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 one of the crucial 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 Remaining 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 strong 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. His perimeter capturing 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 sport continues to broaden. Flagg has no obvious weaknesses — he processes the sport like a veteran, competes at a excessive stage, and embraces strain. With an bettering deal with, easy capturing 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 suitable to “Seize the Flagg” with the highest general 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 general choose and one of the crucial bodily imposing and polished lead guards within the class. At 6’6”, 210 kilos, Harper brings a uncommon mix of dimension, energy, and really feel that enables him to dictate tempo and bully smaller defenders. Regardless of a difficult yr at Rutgers, he remained a gentle power, averaging 19.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 4.0 APG, whereas capturing 33% from three. Harper is a winner who thrives in strain 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 pace or burst, his change-of-pace dribble, persistence, 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 capacity to attain and facilitate. One of many highest-floor prospects within the draft, Harper’s mixture of energy, really feel, and management make him a secure guess to develop into a long-term beginning NBA guard. If he can proceed to enhance his exterior capturing, he has All-Star potential as a major 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 rapidly made him a coveted title. He averaged 15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and three.2 APG to 1.9 TO whereas capturing 34% from three, steadily bettering all through the season after a gradual begin. A jaw-dropping athlete, Edgecombe performs above the rim with ease and often finishes by way of contact and over defenders. His bodily instruments soar off the display screen — lengthy arms, explosive leaping capacity, and fast-twitch reactions give him uncommon upside on each ends of the ground. Although nonetheless uncooked, he’s flashed intriguing level guard potential, exhibiting progress as a secondary ball handler. Nevertheless, he nonetheless wants refinement as a pick-and-roll facilitator and struggles at instances to create clear seems in isolation. Defensively, his instruments are elite, however he should develop 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 ability 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 likely 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 taking part in 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 could not totally seize it, Bailey is understood behind the scenes as being passionate concerning the sport and pushed to succeed. In a turbulent season for Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 1.3 APG whereas capturing 33.4% from three. He missed a number of video games attributable to nagging accidents, together with a mid-season ankle sprain that slowed his rhythm. His elite mixture of size, athleticism, and capturing contact makes him a prototypical trendy wing with two-way potential. The important thing debate surrounding Bailey’s draft vary — doubtlessly No. 2 or sliding barely decrease — will heart on how a lot of Rutgers’ underwhelming season is positioned on his shoulders. He stays the draft’s final swing-for-the-fences choose: large upside as a star-caliber wing, however with a barely decrease ground 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 probability 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 capturing 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, exhibiting dynamic playmaking upside. Fears saved his finest 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 an extended, fluid ahead with a excessive ceiling who might hear his title referred to 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 based on Rivals. In his freshman yr at Georgia, Newell averaged 15.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 0.9 APG, whereas capturing 29.2% from three and 74.8% from the free-throw line — strong indicators of long-term capturing potential. Measuring a 7’1” wingspan, and good leaping capacity he brings elite bodily instruments and switchable size that NBA groups covet in trendy forwards. Although nonetheless creating, Newell has steadily improved his energy and physicality, exhibiting a higher willingness to rebound and soak up contact within the paint. There’s an actual probability 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 likely one of the most expert and mentally robust 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 capturing 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 could 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 capturing 40.6% from three and 91.4% from the road, serving to information Duke to the Remaining 4. A fierce competitor with high-level decision-making and underrated bodily energy, Knueppel has been described by Coach Jon Scheyer because the “final warrior.” Even when his athletic limitations maintain him again defensively, his worst-case consequence is a high-level capturing specialist. His ability, toughness, and confirmed profitable résumé give him a excessive ground 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 world 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 capturing 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 capturing 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 attributable to his scoring instincts and restricted pace to defend ones. A high-level shooter with deep vary and assured mechanics, he should enhance at producing separation and creating high quality seems off the bounce. Nonetheless, his really feel, scoring capacity, and adaptableness in numerous methods 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 elegant scoring guard from Dallas, Texas, enters the 2025 NBA Draft as a projected lottery choose after a robust and considerably shocking freshman season at Texas. A former top-5 highschool prospect out of Hyperlink Academy, Johnson starred on the AAU circuit with Staff 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% capturing break up. With a 6’6” body, 6’9” wingspan, and a 35-inch vertical, Johnson blends positional dimension with a excessive ability 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, exhibiting good imaginative and prescient when drawing assist, although not all the time totally constant as a decision-maker. His father performed faculty ball at Baylor, and Johnson selected Texas to remain near dwelling, however scouts have quietly raised questions on his maturity at instances. Nonetheless, his scoring instincts and upside as a three-level risk 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 arms, and an important really feel for the sport. He selected Maryland to remain near dwelling and rapidly grew to become the center 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 tender 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 Event to knock out Colorado State. At Maryland, he averaged 16.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 1.9 APG whereas capturing 76.6% from the road and 20% from three. Whereas not probably the most explosive athlete, his IQ, dedication, toughness, and offensive polish give him a excessive ground 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 harm 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 capacity that made his father a family title. Whereas primarily taking part in off the ball in highschool and faculty, he’s proven enchancment as a passer and decision-maker, although nonetheless must refine his ground common abilities to tackle full-time lead guard duties. At MSU, he posted 12.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 1.9 APG whereas capturing 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 Event. 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 the moment taking part in for ratiopharm Ulm in Germany, Essengue has impressed together with his size, versatility and a creating offensive sport. At 6’10”, 200 kilos with a 9’3.25” standing attain, he possesses elite measurables for a contemporary ahead. At simply 18 years outdated (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 capturing 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 improvement. Essengue stands out for his ball-handling capacity at his dimension, permitting him to provoke in transition and assault closeouts. Defensively, he’s switchable with fast ft and energetic arms, producing steals and disrupting passing lanes. Whereas nonetheless uncooked in areas—notably energy and shot choice—his fluid athleticism, body, and two-way potential are laborious to disregard. With continued ability improvement, Essengue initiatives as a high-ceiling ahead who can affect the sport on each ends. He’s one of the crucial 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 an extended, 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—very best measurables for an NBA level guard. Although nonetheless bodily creating at simply 185 kilos, added energy ought to elevate his sport 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, exhibiting 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. Nevertheless, his capturing effectivity stays a priority. He linked 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 energy, Traoré has the instruments to be a high-level NBA guard. He might develop 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 way of 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 bettering offensive sport to enhance his defensive presence. Although simply 6’7” barefoot, his 7’0” wingspan and 34-inch vertical enable him to play a lot greater across the rim. He’s an elite rebounder for his dimension and continuously finds himself in the suitable spots by way of sheer effort and intuition. Offensively, Toppin continues to be creating. His capturing contact isn’t elite, however he’s made strides—hitting 33% from three and bettering to 67.6% from the free-throw line. He’s working to broaden his vary and develop 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 robust candidate to carve out a task on the subsequent stage. With continued improvement 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 likely 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 capturing 27.3% from three and 69.5% from the road. With a 6’9” body, a 7’0” wingspan, he presents a singular mix of dimension and perimeter abilities. Demin brings superior ball-handling and playmaking capacity for his dimension — a degree 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 exhibits in his court docket really feel and instincts. He selected BYU to develop beneath new head coach Kevin Younger, who’s constructing a powerhouse and NBA-style system. Demin might want to enhance his capturing effectivity and convey extra consistency to his sport 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” heart from South Sudan, is likely one of the most fascinating long-term prospects within the 2025 NBA Draft and will hear his title referred to 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 one of the crucial bodily imposing gamers within the class. Whereas the 1.3 blocks per sport 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 resolution making. Offensively, his fluid free throw movement hints at long-term capturing potential, although most of his manufacturing at the moment comes by way of alley-oop dunks and dump-off finishes. He struggled within the Remaining 4, recording zero rebounds vs. Houston — a tricky mark for a participant his dimension. He additionally stays weak 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 sport, averaging 14.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and a couple of.9 APG whereas capturing 72.4% from the free-throw line and simply 16% from three. He additionally averaged 1.9 blocks per sport, 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 exhibits wonderful imaginative and prescient and decision-making from the excessive put up. He’s the most effective passing bigs in his class and persistently makes good reads. Long run, he initiatives as a contemporary heart with stretch potential and facilitating upside, however he’ll must considerably enhance his energy and conditioning. Nonetheless uncooked bodily, he’ll profit vastly from NBA-level improvement. Whereas he’s not explosive off the dribble, his basketball IQ, dimension, and passing give him sturdy long-term attraction, even when he’s extra of a undertaking 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 professional late first-round prospect because of a robust junior marketing campaign and main enchancment in his perimeter capturing. 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, exhibiting his defensive exercise and consciousness. The most important improvement in Fleming’s sport has been his three-point shot. After inconsistent capturing in earlier seasons, he knocked down 62 of 159 from deep this yr—good for 39% on excessive quantity (almost two makes per sport). That capturing surge, mixed together with his athletic 6’9” body and robust bodily instruments, makes him an intriguing trendy stretch-four prospect. Nevertheless, 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 undertaking his affect on the subsequent stage. Nonetheless, his dimension, energy, defensive instincts, and dependable capturing from past the arc give him translatable traits for in the present day’s NBA. Fleming could 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 helpful 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 attributable to an harm that sidelined him for half the yr. As soon as he returned, he struggled to seek 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, exhibiting his capacity to manage the sport as a lead guard. A former AAU standout, Fland constructed a status as a tricky, hard-nosed competitor with wonderful instincts and really feel for the sport. His electrical quickness and pure wiggle make him a troublesome cowl in isolation, and he’s the most effective passers within the class when totally wholesome. He additionally has a dependable floater sport, and his fast arms 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 considered 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 sport—showcasing effectivity and management as a combo guard. Clayton is a fearless late-game performer with a elegant scoring package deal. He shot 45.1% from the sector, 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 beneath strain and persistently hits large pictures. Whereas he brings toughness, confidence, and profitable intangibles, there are questions on his match on the subsequent stage. He lacks very best dimension for a standard level guard and might want to enhance his decision-making and general command of the offense to thrive in a lead function. Nonetheless, his elite capturing, clutch gene, and scoring instincts make him a robust 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 general seed and a Remaining 4 look. Although he got here off the bench, Pettiford rapidly emerged as one of the crucial harmful instant-offense guards within the nation. He averaged 11.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 0.9 SPG whereas capturing 42.1% from the sector, 36.6% from three, and 80.4% from the road—environment friendly numbers for a freshman taking part in a key function on a loaded roster. Pettiford performs with jitterbug pace and elite shiftiness, utilizing his fast first step and superior ball-handling to interrupt down defenders. He has a ton of “wiggle” to his sport 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 likely one of the high freshmen within the nation and a possible steal if his sport continues to evolve. His physique sort and ability 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 robust exhibiting on the 2024 NBA Mix. The 21-year-old declared for the draft after testing the waters and returning to high school, exhibiting measurable progress in each his physique and ability set. Ndongo averaged 13.4 PPG, and eight.9 RPG, whereas capturing 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 exhibiting flashes of a creating face-up sport. His power, toughness, and defensive effort make him a super trendy power 4. Nonetheless uncooked in some areas, however his bodily profile and upside as a two-way function participant give him sturdy attraction 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 likely 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 capturing 46.0% from the sector, 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 indicate the flexibility to affect persistently in a much bigger function. An explosive above-the-rim athlete, Bryant passes the attention check with flying colours. His lengthy body and leaping capacity make him a prototypical NBA wing, and his capturing mechanics and 3-point effectivity—albeit on restricted makes an attempt—counsel actual potential as a ground spacer. Nevertheless, questions stay about his general focus, toughness, and motor, as he struggled to earn constant minutes and sometimes pale 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 chance. 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 the moment 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 sport 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. Taking part in restricted minutes (12.6 MPG) for Actual Madrid’s powerhouse senior staff, he averaged 4.6 PPG whereas capturing simply 27% from three on low quantity—highlighting the necessity for continued improvement and confidence in his perimeter shot. Regardless of the numbers, his flashes are simple. González is fluid with the ball, has a inventive 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 outdated, he stays a high-upside worldwide prospect. Whether or not he retains his title within the draft or returns for additional seasoning, González is considered as a long-term funding who might reward persistence 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 because of his nice scoring capacity, maturity, and elite capturing contact. Initially from Nashville, Tennessee, Lanier performed for Staff CP3 on the AAU circuit and was flippantly recruited out of highschool earlier than his faculty profession at North Florida. After transferring to Tennessee, as a fifth yr senior, he rapidly grew to become one of the crucial environment friendly perimeter scorers within the SEC. Lanier averaged 18.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.1 APG whereas capturing 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 effectively with out the ball. His shot options an unorthodox, low launch, nevertheless it’s fast and constant sufficient to make it efficient on the subsequent stage. At 6’4”, he has first rate however not very best dimension for an NBA capturing 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 Event in opposition to excessive stage defenders, which raised some issues. Nonetheless, Lanier’s management, focus, and toughness stand out. He profiles as an instantaneous bench scorer who can stretch the ground, play inside a system, and supply dependable capturing 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 sport, whereas capturing 49.6% from the sector, 37.7% from three, and 77.7% from the road. Clifford is an explosive leaper and finishes effectively on the rim. He’s efficient attacking off the dribble and thrives in pick-and-roll conditions, exhibiting spectacular imaginative and prescient as a passer and luxury as a secondary ball-handler. Defensively, he’s a robust on-ball presence with the dimensions and athleticism to protect a number of positions.Although he was as soon as thought-about a task participant, Clifford has steadily developed right into a professional offensive point of interest and dependable ground spacer. His 3-point capturing has come a good distance, including one other dimension to his sport. 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 counsel he might carve out a helpful 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 because of his excessive basketball IQ, toughness, capturing 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 sport. He shot 31.7% from three, 86.6% from the road, and 38.1% from the sector. McNeeley’s biggest energy lies in his spot-up capturing and ground spacing. Regardless of underwhelming percentages, his easy mechanics and free throw accuracy counsel he initiatives as a dependable shooter on the subsequent stage. He overcomes a obvious lack of foot pace and vertical burst with sturdy fundamentals, high-level decision-making, and the flexibility to play inside an offense. His limitations develop into extra obvious when attacking the rim or taking part in in transition, the place his athleticism doesn’t enable 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 capturing give him a excessive ground 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 capturing 51.7% from the sector, 29.2% from three, and 75.3% from the free-throw line. Penda thrives within the “connector” function—he’s not a major scorer, however he makes profitable performs, retains the ball shifting, and finds methods to contribute on each ends. Defensively, he’s one of many higher perimeter-stopping forwards in his class, with the energy and foot pace 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. Nevertheless, 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 sexy 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 important 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 capturing a powerful 58.6% from the sector. Nevertheless, his exterior shot stays a query mark—he linked on simply 26.5% from three and 70.7% from the free-throw line. Murray-Boyles performs with a bodily, bully-ball fashion on offense, utilizing his 7’0” wingspan to create house and end across the rim. He’s efficient in isolation, usually benefiting from slower or undersized defenders with highly effective drives and artful footwork. Within the put up, he’s robust to maneuver and exhibits sturdy contact regardless of missing high-end explosiveness. Defensively, he’s strong however not a standout. His pace 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 capturing 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 improvement.
NBA Comparability: Talon Horton-Tucker
30. Brooklyn Nets (from Oklahoma Metropolis) Yaxel Lendeborg 6-9 240 PF/C UAB Sr.
NBA Comparability: Kyle Anderson
