rasheer Fleming 6-9 230 PF St. Joseph’s Jr.
Rasheer Fleming, a flexible energy ahead has emerged as a respectable late first-round prospect due to a powerful junior marketing campaign and main enchancment in his perimeter taking pictures. The Camden, New Jersey product, Fleming averaged 14.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, and 1.4 SPG—spectacular numbers, particularly the steals for a frontcourt participant, displaying his defensive exercise and consciousness. The largest growth in Fleming’s recreation has been his three-point shot. After inconsistent taking pictures in earlier seasons, he knocked down 62 of 159 from deep this yr—good for 39% on excessive quantity (practically two makes per recreation). That taking pictures surge, mixed together with his athletic 6’9” body and robust bodily instruments, makes him an intriguing fashionable stretch-four prospect. Nonetheless, there are issues. His scoring tapered off late within the season, and whereas productive, his numbers got here in opposition to Atlantic 10 competitors, which can barely deflate how scouts mission his affect on the subsequent stage. Nonetheless, his dimension, power, defensive instincts, and dependable taking pictures from past the arc give him translatable traits for as we speak’s NBA. Fleming might not have star upside, however he brings actual two-way function participant potential. If the shot continues to carry, he might outperform his draft slot as a useful rotation ahead.
NBA Comparability: Andrew Nicholson
19. Memphis Grizzlies Boogie Fland 6-2 180 PG Arkansas Fr.
Johnuel “Boogie’ Fland, a dynamic level guard hailing from the “Boogie Down” Bronx, New York, entered the school season with lottery-level buzz however noticed his draft inventory dip resulting from an damage that sidelined him for half the yr. As soon as he returned, he struggled to search out rhythm, although the flashes of elite playmaking remained evident. Regardless of his struggles, Fland nonetheless managed to common 13.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 5.1 APG, displaying his potential to regulate the sport as a lead guard. A former AAU standout, Fland constructed a fame as a troublesome, hard-nosed competitor with wonderful instincts and really feel for the sport. His electrical quickness and pure wiggle make him a tough cowl in isolation, and he’s among the best passers within the class when totally wholesome. He additionally has a dependable floater recreation, and his fast fingers on protection result in deflections and steals. At 6’2”, he lacks elite dimension, however his instincts and toughness assist compensate. Whether or not he stays on this yr’s draft or returns for an additional season, Fland nonetheless carries NBA starter potential. If a staff takes an opportunity on him within the mid-to-late first spherical, he might find yourself one of many steals of the draft class.
NBA Comparability: Cameron Payne
20. Utah Jazz Walter Clayton 6-2 190 PG/SG Florida Sr.
Walter Clayton Jr., a local of Lake Wales, Florida, proved himself as certainly one of faculty basketball’s premier closers throughout Florida’s run to the nationwide championship. The 6’2” guard earned Most Excellent Participant honors after guiding the Gators with clutch scoring, poise, and management in key moments. He averaged 18.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, and 4.1 APG, with 0.8 SPG and simply 1.9 turnovers per recreation—showcasing effectivity and management as a combo guard. Clayton is a fearless late-game performer with a cultured scoring package deal. He shot 45.1% from the sphere, an elite 39.2% from three, and 87.1% on the free-throw line—proving himself as a high-level shot-maker in any respect three ranges. Whether or not pulling up from deep or attacking closeouts, Clayton thrives below stress and persistently hits large pictures. Whereas he brings toughness, confidence, and successful intangibles, there are questions on his match on the subsequent stage. He lacks preferrred dimension for a conventional level guard and might want to enhance his decision-making and total command of the offense to thrive in a lead function. Nonetheless, his elite taking pictures, clutch gene, and scoring instincts make him a powerful candidate for groups in want of backcourt firepower within the 20-25 vary of the primary spherical.
NBA Comparability: Fred Van Vleet
21. Miami Warmth Tahaad Pettiford 6-1 180 PG Auburn Fr.
Tahaad Pettiford, a dynamic level guard from Jersey Metropolis, New Jersey, made a serious affect in his freshman season at Auburn, serving to lead the Tigers to a No. 1 total seed and a Last 4 look. Although he got here off the bench, Pettiford shortly emerged as some of the harmful instant-offense guards within the nation. He averaged 11.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 0.9 SPG whereas taking pictures 42.1% from the sphere, 36.6% from three, and 80.4% from the road—environment friendly numbers for a freshman enjoying a key function on a loaded roster. Pettiford performs with jitterbug velocity and elite shiftiness, utilizing his fast first step and superior ball-handling to interrupt down defenders. He has a ton of “wiggle” to his recreation and thrives in house, each as a scorer and facilitator. A fearless competitor, Pettiford doesn’t draw back from large moments and introduced a spark each time he stepped on the ground. At simply 6’1”, dimension and defensive effectivity are issues on the subsequent stage, however his quickness, shot-making, and creativity give him actual NBA worth. Projected as a late first-rounder, Pettiford is without doubt one of the high freshmen within the nation and a possible steal if his recreation continues to evolve. His physique sort and talent set compares to a smaller Jeff Teague or Brandon Jennings sort for the NBA stage.
NBA Comparability: Jeff Teague
22. Los Angeles Clippers Baye Ndongo 6-8 225 PF Georgia Tech So.
Baye Ndongo, a 6’9” high-energy ahead from Dakar, Senegal, is rising as a possible first spherical choose within the 2025 NBA Draft after a second season at Georgia Tech and a powerful displaying on the 2024 NBA Mix. The 21-year-old declared for the draft after testing the waters and returning to highschool, displaying measurable progress in each his physique and talent set. Ndongo averaged 13.4 PPG, and eight.9 RPG, whereas taking pictures 71% from the free-throw line and 36% from three however on a low quantity (7-19). He posted a 7’1” wingspan and a 39-inch vertical on the mix, confirming his freakish athleticism and NBA-level bodily instruments. Whereas his statistical soar from his freshman yr wasn’t dramatic, he displayed improved footwork, physique management, and defensive versatility. Ndongo brings a mature method and relentless motor. He’s a bouncy, above-the-rim finisher who thrives in transition and as a lob goal, whereas displaying flashes of a creating face-up recreation. His power, toughness, and defensive effort make him a great fashionable power 4. Nonetheless uncooked in some areas, however his bodily profile and upside as a two-way function participant give him sturdy enchantment within the mid-to-late first spherical.
NBA Comparability: Bo Outlaw
23. Orlando Magic (From Denver) Carter Bryant 6-8 220 SF Arizona Fr.
Bryant, a high-upside wing from Riverside, California, is without doubt one of the extra polarizing prospects within the 2025 NBA Draft class. As a freshman, he averaged 6.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, and 1.0 APG, together with 0.9 SPG whereas taking pictures 46.0% from the sphere, 37.1% from three, and 69.5% from the road. His stats mirror each his promise and his rawness—he flashes NBA-level instruments however has but to point out the flexibility to affect persistently in a much bigger function. An explosive above-the-rim athlete, Bryant passes the attention take a look at with flying colours. His lengthy body and leaping potential make him a prototypical NBA wing, and his taking pictures mechanics and 3-point effectivity—albeit on restricted makes an attempt—recommend actual potential as a flooring spacer. Nonetheless, questions stay about his total focus, toughness, and motor, as he struggled to earn constant minutes and infrequently light in bodily matchups. Bryant initiatives as a swing-for-the-fences prospect with coveted 3-and-D upside. His excessive ceiling is obvious, however so is the danger. With restricted freshman manufacturing, he’s not a completed product, however there’s a rising consensus he’ll land within the 20s if he declares. If he places all of it collectively, Bryant might find yourself as a late-blooming steal on the subsequent stage.
NBA Comparability: Peyton Watson
24. Indiana Pacers Hugo Gonzalez 6-6 200 SG Actual Madrid 2006
Hugo González is a gifted Spanish wing with long-term lottery potential, although he at present initiatives as a mid-to-late first-round choose within the 2025 NBA Draft. Born February 5, 2006, in Madrid, Spain, González has been a standout in his age group for years, incomes recognition for his easy offensive recreation and talent to create in isolation. At 6’7” with a reported 6’10” wingspan and a 36-inch vertical, González has the bodily instruments to thrive on the wing on the subsequent stage. Enjoying restricted minutes (12.6 MPG) for Actual Madrid’s powerhouse senior staff, he averaged 4.6 PPG whereas taking pictures simply 27% from three on low quantity—highlighting the necessity for continued growth and confidence in his perimeter shot. Regardless of the numbers, his flashes are plain. González is fluid with the ball, has a artistic deal with, and performs with a aptitude that’s uncommon for his age. His father Paco Gonzalez performed professionally in Spain, and that basketball background is obvious in his court docket consciousness and pure really feel. Nonetheless simply 18 years previous, he stays a high-upside worldwide prospect. Whether or not he retains his title within the draft or returns for additional seasoning, González is seen as a long-term funding who might reward endurance with actual two-way potential.
NBA Comparability: Rudy Fernandez
25. New Orleans Pelicans (From LA Lakers) Chaz Lanier 6-5 200 SG Tennessee Sr.
Lanier has emerged as a possible first-round choose due to his nice scoring potential, maturity, and elite taking pictures contact. Initially from Nashville, Tennessee, Lanier performed for Group CP3 on the AAU circuit and was frivolously recruited out of highschool earlier than his faculty profession at North Florida. After transferring to Tennessee, as a fifth yr senior, he shortly grew to become some of the environment friendly perimeter scorers within the SEC. Lanier averaged 18.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.1 APG whereas taking pictures 39.5% from three and 75.8% from the free-throw line. A knockdown shooter with deep vary and supreme confidence, Lanier thrives in catch-and-shoot conditions and strikes properly with out the ball. His shot options an unorthodox, low launch, but it surely’s fast and constant sufficient to make it efficient on the subsequent stage. At 6’4”, he has first rate however not preferrred dimension for an NBA taking pictures guard and isn’t a pure shot creator or playmaker. His age—already 23—additionally caps his long-term upside. He struggled with effectivity throughout the NCAA Match in opposition to excessive stage defenders, which raised some issues. Nonetheless, Lanier’s management, focus, and toughness stand out. He profiles as a direct bench scorer who can stretch the ground, play inside a system, and supply dependable taking pictures in a contemporary NBA offense.
NBA Comparability: Chris Duarte
26. New York Knicks Nique Clifford 6-6 200 SG Colorado St. Sr.
A late bloomer and native of Colorado Springs, Nique Clifford has emerged as a possible late first-round choose within the 2025 NBA Draft after a breakout senior season. The 6’6” wing posted spectacular all-around numbers: 18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, and 0.8 SPG to 1.9 turnovers per recreation, whereas taking pictures 49.6% from the sphere, 37.7% from three, and 77.7% from the road. Clifford is an explosive leaper and finishes properly on the rim. He’s efficient attacking off the dribble and thrives in pick-and-roll conditions, displaying spectacular imaginative and prescient as a passer and luxury as a secondary ball-handler. Defensively, he’s a powerful on-ball presence with the dimensions and athleticism to protect a number of positions.Although he was as soon as thought-about a job participant, Clifford has steadily developed right into a respectable offensive focus and dependable flooring spacer. His 3-point taking pictures has come a good distance, including one other dimension to his recreation. Born February 9, 2002, Clifford is already 23, which can restrict his perceived upside in comparison with youthful prospects. Nonetheless, his athleticism, versatility, and late-career progress recommend he might carve out a useful function early on the subsequent stage.
NBA Comparability: Cody Martin
27. Oklahoma Metropolis (From Houston) Liam McNeeley 6-7 210 SF UConn Fr.
Liam McNeeley, a talented ahead from Richardson, Texas, enters the 2025 NBA Draft dialog as a possible late first-round choose due to his excessive basketball IQ, toughness, taking pictures mechanics, and really feel for the sport. In his freshman season, McNeeley averaged 14.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and a couple of.3 APG, together with 0.8 SPG and 1.9 turnovers per recreation. He shot 31.7% from three, 86.6% from the road, and 38.1% from the sphere. McNeeley’s best power lies in his spot-up taking pictures and flooring spacing. Regardless of underwhelming percentages, his easy mechanics and free throw accuracy recommend he initiatives as a dependable shooter on the subsequent stage. He overcomes a evident lack of foot velocity and vertical burst with sturdy fundamentals, high-level decision-making, and the flexibility to play inside an offense. His limitations turn into extra obvious when attacking the rim or enjoying in transition, the place his athleticism doesn’t permit him to complete persistently or separate from defenders. An absence of a standout level guard teammate on the faculty stage additionally hindered his effectivity, usually forcing him into contested pictures. Whereas McNeeley isn’t a flashy prospect, his toughness, intelligence, and taking pictures give him a excessive flooring as a rotational wing who can contribute in a structured NBA system.
NBA Comparability: Corey Kispert
28. Boston Celtics Noah Penda 6-6 215 SF France 2005
Penda, a flexible combo ahead born in Paris and raised in Bondy, France, has emerged as a doable first-round choose. A high-IQ, unselfish participant, Penda is averaging 10.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, and 1.4 SPG whereas taking pictures 51.7% from the sphere, 29.2% from three, and 75.3% from the free-throw line. Penda thrives within the “connector” function—he’s not a main scorer, however he makes successful performs, retains the ball transferring, and finds methods to contribute on each ends. Defensively, he’s one of many higher perimeter-stopping forwards in his class, with the power and foot velocity to protect a number of positions. His versatility and motor make him a high-floor prospect, notably interesting to playoff groups in want of energetic function gamers who perceive their function. Offensively, he’s nonetheless creating as a shooter, and his perimeter shot stays inconsistent. Nonetheless, his passing and talent to make reads on the transfer assist him to contribute even when he’s not scoring. Born January 7, 2005, Penda nonetheless has room to develop, however his ceiling isn’t as excessive as a few of the flashier prospects. Nonetheless, his defensive upside and team-first mentality make him a gorgeous late-first or early second-round goal.
NBA Comparability: Boris Diaw
29. Utah Jazz (From Cleveland) Collin Murray-Boyles 6-7 250 PF South Carolina So.
A local of Columbia, South Carolina, Collin Murray-Boyles has garnered vital consideration after a extremely productive sophomore season at South Carolina. The 6’7” ahead averaged 16.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.5 SPG whereas taking pictures a powerful 58.6% from the sphere. Nonetheless, his exterior shot stays a query mark—he related on simply 26.5% from three and 70.7% from the free-throw line. Murray-Boyles performs with a bodily, bully-ball type on offense, utilizing his 7’0” wingspan to create house and end across the rim. He’s efficient in isolation, usually making the most of slower or undersized defenders with highly effective drives and artful footwork. Within the submit, he’s powerful to maneuver and reveals sturdy contact regardless of missing high-end explosiveness. Defensively, he’s stable however not a standout. His velocity and lateral quickness are common, limiting his versatility on that finish regardless of his wingspan. At 6’7”, he’s considerably of a tweener who doesn’t but have the taking pictures consistency to stretch the ground or the quickness to protect wings full-time. Born June 10, 2005, he’s nonetheless younger and has room to develop, however questions on his positional match and lack of elite bodily instruments make his first spherical standing curious with out additional growth.
NBA Comparability: Talon Horton-Tucker
30. Brooklyn Nets (from Oklahoma Metropolis) Yaxel Lendeborg 6-9 240 PF/C UAB Sr.
Hailing from Pennsuken, New Jersey, and born in Puerto Rico, Yaxel Lendeborg has turned heads together with his versatile stat line this previous season: 17.7 PPG, 11.4 RPG, and 4.2 APG, coupled with 1.7 SPG to only 2.2 turnovers. Regardless of not being particularly quick or explosive, Landeborg makes use of his spectacular 7’2” wingspan to snare rebounds, disrupt passing lanes, and generate steals. He shot 52.2% from the sphere, 35.7% from three, and 75.7% on the foul line—stable numbers that point out each effectivity and taking pictures potential. A high-IQ passer, Lendeborg excels find open teammates, notably from the excessive submit or off dribble handoffs. His size additionally makes him a menace in transition, the place he can end above defenders or provoke offense on the transfer. Nonetheless, questions stay about how his recreation will translate in opposition to elite-level athletes. He sometimes goes chilly from the perimeter and should carry out properly in exercises to solidify his draft inventory. Regardless of being 22 years of age, Landeborg’s size and talent set give him intriguing upside, however scouts will wish to see him show that he can deal with extra bodily, fast-paced competitors. He faces a pivotal determination: return to school and showcase his growth at his new switch vacation spot, Michigan, or preserve his title within the draft and pursue a possible long-term assured NBA contract. If he can present consistency and preserve concentrate on each ends, he has the instruments to emerge as a useful, do-it-all ahead on the subsequent stage.
NBA Comparability: Kyle Anderson
