2025 NBA Draft Big Board | Court Hype
Your 2025 NBA Draft Hub. Full rankings and scouting reports for 60 prospects in the 2025 class.
With the NBA Draft barely a week away. I have scouted, analyzed and ranked just about every prospect in the 2025 class. With plenty of high-end talent and unmistakable depth across the positional spectrum, this year’s crop of up and comers has something for everyone.
Use the links in the prospect directory below if you want to jump straight to a particular prospect (assuming I have embedded them correctly).
Guards
Wings
Forwards
Bigs
1. Cooper Flagg
6’9” | 221 lbs | Forward | Duke | Freshman | 18.5 Y/O
After a transcendent freshman season that ended in anguish against Houston in the Final Four, Flagg answered the bell from start to finish. At 6'9" with a 6'11" wingspan, he is an archetypal marvel with a multi-pronged skillset that comes around once in a blue moon. Still just 18 years old, almost half of the NBA is holding out hope that the lottery balls fall in their favor.
Upside
A rangy point forward with sharp playmaking instincts off the catch, be it at the nail or as a waystation on ball reversals. Rarely forces the issue and has airtight pattern recognition when the defense tilts towards him in the halfcourt. An excellent cog to a movement-heavy offense, especially with a spaced floor, by leveraging skip passes and finding the low-man over the top when backline defenders play up or stunt forward. A proven shot-maker from beyond the arc, particularly above the break. A multi-positional ball hawk defensively who can defend without fouling while deploying acute timing on his jumps when scrambling to contest. Unfazed when getting physical on the interior in pursuit of rebounds and when denying inside position to opposing bigs. A sound team defender with noticeably strong rotational integrity more than one pass away. Equipped with the length to switch across the positional spectrum, and either shadow or swarm drivers of every variety. A fiery competitive who, by all accounts, puts winning first.
Downside
Overall scoring package is still a work in progress. His restricted area finishing (58.3 percent at the rim) would rank well below the NBA league average - needs to polish his angular touch when burrowing to the rim. 3-point shooting volume will need to see an uptick at the next level in order to become an all-around threat from the outside in. Not yet mistake-free as a go-to ball handler. Coordination and inventiveness when initiating from the top or breaking down his man one-on-one lacks in certain respects.
2. Dylan Harper
6’6” | 213 lbs | Guard | Rutgers | Freshman | 19.3 Y/O
Despite an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign for Rutgers collectively, Dylan Harper showed a steady diet of offensive dynamism that is simply hard to come by. A 6'6" combo guard with an uncanny command of how to break down his man, weave into defensive creases and draw second defenders. Harper is tailor-made for an NBA backcourt with the size and skillset to interchangeably monopolize an offense or coexist with other high-end creators.
Upside
A handful to deal with defensively when given ample runway and a head of steam, Harper's rim pressure off the bounce and ability to contort and score at the cup is top-shelf. Dictates pace with the handle well, hunts openings with expansive dribble creativity and routinely averts help defenders when attacking north-to-south. Thrives in traffic by leveraging his inside shoulder to self-manufacture finishing angles with his outside arm. 67.6 percent at the rim as a freshman. His decisiveness shines through - rarely leaves his feet, remains grounded when discontinuing his dribble, and utilizes his pivot foot to full effect as a means of broadening his decision tree. His proactivity on the ball bodes well as a pick and roll creator. Turns the corner with aplomb and has flashed a masterful use of sprint and push dribbles when rejecting screens or splitting defenders en route to the rim. Primarily a left-handed operator, although is comfortable attacking with either hand when creating in space. Rock solid passing vocabulary when faced with extra defensive attention and decent accuracy when passing over the top. Can make the bullet pass to the weakside corner with either hand when on the move. Made 36.8 percent of his threes off the catch. Solid point of attack defender with physical dimensions to contain backcourt opponents, although certainly not a lockdown stalwart on that end.
Downside
The in-between game off the dribble does not yet measure up, especially for someone who relies on weaponizing his downhill threat with defenders on the backfoot. Not a great pull-up rhythm shooter. Mechanically, releases the ball out in front almost from shoulder-level rather than above his head, which can lead to a flat trajectory on his jumper and short-stroking it from outside of 15 feet. Will need to be able to stop on a dime and knock down dribble jumpers to punish drop coverage at the NBA level. His 33.3 percent shooting from deep will need to climb to round out his game as a pro. Defensive tenacity can waver at times. Had too many languid possessions getting caught upright, stopping dead in his tracks while navigating screens or pursuing rearview contests when a step behind his man.
3. Ace Bailey
6’9” | 203 lbs | Forward | Rutgers | Freshman | 18.9 Y/O
The other half of Rutgers' highly-touted tandem, Ace Bailey is as polarizing as he is alluring. The type of show-stopping talent that can have you on your feet one possession and grimacing in disapproval the next. Ace is a 6'10" swingman whose calling card is taking, and making, 2-point jumpers with abandon. Probing with the dribble and getting to his spots to rise above whoever is in front of him.
Upside
A day-ruining pull-up shooter in single coverage. Bailey has a unique penchant for leaning into high-difficulty jumpers inside the arc - snatch-backs, fall-aways, turnarounds, and everything in between. Whether facing up in the mid-post or freestyling with the dribble, the variety of his shot-making repertoire is undeniable. Once he gets his eye in, the rim widens exponentially. Away from the ball, he knocked down 38.7 percent of his spot-up threes, consisting of idle looks as well as curling off screens. Has an aesthetic jumper and a quick rhythm release to boot. The fluidity of his runner when attacking the middle lane gives reason for optimism in respect of attacking closeouts. Showed glimpses as a vertical spacer roaming the baseline and running the outer channels in transition. Defensively, his measurables provide a steady baseline. Has the outlines of a rangy, bothersome wing defender, particularly against his own positional peers. Potential to become an imposing help-side deterrent in the halfcourt.
Downside
Despite his shot-making panache, the shot diet is inherently problematic. Attempted more mid-range pullups than shots in the paint at Rutgers, primarily a symptom of his M.O. Settling for, and subsisting on, low percentage and off-balance 2-point looks at the next level will be largely untenable. Struggles to absorb contact when going up, and his momentum on dribble drives is stymied by help defenders far too readily. Physically, will need to strengthen his frame and lower base to maintain his balance when attacking downhill or initiating his two steps. As a playmaker, his turnovers outnumbered his assists. Can struggle to execute rudimentary passing reads when faced with tight ball pressure. Defensively, the lapses can come in quick succession. General single-mindedness when rotating or switching, a lack of consistency possession-to-possession and getting caught in no man's land on occasion. Holding his own when switched onto guards is touch and go at this stage.
4. Jeremiah Fears
6’4” | 180 lbs | Guard | Oklahoma | Freshman | 18.7 Y/O
A 6'4" lead guard, Fears exhibits poise beyond his years with the ball in his hands. He is a run-of-the-mill athlete who does his damage methodically. His first step and vertical leap do not jump off the screen, but he shoots gaps, changes direction, and evades defenders in a manner that creates advantages for himself and others in the halfcourt. Fears is one of the youngest prospects in the draft after reclassifying to the 2024 class. He has lead guard blood in his veins with ample developmental tarmac to become a legitimate offensive engine by the time his second contract comes around.
Upside
An arrhythmic dribbler with functional burst who routinely attacks the cylinder off the bounce. Relies on stop-start dribbles, change of pace, and deceleration in the lane to get into the teeth of the defense. Gets to the restricted area on demand, where he scored over half his points as a freshman. Utterly dynamic with a live dribble. Will benefit from a spaced floor and widened driving lanes at the NBA level. The outlines of a bankable jump shot are there - an 85.1 percent free throw shooter as well as 36.1 percent on his catch and shoot 3-point looks. Flaunted the Midas touch from 2-point range with 44.1 percent from mid-range and 50 percent on floaters. Manipulates angles when turning the corner on ball screens. A savvy on-ball practitioner who thrives at getting his man on his hip by shifting gears at a moment's notice. Light on his toes but difficult to displace once he sets his feet or establishes his pivot foot. A net positive team defender. Flashed sound anticipation and foresight when stationed more than two passes away. Adept at jumping passing lanes or swiping on the periphery of drives - 1.6 steals per game.
Downside
Efficiency as a scorer is not yet up to snuff. 53 percent at the rim and 28.4 percent from 3-point land. Projects as more of a reactive, as opposed to a proactive, lead guard in the pros. 3.4 turnovers per game as a freshman, albeit partly due to his sky-high usage and the structural nature of Oklahoma's lineups. Can pry his way into the lane and get the defense in motion, but rarely turn the defense inside out with advanced reads or perceptive passing. No great shakes as an individual defender. No red flags in terms of pressuring the ball or moving laterally, but his full defensive repertoire is somewhat uninspiring. May be outstepped by like-sized NBA guards in single coverage.
5. V.J. Edgecombe
6’5” | 193 lbs | Guard | Baylor | Freshman | 19.9 Y/O
The Bahamian blur. A highlight maven and can't-miss prospect whose hustle and assertiveness ran opponents ragged as a freshman at Baylor. There is more than meets the eye with Edgecombe, whose eye-popping vertical and dexterous driving game provide a solid offensive floor.
Upside
A preternatural athlete jumping off one or both feet. Edgecombe has had his fair share of gravity-defying sequences, be it chase-down blocks or gliding to the rim while pushing the tempo in transition. His athletic markers are unmistakable and will translate to an NBA context seamlessly. A self-starter on the break who makes hay in the open floor without giving the defense a chance to get set. His baseline-to-baseline quickness, coupled with aerial acrobatics on dribble drives, allows him to generate instant offense. Already a serviceable standstill shooter from the outside - 36.3 percent on catch and shoot threes. His jumper is technically endearing - aligns his shooting and guide hands with a high release point. Exploits gaps in the halfcourt by moving with intent, which lends itself well to a complementary role within an NBA offense. A rapturous defender on and off the ball. Keeps his man in front on the perimeter and uses his burst effectively to rearview contest and remain in plays. Adept at walking the tightrope between his man and the ball on the weakside, whether showing and recovering or interjecting on a skip pass. Has upside as a defensive havoc wreaker who can get hand to ball and disrupt the flow of an offensive possession - 2.1 steals per game.
Downside
At 6'5", V.J. does not have the requisite size to scale up to the forward slots rotationally. His capacity as a primary creator is minimal, which could render his offensive utility more situation-specific than some of his early lottery counterparts. Struggles to improvise as a ball carrier late in the clock. Honing his handle and expanding his variability off the bounce will be essential to his offensive game venturing beyond that of a resourceful off-guard. Bridging the gap between his athletic proclivities and his ball skills remains the biggest question mark. Leaves his feet prematurely without a concrete plan when attacking the basket. His 53.8 percent shooting at the rim is painfully below water for a player with his physical traits. Such a low conversion rate in the paint, coupled with a lack of self-creation, could be a significant demerit in the eyes of teams without an offensive foundation already in place. Will need to up his attention to detail away from the ball to become an all-around defensive force.
6. Kon Knueppel
6’6” | 219 lbs | Guard | Duke | Freshman | 19.9 Y/O
With shooting at a premium in the modern era, it is hard to look past 40.6 percent from 3-point land and 91.2 percent from the free throw line. With plenty of reps generating system baskets as a floor spacing wing with the Blue Devils, Kon Knueppel comes into the draft ready-made to set NBA nets alight from deep and seamlessly slot in exactly where he is needed. As a plug-and-play swingman, Kon is one of the more scheme-independent prospects near the top of the board.
Upside
Efficiency does not lie. Knueppel is one of the most avid sharpshooters of this class. Armed with the positional size to quell many of the "all three, no D" concerns commonly attributed to his archetype. A lethal movement shooter and instinctual mover without the ball, Kon parlays the threat of his long-range shooting into a dependable three-level shot profile. He habitually puts the ball on the deck and maneuvers his way inside with a low center of gravity on the gather. His finishing at the cup is deceptively adept, and he will happily stop on a dime in the upper paint to rise and fire for elbow jumpers against a shifting defense. He projects as more of a tertiary scorer with the ball in his hands and a capable cog on the second-side. Has dabbled in pick and roll creation with plenty of promise. A poised distributor despite not being a fully-fledged table setter. Adept at surveying the floor and making simple reads against a set defense, biding his time until a passing window manifests. On the defensive end, his stature serves him well. A dogged defender on all fronts with a nose for timely rotations and a tendency to sink to the middle to congest the lane - tagging rollers or bumping cutters before reattaching to his man.
Downside
Far from a standout athlete, Kon's below the rim playstyle presents glaring limitations on both ends. Neither quick off the mark nor vertically inclined. Without adequate verticality to take off and abate help defenders, the utility of his driving game could be partially muted against an NBA backline. Defensively, his processing speed and spatial awareness as a team defender can only take him so far. His lateral footspeed while defensive sliding will bring challenges guarding the ball at the next level, especially when coupled with the myriad of ball screens he will need to to circumvent. His base strength and relative brawn allows him to stand firm against bigger bodies, but hampers his capacity to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards.
7. Khaman Maluach
7’2” | 253 lbs | Big | Duke | Freshman | 18.8 Y/O
A 17-year old Olympian with South Sudan in 2024, Duke's man in the middle brings much needed frontcourt verve to a lottery board littered with guards and forwards. 7'2" with a 7'7" wingspan and 9'6" standing reach, Khaman's measurables are absurd. Accordingly, Maluach does most of his work at the summit by providing a passing outlet over the top and catching lobs as a vertical spacer. A relative late-bloomer with an enticing developmental trajectory, Khaman is a worthy candidate for any team looking to bolster their front line.
Upside
A formidable interior presence while stationed in the dunker's spot or screening and rolling in space. Recorded 81 dunks as a freshman en route to 77.6% at the rim. A firm grasp of high-low principles with his frontcourt counterparts - flashing ball-side and sitting in the pocket to procure passing angles. Keeps possessions alive with a high work rate on the offensive glass, weaponizing his standing reach while planted around the charge circle. 76.6 percent from the charity stripe is indicative of a friendly touch from floater range and beyond. Occupies a large surface area on the backline defensively. Clogs the paint by stepping up as a helper early and often without compromising the dump-off. Textbook verticality on contests - consciously avoids lowering his arms to alter 2-point shots around the rim without fouling. Tailor-made for the bottom of the zone. Not yet an all-consuming deterrent at the basket, but provides palpable interior resistance even if delayed in rotating. Surprisingly scheme versatile in the pick and roll for a player with his body type. Dabbled in drop coverage, show and recovers, catch hedges, and quasi-traps. Apt at playing the middle - shading towards the ball handler and backtracking to the roller. Uses his wingspan to impede drives.
Downside
Limited service offering offensively beyond being a lob catcher and rolling target. Lacks the necessary passing feel to make plays in the flow of the offense. Will need to capitalize on 4-on-3 man advantages in the short roll in the NBA. Low-post proficiency remains up in the air. Would benefit from further exposure to sealing deep in the post or operating with his back to the basket. Often relies on his physical tools rather than fundamentals to control the defensive glass. Jostling for inside position is a glaring weakness - can fail to get low or securely plant his feet on box outs. His second jump is nothing to write home about. Vulnerable to being burnt in the mid-post given his long-limbed frame.
8. Kasparas Jakucionis
6’6” | 205 lbs | Guard | Illinois | Freshman | 19.1 Y/O
After leaving F.C. Barcelona to spread his wings at the college level, Kasparas Jakucionis took the reins for Illinois offensively. The added responsibility worked wonders in some departments while exposing his weak points in others. A 6'6" dual guard with a proven ability to self-administer separation with the dribble and unload from deep-range. Consistency will be a key focus area for Jakucionis' long term outlook.
Upside
A seasoned pick and roll practitioner, Kasparas melds a balanced scoring attack with playmaking zip. A deadeye shooter from every segment of the court, contrary to what the raw efficiency numbers suggest. Drilled 41.4 percent of his 70 3-point attempts prior to injuring his forearm on January 11th. 70 percent of his jumpers came off the dribble, which bogged down his overall shooting splits. He shot 35 percent on catch and shoot threes as a freshman, which jumps to 37.5 percent when uncontested. These should comprise the bulk of his NBA looks early on. Has an affinity for self-creation - can step-back and side-step to either side and catch defenders by surprise. Readily punishes drop coverage when afforded room to square up and fire away. Can find the bottom of the net from perimeter to paint. Almost half his points came at the rim. An avid foul drawer who welcomes contact when veering to the cylinder. Improvisational distributor who can thread the needle against pressure - apt at throwing the slip pass to diving bigs. Solid defensive bottom line courtesy of his stature and positive wingspan. Decent lateral shiftiness. Can pitch in on the defensive glass.
Downside
A subpar-athlete who is more subtle than sudden when accelerating or moving from A to B. Can be over adventurous when pulling the trigger from deep, be it early in the clock or spatially misjudging his defender. Slightly out of his depth as the fulcrum of an offense. Occasionally forces the issue with absent-minded lead passes and mistargeted hit-aheads. Terminates his dribble early in possessions. Gets airborne for risky jump passes. As such, still finding his groove as a distributor. No standout defensive attributes. Projects as a passable team defender but underwhelming on an individual level. Does a respectable job guarding like-sized wings, but is marginalized in the face of physicality.
9. Derik Queen
6’10” | 248 lbs | Big | Maryland | Freshman | 20.5 Y/O
With the floor game of a guard wrapped up in a big man's body, Derik Queen forecasts as a hybrid big with a plethora of moves at his disposal and unreal maneuverability. The Naz Reid parallels are inescapable, absent a deadly 3-point stroke. While the kinks in his game are numerous, his dynamism is impossible to ignore. With the right tweaks, his ceiling is astronomical.
Queen and Maluach are the premier big in this draft class with diametrically opposed strengths and weaknesses. With equivalent draft stocks, teams in the mid-lottery could reckon with an existential question about the future of their frontcourt.
Upside
A fluid mover as a ball carrier that is hard to come by at his position. Elegantly fuses finesse with power on straight-line drives and post touches. Impeccable one-two craft as a driver. Distinctly fleet of foot, slithery and ambidextrous when navigating his way through a thicket of defenders. Can decelerate at a moment's notice for nifty runners in the upper paint. Optionality to roll or fade as a screen setter. Capable distributor at the nail, which can be tapped into further with proper floor balance in the NBA. Precise on pocket passes and transition outlets. Spry offensive rebounder who leverages his wide shoulders and coordination. A dependable jump shot is not out of the question, as his 76.6 percent from the line and deft touch past 10 feet could prove instructive. A toolsy defender whose shortcomings on that end stem primarily from a lack of execution, rather than physical or mobility issues.
Downside
Turns 21 in December, making him the oldest prospect hovering around the top 10. Ideal positional fit remains a point of contention. Feels like a more natural four, but his jumper needs to come along. Low 3-point volume at Maryland with a 30.8 percent conversion rate on dribble jumpers inside the arc. A below the rim finisher inside - does his work horizontally rather than vertically. Offers little in the form of rim protection on the defensive end. Can be rendered a bug on the windshield when trying to resist bigger opponents. Habitually a step slow in rotating which made him a sitting duck on the backend. Would rather see him over-shift as opposed to under-shift as a helper. Would benefit from a deeper stance on the perimeter - locks his knees too often when guarding the ball. Switchability will be his defensive meal ticket as a pro. Listless defensive sequences were prevalent in his game, whether he was disengaged or simply out of stamina is up for debate.
10. Tre Johnson
6’6” | 190 lbs | Guard | Texas | Freshman | 19.3 Y/O
After leading the SEC in points and minutes per game, Tre Johnson's NBA value proposition is clear as day. A bona fide bucket-getter who can heat up from deep range like a furnace. But he brings more questions than answers. Whether Tre can flourish in a streamlined, less ball-dominant role remains to be seen. The scoring potential is gaudy, while the defensive eye test may leave a sour taste in the mouths of talent evaluators.
Upside
An outright gunslinger from beyond the arc, Tre converted 40.8 percent of his 3-point attempts off the catch and 38.4 percent off the dribble. The breadth of his 3-point arsenal keeps defenders on their toes. Johnson simply cannot go unaccounted for as a shooter, as he actively hunts any and every opportunity to let it fly. He willingly gets off the ball to free himself up off movement from side-to-side, and is comfortable sweeping along the 3-point arc to either his left or his right before promptly squaring up in one motion. When defenders overplay, his dribble pullup game in the mid-range is ripe for the taking. Has a bevy of moves and trusty footwork to fall back on when creating separation. Does not possess innate point guard instincts, but can make the simple play as well as find the open man when the low-man meets him at the level of the screen.
Downside
Viewed by some as a one-trick pony, he has a limited service offering inside the arc. Lacks explosiveness as a ball handler, and in turn rarely gets to the nail or punctures the defense in any capacity. Gets dislodged or bumped off his spot too easily on straight line drives, as evidenced by his 51.4 percent mark on rim attempts. The defensive downside could eventually neutralize his offensive upside, as he can be a defensive pushover for extended stretches. The film features a healthy dose of myopic rotations, sporadically indolent closeouts, slipping in the rearview at the point of attack, and difficulty adequately backpedalling against opposing guards.
11. Carter Bryant
6’8” | 215 lbs | Forward | Arizona | Freshman | 19.6 Y/O
Carter Bryant's NBA viability goes well beyond his freshman counting stats, as 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game is far from awe-inspiring. A similar playstyle and an almost identical frame to Aaron Gordon at the same age, coincidentally a fellow Wildcat, Carter's destiny is of the ancillary variety. That being said, he profiles as a high-end "3-and-D" wing with plenty of lift.
Upside
His applied athleticism works wonders when gliding to the rim. More of a sleek athlete than a combustible one - optimized with a running start or a modicum of momentum. Flourished as a cog in Arizona's system. Predominantly operated from station-to-station as an opportunistic off-ball threat with slot cuts, middle flashes and filling the dunker's spot. A legitimate rhythm shooter from deep on non-negligible volume. His spot-up jumper should be scale nicely - shot 45 percent on uncontested looks. Nailed 41.3 percent of his threes on 75 total attempts since the turn of the calendar. Hinted at being a transition catalyst off grab-and-go's. The defensive end of the floor is his calling card. Highly mobile side-to-side when staying in lockstep with ball handlers. A pogo athlete when extending his reach to contest, putting his 7'0"" wingspan to use. Made a habit of blocking jump shots. Capable of skying for successive jumps if he gets faked out. Will be outwardly switchable from day one.
Downside
His offensive ceiling is highly contentious. Played a bench role at Arizona with few on-ball reps, limited touches and almost exclusively played off others as a cutter and standstill shooter. May simply get in where he fits in as an offensive cog in the machine entering the NBA. Miniscule sample of his prowess as a shooter off movement or secondary screening actions. He can be slightly delayed when launching as a set shooter - speeding up his motion on the way up will need to be a priority. Incredibly foul prone, which was masked by the fact he played less minutes as a freshman. Will need to improve his discipline when swiping or lunging for contests. Tough to gauge the extent of his passing ability within the confines of his college role. Had his head on a swivel for early outlet passes in moments. Functioned primarily as a play finisher and ball mover in the flow of the offense.
12. Cedric Coward
6’7” | 213 lbs | Forward | Washington State | Senior | 21.8 Y/O
Cedric Coward's journey to this point is about as ascendant as it gets. From humble beginnings playing division III college basketball in 2021, Cedric transferred to Eastern Washington for two years before playing his senior year as a Cougar. The Draft Combine worked wonders for Coward, who clocked in at 6'5" barefoot with a mighty 7'2" wingspan. Coward had pledged to spend his final college season at Duke, but he has since confirmed that he is officially all in on his NBA dream. Cedric played just six games for the Cougars before season-ending shoulder surgery intervened. As his draft stock has risen meteorically, so has the hype around his NBA future.
Upside
Extraordinary measurables with a plus 9 inch wingspan. A 38.8 percent 3-point shooter on 196 attempts during division 1 college play. 83.2 percent foul shooter over the same span. Gorgeous shooting form - a straight up and down motion where he stays 90° to the floor, a gooseneck follow through, and exemplary use of his guide hand. Flourishes as a catch and shoot option off movement - launching while backtracking, shifting sideways, or running towards the ball handler. Capitalizes on his threat level from beyond the 3-point line with fluid two-dribble jumpers inside the arc. Capable of stopping on a dime and unloading 15 foot jumpers when he is run off the line. Showcases a certain type of bravura to his offensive game, taking what the defense gives him and proactively attacking defensive seams. Combines sideline-to-sideline vision with great passing accuracy and velocity. Defensively, he has a wider margin for error by virtue of his length and ridiculous extension. Solid pick awareness when guarding the ball - puts the feelers out with his arms to maintain spatial awareness and give himself the latitude to fight over or around. Locks and trails his man well for his size. A menacing supplementary rim protector. Keeps his vertical plane to a T when in legal guarding position. Capable of swatting layup attempts from the flank or jumping passing lanes with his go-go gadget arms. Defensive versatility may be off the charts in due time.
Downside
Needs to bulk up a tad. Will be pummeled in the paint or bumped off on drives with such a spindly frame. Little hope of ever evolving into a primary creator as his handle is loose and unpolished. Sporadically inert at times due to a shortfall of explosiveness from a standstill. His fundamentals while defensive sliding are a work in progress, can entangle his legs when flipping his hips to contain drives. Holding his own as a switch defender will take some time. College momentum was impeded by a serious shoulder injury. Much of his evaluation stems from scant game tape during his 6 games as a senior. Whether such a limited sample of his production in a stronger collegiate conference serves as a well-founded litmus test is contentious.
13. Jase Richardson
6’2” | 178 lbs | Guard | Michigan State | Freshman | 18.7 Y/O
Son of former NBA star Jason Richardson, Jase started the final 15 games of his freshman season. He finished the year with averages of 16.1 points and 42 percent from deep in that span. A trueborn combo guard with point guard stature, the complementary nature of Richardson's game ought to smoothen his NBA transition.
Upside
A low maintenance, high-yield guard. Content with embracing the off-guard role or soaking up positions as a primary facilitator. No obvious weaknesses as a scorer. A laser 3-point shooter off the catch - 50 percent on unguarded spot-up looks. Can stick it from all three levels and made a tremendous 69% of his rim attempts. An above average athlete who won't overwhelm opponents with a lightning first step, but bides his time and plays at his own pace. Unflappable when initiating himself - exquisite composure when surveying the floor. Adept pick and roll ball handler in spurts. A credible ancillary playmaker who can diagnose the defense and make snap decisions accordingly. Possesses the wherewithal to connect dots for himself and others - speed reading defensive alignments and remaining level-headed under pressure. High degree of buy in defensively. Alert on the clear-side. Handsy in all the right ways. Zig-zags his way around picks with relative ease.
Downside
At 6'2", lacks positional size as an archetypal two-guard. Not necessarily a plus athlete at the next level, which could work against him as a relatively diminutive guard. A high-floor, low-ceiling prospect who forecasts to be schematically additive, rather than transformative. As such, relies on offensive flow to find his own rhythm and conjure offense. An inability to take on a lead role could move him down a rung in the eyes of many. Left-hand dominant to a fault. Will need to strengthen his right hand to avoid being bottled up by more astute ball hounds. Lacks defensive versatility by virtue of his size - unable to hold his own in a switch-heavy scheme.
14. Collin Murray-Boyles
6’8” | 239 lbs | Forward | South Carolina | Sophomore | 20.0 Y/O
A sophomore amidst an army of freshman prospects, Murray-Boyles' draft stock is as divisive as it gets. His defensive tenacity and overall feel can easily be overshadowed by a lack of stretch offensively. He falls victim to the age-old conundrum of the tweener forward - a two-way package befitting a power forward but equipped with the size of a wing (6'7").
Upside
An adaptable finisher in the painted area who shot 66.9% at the rim. Will not wow you with his verticality, but can certainly pack a punch when maneuvering in and around the basket. A respectable straight-line driver who can venture beyond a few dribbles when putting the ball on the deck. Uses his inside shoulder to get his shot off in close quarters. Dissected defenses as a facilitator in spurts. Particularly adept at bulleting it to the weakside corner when greeted by additional bodies, often with bullseye passing placement. A ready-made defensive ace. Crisp rotator with a sound directional compass when stunting or showing high to the ball. Seemingly ubiquitous for extended stretches courtesy of his spatial awareness and intentionality. A deflections merchant who conjured 2.8 stocks per game. Can shift stance instantaneously when sliding his feet and guarding the ball. Arguably the best "domino defender" in the class - executing successive reads seamlessly in the flow of an individual possession. Boasts deceptive base strength when bodying up down low and punches above his weight on the glass.
Downside
Projects to be purely context-dependent, as his weaknesses present clear redundancies within a rotation. A complete non-entity as a floor spacer at this juncture. A somewhat unconventional follow through, similar to that of Jarace Walker. His mechanics are tenable despite hindering his rhythm on the draw. Whether or not he is honored from 3-point range further down the track will inevitably shape the rest of his game. At the very least will need to keep defenses honest as the athletic markers are insufficient to mitigate his shooting deficiencies. Too small to be a defensive backbone in any form. Despite the totality of his defensive upside, will likely be thrust into a more perimeter-oriented role than he encountered at South Carolina. Containing dribble penetration against speedier wings and guards may be a learning curve.
15. Asa Newell
6’10” | 224 lbs | Big | Georgia | Sophomore | 19.7 Y/O
A 6'10" hybrid big with a 6'11" wingspan, Asa Newell is multi-dimensional on both sides of the ball. He is relatively lithe despite periodically bullying his frontcourt foes down low. Newell straddled the fence between outmuscling and outmaneuvering opponents at the college level. The former will be an uphill battle as a pro, while the latter just might be his bread and butter. Like Derik Queen, his positional fate is likely at the four. But what he lacks in certainty for prospective suitors, he makes up for in variety.
Upside
A snappy athlete who can get off the floor in a heartbeat, although far from a world-beater vertically. A voracious rebounder who fuses effort with guile in the paint. An astounding 13.9 percent offensive rebounding percentage as a freshman. Uses power dribbles and reverse pivots well to gain his balance before exploding back up. Feathery touch in the upper paint with a push shot in his face up arsenal. His value stems from the sheer variability of his attack as a cutter, roller, post up big, jump shooter, and occasional transition option. Thrives off two feet. Finished 73% of his multitude of rim attempts. A compelling threat at the nail. Can operate as a regimented playmaker - punishing defensive overlaps with timely reads. Decent passer while rifling the ball to shooters or splitting defenders on backdoor finds. A willing shooter from range, albeit a work in progress. Plenty of looks off relocation rather than exclusively stationary. Comfortable playing at the level of the screen with is arms up defensively before readily retreating. Light on his toes when executing soft blitzes and hedges. Sound defensive principles while contesting - maintains his vertical plane in a textbook manner. Switches stance well on the perimeter, toggling between high and low posture to cover the shot while locking in on swing throughs. Fervent defender all the way around whether on the ball, in help-side, or the low-man in screening actions.
Downside
Primarily played the five at Georgia. Will need to optimize his game by downscaling to the four and tapping into the more fluid elements of his skillset. No true go-to skill, which muddies the waters for his outlook. Georgia's democratic offensive system could work against him, as he never fully honed in to one specific area. Will need to navigate the challenges of stricter role definition in the pros. Hit 29.2 percent of his 89 3-point attempts as a freshman. Shoring up his iffy three-ball will be priority number one. Has a solid base on his set shots but a slight hitch pulling his follow through back towards his head. Will need to speed up his shooting motion when catching and rising in rhythm. Guarding in space and shading high towards ball screens will be a harder proposition against NBA athleticism. Will be overmatched in single coverage against the majority of NBA centers.
16. Noa Essengue
6’9” | 194 lbs | Forward | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | 18.5 Y/O
Along with several others in these rankings, Noa Essengue carries the baton for an expansive and ever-growing list of French draftees. With a svelte build and smooth directional movement, the contours of Essengue's game make him one of the more intriguing first-round talents. While he has a few distinct pain points, taking a flyer on his tools alone could pay dividends. A gamble the Washington Wizards reckoned with just two years ago with Bilal Coulibaly.
Upside
Garnered experience playing within a sophisticated offense in a tight-knit halfcourt setting in Europe. Acute instincts as a cutter - moves with purpose and fills openings when they manifest. Should develop second-side dependability early in the process. Found success when ripping through without necessarily getting by his defender. Covers ample ground with long strides and utilizes push dribbles to slink into gaps efficiently. Able to twist and turn on the way up to elicit finishing angles. Pressures the rim when he has a head of steam - an astounding 73.2 percent free throw rate at Ulm (5 free throw attempts per game to 6.5 field goal attempts). Elite mobility, both end-to-end and side-to-side. Clear potential to become a serial transition option trailing the split-line or leaking out ahead of the defense. Can sky for dunks or touch finishes. A prototypical ball hawk defensively. Measured with a 6'11" wingspan and 9'3" standing reach in 2024. Has all the attributes to credibly guard one through four down the road. His gangly frame and seemingly boundless reach give him added bandwidth as a scramble defender. He is able to recover on help-side or impact plays where others physically cannot.
Downside
A daring, but ineffectual, shooter despite his coherent technique. The efficiency from beyond the arc will need to eventually catch-up if he wants to stay on the floor. Feeds almost solely on the creation of his teammates. Unsophisticated as a ball carrier - is deployed as a basic point A to B straight-line driver. Limited exposure to ball handling duties or pounding the rock in Europe. Unable to physically overpower or plough through frontcourt matchups in the lane. Requires further maturation to withstand contact. Will need to tack on additional weight to feasibly provide any inside resistance. Much of his value proposition remains theoretical - rooted in his physical traits. The stylistic and kinetic parallels to Bruno Caboclo are hard to ignore. But with patience and a few growing pains, the upside is clear as day.
17. Nique Clifford
6’6” | 202 lbs | Wing | Colorado State | Super Senior | 23.4 Y/O
After a five year college tenure, the super senior Nique Clifford enters the 2025 draft as one of the oldest, and most seasoned, prospects floating around the first-round discourse. A 6'6" swingman with enough bounce to raise the roof, Clifford spread his wings at Colorado State with a green light and open-ended creative license. He could be a hand-in-glove fit for organizations with an actualized roster seeking perimeter depth later in the draft order.
Upside
A ready-made wing who brings a little bit of everything to the table. A high floor prospect with a refined offensive game. Splashed over 40 percent of his catch and shoot threes throughout his final college season. Great elevation on his jumper. A fine-tuned machine out of the triple threat. Makes hay in a plethora of ways - pick and roll, mid-post touches, attacking closeouts from the second side. Uses set-up dribbles, stutters and hesitations to his advantage. Packs a punch athletically. A quick twitch riser off one or two feet. Impeccable footwork on two foot gathers - swivels off his pivot foot to hunt openings or create space. Exemplary balance as a driver. Had ample opportunity to freelance and self-administer offense in isolation at Colorado State. Accordingly, gets to his spots and probes his way inside the arc. Surveys the floor well from sideline-to-sideline. Recognizes overloads and puts great velocity on his skip passes. A handsy defender in all the right ways. 6'8" wingspan aids him as a ball hound. Stoic in a stance as the first line of defense. Good instincts pinching in from the corners.
Downside
Will turn 24 midway through his rookie campaign. Closer to a finished product than almost any other prospect. Played against objectively inferior competition in the Mountain West conference. The fluidity of his jumper off the catch could use work. Appreciably more comfortable walking into his jump shot off the back of his own creation, as opposed to being a set shooter. Skews too far towards attacking with his right hand. Will need to correct this imbalance to become a fully-fledged threat from every segment of the court. Staring down the barrel of a steep defensive learning curve in terms of the relative pace, size and floor balance of the NBA.
18. Rasheer Fleming
6’9” | 232 lbs | Forward | Saint Joseph’s | Junior | 20.9 Y/O
Arguably the most tantalizing up and comer in this class. A 6’9” forward with a monstrous 7’5” wingspan, Fleming is as corporeally gifted as you will ever see. Whether or not his offensive limitations overshadow his staggering Draft Combine measurements could determine if Rasheer rises up the ranks or falls by the wayside.
Upside
A potent play finisher in the halfcourt or the open floor. Great screen setter, pivoting into his roll without a hitch. Swift directional mover when diving to the rim off ghost and slip screens. Elite jump timing off two feet which jumps off the screen during lob finishes, offensive rebounds and help-side swats. Spatially cognizant away from the ball. Punishes the defense for resting on their laurels by filling the gaps and making himself available. Drilled 39 percent of his 4.5 3-point attempts per game as a junior. Had a 41% strike rate on uncontested treys off the catch. Shot a career-high 74.3 percent from the free throw line. Fleming has a split second buffer when rotating as a helper defensively due to his verticality, dexterity and otherworldly reach. Envelopes oncoming attackers simply by existing. Logged 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks in 2024-25. Potential as a small-ball five with his energy and quick recovery time on contests.
Downside
Projects as a strictly supplementary component to 5-man NBA units. Devoid of any ball handling ability (ostensibly) beyond a few dribbles. Shooting indicators point to an inability to adjust to pressure, and his form is far from perfect. Has a slight wind up from left to right with his shooting arm and often takes an extra half second to set his feet. Catch and shoot proficiency from 3-point land plummeted markedly when a defender is in his vicinity. Needs to tinker slightly with his rhythm and fluidity on set shots. The absence of self-creation limits his upside as a lottery or mid first-round gamble. Widespread concern about the strength, or lack thereof, of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Level of competition could be viewed as sub-standard in the context of the NBA Draft, possibly dampening how he is assessed by certain organisations.
19. Thomas Sorber
6’10” | 263 lbs | Big | Georgetown | Junior | 19.5 Y/O
A big man of the traditional variety, Sorber brings a unique blend of brute strength, low-post flair and passing intuition. He had season-ending foot surgery in late February which will certainly subdue what could have been a promising pre-draft process. But Sorber is far from an enigma, as his game did plenty of talking throughout his 24 contests as a freshman.
Upside
Boasts a polished game on the interior - drop-steps, pound dribbles and an array of hook shots. Does not get rushed when bodied up - either uses his pivot foot to work angles or barrels into opponents en route to the goal. Deliberate in traffic - uses one or two dribble gathers to set himself up or waltz into a spin move. Stays low to the ground when sealing his man with a knack for establishing inside position. Parlays his steady coordination to evince a wide catch radius when rolling to the rim. Sound as a screener - pirouettes with his inside foot to maximize the space he dives into. Should translate well for slip screen or drag screen situations in the NBA. A resourceful elbow creator, albeit not a decorated one. Surveys his options and acts accordingly, especially finding his teammates on backdoors and baseline streaks. Teased shooting range out to the 3-point line with a willingness to let it fly. Despite making 16.2 percent of his 37 attempts from above the break, his shooting form breeds confidence. A reliable defensive backstop. Puts his range and extension to good use as a second line man. Savvy in rotation and rarely overbearing on contests to avoid racking up fouls. Uses his body well when swarming ball handlers. 2 blocks and 1.5 steals at Georgetown speaks to his potential as a defensive playmaker.
Downside
Profiles as somewhat of a "jack of all trades, master of none" in the pros as a low-man. A slower-twitch athlete who could be considered heavy-footed by NBA standards. Unlikely to ever embed himself as a dangerous lob catcher. Played a lot of forward in College, but his game is more akin to a five-man in the NBA. A tad undersized in that regard at 6'10". Will need to adapt to playing in space and playing up higher on the floor than he ever has. Flashed some ability to backslide but will be much tougher within the speed of the NBA game. Unclear whether he has the capacity for being a defensive anchor. His rim protection is more of a situational novelty than a possession-by-possession reality.
20. Egor Demin
6’9” | 199 lbs | Guard | BYU | Freshman | 19.3 Y/O
A prodigious guard in more ways than one, Demin's game is both enchanting and mystifying. A towering facilitator at 6'9" who handles the rock at three-quarter speed, Egor spearheaded BYU's offense with a sprinkling of playmaking wizardry. With a concerningly shaky jumper, the Josh Giddey analogue will rear its head during pre-draft discourse. But Demin has bonus inches in height and range that could set him apart.
Upside
A well-proportioned frame, long arms and a stark positional height advantage lay a solid two-way foundation. Applies varied cadence as a dribbler to pry his way inside. Prefers to elude his defender on drives rather than attack head on. A slippery finisher at the rim with his man on his hip. One of the most judicious prospects in the draft. His ability to readily outthink his opponents, assess the floor and diagnose his options on and off the ball is alluring. Dribbles with both hands interchangeably to keep defenders guessing. A virtuosic distributor with first-rate vision and passing delivery, enhanced by his vantage point against opposing guards. Habitually keeps his dribble alive and toggles between hitting the low-man or bulleting a skip pass. Makes incisive reads irrespective of the defensive coverage. A one-man ball reversal who can hit the shooting pocket with pinpoint accuracy. Lineup versatile - provided he can mold his game as a point forward. Has a stable defensive floor compared to his positional counterparts - 6'9" with a positive wingspan. Consumes space one pass away from the ball and restricts freedom of movement to the middle at the point of attack.
Downside
A noticeably inelastic mover without innate explosiveness. Works against him while trying to shed defenders or get airborne down the lane. Could routinely be outmaneuvered by NBA competition. Most effective with the ball in his hands. As such, will need to optimize his game as an option from the corners or the 45. Unable to reliably conjure offense in isolation - leans heavily on picks to shift into gear and infiltrate a set defense. Physicality-averse when snaking into the paint - avoids initiating first contact with his shoulder or off-arm. Will need to re-orient his aggressiveness and attack with purpose to apply downward pressure on an NBA floor. The jump shot is a major concern. 27.3 percent on 4.7 3-point attempts per game, primarily off the dribble and from above the break. Follow through is unproblematic, although his 27 percent on catch and shoot threes and 23 percent on uncontested looks will need to see an uptick. Risks becoming a total non-threat offensively if ineffective as a standstill shooter. Limited defensive potential outside of his measurables, despite possessing the length and IQ to be a serviceable team defender.
21. Nolan Traore
6’3” | 175 lbs | Guard | Saint-Quentin (France) | 19.1 Y/O
An ascendant international point guard with easily discernible upside, Traore gained plenty of experience against high-level competition in the French premier league. Standing at 6'3", he forecasts as a budding lead guard capable of controlling the offensive tempo. Nolan leans on his nifty handle to leverage picks, attack north-to-south and get the defense in flux.
Upside
His offensive primacy with Saint Quentin provided ample systematic reps running the pick and roll - sharpening his sensibilities in an area directly transferrable to the NBA. Able to beat his man from a standstill or with a running start. Efficient use of his first step. Prolific use of misdirection dribble moves when rejecting screens or crossing over to attack his defender’s top leg. Developed a penchant for 2-point dribble jumpers around the elbows when the low-man hung back in the paint. Exhibits practical habits when initiating from the top. Masterful use of reset dribbles to keep his options open. Understands how to use screens to his advantage in terms of angularity, timing, and turning the corner sharply. An evasive finisher with good extension on finger rolls or leaners. A credit to his 6'8" wingspan. Decent at attacking with either hand. Allows him to dribble his way out of trouble. Shot well to end the 2024-25 season. Drilled 15 of 31 3-point attempts (48.4 percent) over a six game span in April and May. Possesses the physical tools to evolve into a dependable point of attack defender down the road. Fleet of foot and rangy.
Downside
Needs to beef up in order to stay on course when attacking downhill from A to B. Gets bumped off his spot with his current body composition. Heavily reliant on screens to puncture defenses on the ball. Struggles when forced to self-manufacture shots off the dribble. Has to reel in his decision making in traffic. Frequently jump-stops and stands dormant at the tail-end of drives without diagnosing his next course of action. Shows the ball far too freely when picking up his dribble to gather off one foot. Opens the door for peripheral defenders to swipe down or poke it loose. The long ball has waxed and waned. Shot 31.7 percent from deep. No red flags mechanically, but hovers around 70 to 80 percent from the charity stripe. His defense in totality is reflective of his age. Intermittently undisciplined and impulsive in pursuit of the ball. A lack of consistency staying down. Although his deficiencies as a stopper are eminently fixable.
22. Noah Penda
6’8” | 225 lbs | Forward | Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France) | 20.4 Y/O
The French pipeline continues to rear its head. Noah is arguably the most rugged wing in the entire draft. A 6'8", 225 pound frame with wide shoulders, tree trunk legs, and Vitruvian proportionality. Penda posted averages of 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in the top basketball league in France. He is NBA-primed in more ways than one, albeit with a few hitches in his offensive process to ameliorate over the coming years.
Upside
Tailor-made for the collective size and physicality of the NBA. An additive system player who hastens the 5-man chain reaction on both sides of the ball. Tees up 3-point looks off the catch with conviction. Upper mechanics and follow through appear sustainable. Attacks gaps with purpose as a ball handler and as a cutter. Tilts further towards power than finesse as a driver, but can slither his way around defenders with a euro-step or compact spin towards the middle. Freight train potential in the open floor if he continues to fill out. Does not shy away from contact and remains unimpeded when barrelling into an opponent's chest. Dabbles in going to work with his back to the basket. A connective distributor. Moves the ball promptly and has great pass velocity when spraying it out to shooters when defenders close in on him. A fastidious defender at every turn - positionally savvy and stout guarding the ball. Stays equidistant between his man and the ball on the clear-side. Exceptional verticality on contests - maintains his vertical cylinder with arms straight up at a 90 degree angle. Sinks to the paint to rebound outside his area.
Downside
Possesses middling athleticism - gets by on guile rather than explosiveness. Needs to improve his ball security in the lane. 34.3 percent from behind the line in all French League competition (including Cup play). A conspicuous lack of arc on his jump shot. His shooting base is a tad worrisome. Has his knees turned inwards which inhibits his elevation on the way up, causing his shooting arm and wrist to do a lot of the heavy lifting. Would benefit immensely from expediting his release. 69 percent on foul shots. Follow through looks more disjointed when lining up his free throws (as opposed to spotting up from three). Finishing on the move is haphazard all too often. Has not yet shown the angular touch from close range to round out his proclivities as a slasher and downhill threat.
23. Liam McNeeley
6’8” | 215 lbs | Wing | Connecticut | Freshman | 19.7 Y/O
A proven system player, McNeeley is a beacon of stability on the wing. After a down shooting season as a freshman, he enters the draft sphere an appealing auxiliary piece with developmental real estate still to be explored. A 6'7" swingman with a low touch time role and a propensity to let it fly, his lottery hopes lie in the eye of the beholder. Liam was a Montverde standout alongside Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen and Asa Newell prior to joining UConn's quest for defending back-to-back titles.
Upside
An ideal plug and play swingman that thrives in a free-flowing motion offense. Converted 36.7 percent of his catch and release threes. Ostensibly a higher level shooter than the raw numbers lead on - reputationally and optically. Exemplary mechanics with a high release point and 90° posture on the ascent. The frame-by-frame optics checks every box. 86.6 percent from the free throw line is a tell-tale sign of the shooting aptitude. Somewhat of a vagabond in the halfcourt - exploiting overplays and missed rotations by intuitively cutting and re-spacing. Solid dimensions to hold up and keep pace defensively.
Downside
All arrows point to a rotation-level destiny. 43.6 percent from inside the arc as a freshman. Will need to find the bottom of the net with greater consistency on threes and twos alike. Shot an abysmal 15 percent on dribble jumpers. Accordingly, needs to be catered to. Dribbles his way into trouble all too often. Has a predictable handle and gets bottled up when cut off by his man midway through drives. His playmaking instincts shine through, but the corresponding execution falls short. Gets careless and overzealous in traffic. Allows himself be sped up too readily. Will need to grow accustomed to playing off two feet. His utility hinges on the shooting and floor game coalescing. Lackluster when shuffling his feet on the perimeter defensively.
24. Will Riley
6’9” | 186 lbs | Wing | Illinois | Freshman | 19.4 Y/O
Illinois’ highest ranked recruit in 20 years, Will Riley entered his freshman season with hype as a potential 6’8” point guard. He never quite traversed positions as expected with Kasparas Jakucionis ultimately taking the reins. While the stars aligned for Riley as a lightning rod on the wing, the NBA transition at this stage may be premature. While his two-way tools certainly stick out like a sore thumb, he could benefit from another year of physical maturation and honing his craft under Brad Underwood. But should he go one-and-done, Riley will be a staple in the mid to late first-round range.
Upside
A fearless shot taker that can catch fire from every segment of the court. Exhibits a hardened "next shot mentality". Has an uncanny knack for finding the bottom of the net even when fouled on jump shots. Adept pull-up shooter from the mid-range. Sets and fires smoothly when afforded the space to step into dribble jumpers. Rarely remains idle after giving up the ball. Keeps the defense second guessing on the weakside with timely slot cuts and backdoor dives from the wing. Complements that purposeful movement with a nice floater game. Gradually bridging the gap between leaning on his scoring prowess and leveraging it to create looks for others. Has the tracings of a proficient wing defender in due time - height, length, mobility. Exerts himself on that end when pursuing his man or eschewing screens.
Downside
Weighed in at 186 pounds at the Draft Combine. Not yet physically NBA-ready with such a slender build. Requires tweaks to his shooting rhythm - squares up awkwardly at times and appears loose with the flick of his wrist at the top of his release. 3-point percentage of 32.6 and free throw percentage of 72.4 as a freshman. Struggles to outright beat his man off the dribble when guarded straight up. Mostly found success off the bounce against scrambling defenders or with ball screens to work his way into the lane. Habitually resorts to basic spin moves as a means of gaining downhill traction. Settles for fall-aways when unable to fight through contact or muscle his way into the paint. Defense will need tightening up on all fronts. Still coming to grips with the nuances of rotational team defense. A sitting duck defensively in single coverage at his current height/weight ratio.
25. Danny Wolf
7’0” | 252 lbs | Big | Michigan | Junior | 21.1 Y/O
Bigs with playmaking chops and a hint of showmanship are en vogue in the modern "pace and space" era. Danny Wolf has plenty of draft evaluators bedazzled by his ball skills and creativity as a borderline 7-footer. Despite a sprinkling of unicorn-adjacent qualities, his innate limitations could come to bear when making the NBA leap. His presence in a rotation, at least in the early going, comes with compromise. The Alperen Şengün paradigm has been posited with regularity. Whether you buy or sell that theory, Wolf's stock ranges from lottery talent to fringe first-round pick.
Upside
A true big with guard skills who can put the ball on the deck. Diverse scoring package that warps defensive alignments in the halfcourt. Shot 62% at the rim. An inventive driver and post operator. Meanders his way into the heart of the defense with in and out dribbles, spin moves, rip throughs, reverse pivot jumpers, or backing down his opponent. Frequently ran inverted sets as the pick and roll ball handler. Stretches the floor with impunity. Unfazed letting it fly off the bounce - broke out the occasional side-step or step-back three. Threads the needle in all manner of ways as an orchestrator with a wide periphery. 22.8 assist percentage as a junior. Great high-low synergy with his frontcourt counterparts. Consistently engaged defensively. Regularly guarded out on the perimeter for early exposure to playing in space. Moves well side-to-side given his dimensions. Staunch in keeping up on rotations and providing resistance when opponents shake loose or get a leg up offensively. His unwavering effort bleeds into his rebounding prowess.
Downside
An overtly ground bound positional hybrid. Schematically inflexible. Thrives almost exclusively with the ball in his hands directing the flow of a possessions. Will be subjugated within the hierarchy of an NBA offense. Shooting reliably will be the swing skill that makes or breaks his feasibility as an NBA rotation player. Shot 33.6 percent on 3.1 attempts as a junior. The flashy dimes are neutralized by careless or overzealous pass attempts, as evidenced by his 21.9 turnover percentage. Neither a bruiser nor an acrobat. Does not have the brawn to bang with NBA fives, may not have the agility to stay in lockstep with NBA-calibre four. More than likely to move cumbrously in the face of NBA speed. Will be dragged into actions on the perimeter routinely by opposing offenses, unless and until he proves his worth as the low-man.
26. Joan Beringer
6’10” | 230 lbs | Big | Cedevita Olímpija (Slovenia) | 18.6 Y/O
The dictionary definition of raw, Beringer is an upstart big man with springs in his shoes. The fourth French prospect in my draft rankings. What he lacks in heft he more than makes up for with sky-scraping verticality. Joan had never touched a basketball until 2021, but has made significant headway in the handful of years since. He profiles as an energy big with ample room to grow - think a slimmer Jericho Sims or a burlier Nerlens Noel. His 5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 17 minutes per game in Slovenia is just the tip of a potentially gargantuan iceberg.
Upside
A quintessential lob threat and rim runner. Fills a distinguishable niche at the next level that befits the modern pace-and-space era. Low touch time offensive player who can freelance with dribble handoffs and "get" actions. Re-screens well as a pick setter. Vice grip hands when corralling the ball low or magnetizing the ball with his palm at the peak of a lob catch. Able to cuff the ball when powering up off one or two feet. A lively standing dunker who maintains his center of gravity in and around the rim. Hinted at a capacity to put the ball on the floor in a straight-line. Sprightly back-line defender with all the right intentions. Executed a range of pick and roll coverages. Showed positive signs on catch hedges and showing towards the level of the screen before scrambling and retreating to the roll-man.
Downside
A relative basketball neophyte. His feel for the game reflects his minimal experience. His overall service offering is bare-bones - screening, diving, dunking. Operates station-to-station with little individual discretion outside of rudimentary reads. Offers little in the way of advantage creation. May have a glass ceiling developmentally with a clearly defined role. Fits the mold of a fundamental role player rather than a transformative one. Not yet able to bump and grind against broader, stronger frontcourt foes. Back-side defense remains more reactive than proactive, despite being par for the course of an 18 year old in a pro league. Severely limited shooting upside - free throw form is shoddy and rigid. 57 percent from the line in 2024-25 as well as 47.4 percent across all competitions the season prior.
27. Walter Clayton Jr.
6’3” | 199 lbs | Guard | Florida | Senior | 22.3 Y/O
Clayton Jr. proved himself to be the real deal en route to a well-earned National Championship. Multiple 30-point eruptions, late-game heroics and an unshakeable composure under the brightest lights led to his draft position skyrocketing. At 22 years old, his age could be viewed as a demerit or an advantage depending on who you ask. Walter is bound to warrant consideration throughout the latter half of the first-round, especially from any franchise coveting a decorated rookie that has more to offer in the immediate term.
Upside
One of the most dynamic shot-makers in the class. Combines a lightning quick trigger with a diverse shot diet from beyond and inside the line. A marksman from every segment of the court off the bounce. An even-keeled initiator with a compact handle when navigating in tight spaces. Habitually composed and methodical with the ball in his hands. Picture-perfect shooting form with a moon-grazing arc to his jump shot. Finds his footing effortlessly whether curling to turn and shoot or waltzing into a dribble pull-up from deep range. Willing to get off the ball to catalyse halfcourt possessions. An industrious mover from side-to-side or along the arc to free himself up. Harnesses his 3-point threat in the process. A late-clock and crunch time savant. Unrattled when the chips are down. Rapid reflexes when reaching in and getting his hand to ball defensively.
Downside
A limited capacity to absorb and fend off contact. Frequently gets bottled up at the climax of his drive and has to throw up an ill-advised floater while hoping for a whistle. Getting all the way to the rim seemed like a chore, and when he did get there he converted just over half his attempts in the restricted area. Would like to see his free throw rate improve for a laser 3-point shooter who augments his drive game with his pull-up shooting tendencies. Does not quite have the playmaking juice to fully weaponize his on-ball command. He gets to his spots but does not always make the right read at the right time. The defense is underwhelming to put it charitably. Can fall into autopilot and get left in the dust at the point of attack. At 6'3" and 200 pounds, his stature paints a target on his back for NBA offenses to seek out.
28. Hugo González
6’6” | 207 lbs | Wing | Real Madrid (Spain) | 19.4 Y/O
A Spanish national and back-end rotation player for Real Madrid, Hugo González enters the draft as an enigma relative to his peers. Through no fault of his own, González was marginalized in a stacked rotation that included the likes of Serge Ibaka, Facundo Campazzo, Mario Hezonja, Sergio Llull and Džanan Musa. Hugo played a meagre 10.5 minutes per game across 60 games in 2024-25. As a 6'6" swingman that oozes upside, teams will need to use their imagination when crunching his game tape and projecting his ultimate fate as an NBA hopeful.
Upside
Pristine shooting technique - keeps his feet wide, gets plenty of lift, has his elbow in and aligns his guide hand. The rainbow trajectory is a tell-tale sign of underlying jump shooting competence. Had his offensive role heavily truncated, typically pigeonholed as a stowaway in the corners. Optimized his play within the confines of such a narrow role by capitalizing on the gravity of his teammates. Roamed the baseline when his man was preoccupied and relocated along the perimeter to procure passing angles for spot-up opportunities. Made the most of attacking closeouts with the defense in motion - pumping and going after receiving the kick out. Habitually crashes the glass by slinking down the slot. A nimble athlete with deceptive elevation when soaring for finishes. An engaged defender that rarely gets caught with his back turned. Maintains his sight line of the ball and his man by re-orienting his positioning away from the ball. Strings together rotations with sharp help principles, timely tags and well executed fly-outs.
Downside
Only played in fits and starts for Real Madrid. No proven track record as a consistent 3-point shooter. Made 29.4 percent of his 170 3-point attempts over 3 years at Real Madrid (including both under 18 and standard competitions). However, he made 80.1 percent of his free throws over the same span. Subpar efficiency from range may be attributable to his lack of rhythm in play and the absence of extended minutes. As such, will need to make the most of the brief spurts he is given in the NBA. His capacity to handle the ball and credibly run pick and roll is up in the air. Scalability remains his primary bugaboo. With such a miniscule sample size, prognosticating his NBA future could be riddled with conjecture.
29. Ben Saraf
6’5” | 200 lbs | Guard | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | 19.2 Y/O
Hailing from Israel and a teammate of fellow projected first-round pick Noa Essengue, Ben Saraf logged 12.2 points and 4.2 assists in 23.2 minutes in the German BBL. With hands-on experience running offensive sets against high-level competition, Saraf looks to use his detour to Europe as a springboard to NBA relevance. A 6'5" combo guard and fledgling lead creator, Ben is a handful of adjustments away from becoming an esprit third guard.
Upside
Embraced a ball dominant role for Ulm as a teenager, laying a solid foundation for understanding floor balance and analyzing his options with a live handle. Keeps the ball on a string with a bevy of moves - double crossovers, snatch-backs, hesitations. An inherently spasmodic dribble driver both rhythmically and directionally. Apt at snaking the pick and roll, getting defenders on his hip and rising up for dribble jumpers around the elbows. Operates improvisationally with headlong drives off the bounce - undeterred weaving through traffic. Most comfortable getting to his left hand which lends itself well to a pairing with a right-handed lob threat. Terrific end-to-end quickness while loping into the forecourt for transition opportunities. Generated many of his assists within the flow of possessions. A sound team defender for a professional outfit. Covers ground with a 6'8" armspan. Plays the percentages well two or more passes away with timely corner tags.
Downside
No singular definitive skill to bank on from day one in the pros. Has a hard time shaking his defender. Deploys an unconventional ball handling cadence that can lead to aimless dilly-dallying for much of the shot clock without ever piercing the defense. Shot 30.1 percent from beyond the arc and 73.3 percent from the line. Jump shooting mechanics are iffy - his elbow is out of line in the lower half of his jumper. Prone to being one-track minded when getting downhill. Displays a distinct lack of surety and perceptiveness with his decision making. Gets sped up when the low-man hedges towards the level of the screen or the help rotates early. Repeatedly terminates his dribble in the upper paint and leaves his feet without a concrete plan. Will need to do a better job of shielding the ball on drives. Not yet an incisive passer - takes the direct avenues made available to him. Can appear flimsy in a defensive stance when shifting his feet. Will likely be out of his depth in one-on-one situations.
30. Bogoljub Marković
6’11” | 190 lbs | Forward | Mega Basket (Serbia) | 19.9 Y/O
Donning the same jersey as Nikola Jokić during his formative professional years - the blindingly fluorescent pink of Mega Basket in Belgrade - Bogoljub Markovic played a prominent role in the offense in 2024-25. Like many of his European predecessors, bulking up and getting stronger is a non-negotiable if he has any hope of withstanding NBA physicality. But the profundity of his skillset should have numerous front offices salivating at the idea of what his evolution could entail.
Upside
Measured at 6'11" and 212 pounds with a 7'0"" wingspan in 2024. Asymptomatic shooter who puts plenty of spin on the ball. Great balance and width when setting his feet. Looks good every time with a high arc on the flight of the ball. Consistently rips the nets on his makes. Drilled 38.8 percent of his 85 attempts in 2024-25. Possesses a polished post game whether facing up or backing down his defender. Plays with deliberacy and patience in the halfcourt. Times his swing passes well, frequently pausing momentarily to fake the defense out. Keeps the offense humming with precision entry passes and spraying it out to shooters. Not averse to ripping past his defender on closeouts off the dribble. A transition fire-starter with grab-and-go's. Magnetizes the ball off the rim and pushes the pace himself, often going coast-to-coast for headlong finishes. A wily defender with decent processing speed and spatial recognition. Surprisingly nimble-footed when sliding across in help, backing up on drives or stunting out on the perimeter. Functions well at the bottom of the zone.
Downside
Needs to remedy his physical frailty by adding mass. Will most likely get undercut and brutalized in the paint from day one. Seemingly moves at three-quarter speed when going to work in the post - can work in his favor but may point towards him only having one mode. 2.7 turnovers per game. Coughs it up more than he should with stodgy ball handling. Prone to over-accelerating and getting blindsided by sagging help defenders. Played power forward in Serbia. Whether he can keep pace with more perimeter-oriented NBA fours is uncertain. His defensive impact could ebb and flow depending on the matchup and situation.
31. Adou Thiero
6’7” | 218 lbs | Forward | Arkansas | Junior | 21.1 Y/O
Adou Thiero tailgated John Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas as a junior, doubling his scoring output in the process. Thiero is a 6’7”, 220-pound hyper-athlete who measured just 5'8" during his sophomore year of high school. A growth spurt that made him a vaunted prospect despite altering his positional destiny. Adou will be flirting with a first-round selection. His physical tools do most of the talking, but the ball skills from his past life as a lead guard bleed into his playstyle as a swingman.
Upside
A powerful athlete with the markers to prove it. Broad shoulders with room to tack on weight. 45 dunks in 27 games as a junior. A voracious straight line driver and authoritative rim attacker who can attack both directions. Interchangeably drifts to the hoop with long stride one-twos or jump-stops in floater range to pivot his way into hooks and flip shots. A credible lob catcher who has the ring at eye-level at the apex of his jump. Hits the gas in transition to fill the lane and gain a man advantage. Not a wing you can run offense through, but has tangible passing acumen in the halfcourt. Hits the corner pocket with reasonable velocity when catching the ball at the nail. Finds open shooters when collapsing the defense on drives. Oozes potential as a multi-positional, inside-outside defensive option with a quick second jump. Scuffles across from two or more passes away to bother shots at the rim with his reach. Capable of hedging and recovering in the halfcourt. Proved his worth as a chase-down artist who can hustle his way to highlight reel rejections.
Downside
Needs to develop his craft and touch from close range. Seems like often times he simply throws it up on a whim. Can be erratic when driving in traffic. Made 49 percent of his layup attempts as a junior. Frequently tries to finish with his right hand on the left side of the basket. Worrisome shooting track record in both volume and efficiency. Connected on 28.6 percent of his 42 catch and shoot threes as a junior. Brings his knees together when squaring up which degrades his balance and diminishes his ability to rip past his man swiftly. His jump shot will determine whether he is the second coming of OG Anunoby or an also-ran wing in the mold of Maurice Harkless. Sporadically compromises his defensive positioning in pursuit of rear view contests and helpside swats. Will need to defend without fouling at the next level, especially when guarding shoot-first wings individually.
32. Drake Powell
6’6” | 200 lbs | Wing | North Carolina | Freshman | 19.8 Y/O
After much anticipation, Drake Powell elected to go one-and-done and put all his eggs in the NBA Draft basket. Powell is a 6'6" two-guard with a ridiculous 7'0" wingspan. As mesmerizing as his measurables are, Drake played his freshman season on the straight and narrow with virtually no creative burden on the offensive end. Whether a franchise deems him worth a late first-round flyer remains to be seen. With near identical dimensions to Patrick Williams, his distinct advantages and shortcomings go hand in hand.
Upside
A somatic outlier with freakish length and a 43" vertical at the Combine. Laced 39.5 percent of his 3-point attempts off the catch. Sets his feet well. Easily discernible bottom line as a credible corner spacer on the second-side. Attacks closeouts without skipping a beat. Effective dribble penetrator on the tail-end of ball reversals or with the defense in scramble mode. A graceful finisher when soaring to the rim down the lane. Keeps the ball high and gets full extension at the peak of his jump. His hang-time allows him to readjust in mid-air for suspension finishes. Shifts into overdrive on fast breaks at the turn of possession. Profiles as a wing defender with unique positional malleability. Covers ground on load-side and is especially disruptive when sinking from the corner or baseline crashing. Clear road map to becoming a Swiss army knife on the perimeter, whether denying the ball, jump-switching onto ball handlers or playing passing lanes one pass away from the ball.
Downside
Limited role elasticity. With 95 total attempts as a freshman, the integrity of his 3-point stroke is far from guaranteed. Extrapolating shooting competence from such a small sample brings downside risk. 64.8 percent foul shooter serves as a potential red flag. Rarely handled the rock at UNC. More than likely caps out as a tertiary ball handler at best. Highly deferential on the offensive end for long stretches and would benefit from greater assertiveness. Passivity will work against him in the pros. Basketball IQ and processing speed offensively leave a bit to be desired. Does not create chaos or amass deflections defensively. Tends to contain rather than erase.
33. Maxime Raynaud
7’1” | 237 lbs | Big | Stanford | Senior | 22.2 Y/O
Rounding out a quintet of French prospects, Maxime Raynaud put up 20 and 10 as an upperclassman at Stanford while flaunting an adept 3-point stroke on unprecedented volume. He possesses a rare combination of mobility, touch and stretch wrapped up in a menacing 7'1", 245 pound frame. Raynaud's ultimate value lies in the eye of the beholder, but he is sure to garner interest from the late first-round onwards.
Upside
A lofty big man with a proven ability to pass, dribble and shoot. Moves well for his size - spry in the open court and shifts gears horizontally in a manner that is atypical for his prototype. Dexterous in the low-post. Capable of turning over either shoulder for floaters and turnarounds with either hand. Boasts a lethal face up game as a result. Puts his man in the goal on deep seals when guarded straight up. Exhibits a better floor game than his 1.7 assists per game suggest. A cognizant passer with upper echelon processing speed for his position. Finds cutters, flings cross-court passes with one hand, and weaponizes high-low actions with his frontcourt partner. Comfortable putting the ball on the floor when his passing outlets are off the table. His ability to rip through or veer his way into openings at that size enhances his threat level as a kickout option above the break. 3-point volume (5.5 attempts per game) provides a rock-solid foundation to build off in the pros. Snares rebounds on both sides of the ball by finding a body or circumnavigating competing parties in the key. Knows where to be defensively when patrolling the paint behind the play. Puts his 9'2" standing reach to good use.
Downside
His post prowess hinges on finesse rather than power. Unclear whether he can effectively punish mismatches on the block. Will need to grow accustomed to making snap decisions further away from the basket rather than biding his time for passing windows to materialize. Sporadically rigid and inert when dribbling against pressure inside the arc, leaving him prone to mishandles. Lower half of his jump shot is unconcerning, but his release point is not ideal. Pulls the ball back towards his head in a catapult-like fashion when hoisting from behind the line. Delays his shooting motion momentarily. Not a vertical leaper which bogs down his upside as a defensive anchor and preventive rim deterrent. Bereft of the physical tools to credibly guard out in space or show and recover towards high ball screens.
34. Kam Jones
6’4” | 202 lbs | Guard | Marquette | Senior | 23.3 Y/O
Kam Jones departs Marquette after a decorated senior year where he averaged 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists. A shifty 6'4" combo guard who freewheels his way inside the arc with a multitude of dribble counters, Jones appears to be a mainstay on second-round draft boards.
Upside
A bottle rocket with the ball in his hands. When he is not beating his man with the first step, he is wearing them down by switching tempo or abruptly changing directions. Maintains his dribble to keep his options open. 59.2 percent on 2-point field goal attempts throughout his college tenure. An acrobatic finisher with a dynamic package of reverse layups, up-and-unders, scooping lay-ins, and full extension finger rolls. Takes care of the rock - less than 2 turnovers a game with extensive ball handling duties. Channelled his inner dimer as a senior. Vaulted his assist percentage from 16.6 percent to 38.8 percent year-on-year. Helps his case as a bona fide hybrid guard. Has blinders on when launching threes off the catch. Can be relied on to line it up and knock it down on the receiving end of a swing pass or kick out. Drilled a shade over 38 percent of his standstill treys at Marquette which compounds favorably with his driving game. A pesky perimeter defender who can put the clamps on and stymie opposing ball handlers when his head is in the game.
Downside
Turned 23 in February. 3-point percentage plummeted from 40.6 percent to 31.1 percent his senior year. Such shooting variance puts a dent in his stock. Additionally, his 3-point accuracy has historically waned on self-created looks in comparison to his spot-up efficiency. Will have a hard time cementing a place in the league without a bankable dribble jumper. Attempted a mere 1.8 free throw attempts per game during his college career. Unable to elicit foul calls despite applying consistent rim pressure. Prefers to avert defenders as opposed to absorbing contact. Converted at a rate of 67.1 percent from the foul line. Low volume and efficiency at the charity stripe will be unpalatable at the next level given his M.O. Outwardly left hand dominant, an imbalance that could hurt his chances if not remedied. Off-ball awareness can be spotty on the defensive side of the ball.
35. Ryan Kalkbrenner
7’2” | 257 lbs | Big | Creighton | Senior | 23.4 Y/O
A 7'2", 257-pound center with a 7'6" wingspan, Kalkbrenner is a back-line behemoth who collected Big East accolades like trading cards. Fresh off averaging 19.2 point, 87 rebounds and 2.7 blocks as a super senior at Creighton, the 23 year old shot-swatting connoisseur turns his gaze towards a long-awaited NBA transition.
Upside
A mountain in the middle who sets bone-jarring screens and presents a bail out option as a vertical spacer. Feathery touch outside the restricted area with hooks and hanging lay-ins. Dabbled in pick and pop as well as trail threes as a super senior. 34.4 percent on 61 total attempts despite a long-winded release. Runs the split line on the break to generate easy opportunities at the rim. Great use of his inside arm to seal his post position inside. Moonlights as a savvy distributor from the high post, particularly by redirecting the ball to the open man when the defense overloads on his perimeter peers. An all-consuming rim protector who erases a variety of shot attempts. 2.7 blocks to 1.4 fouls per game his final college season. Uncanny ability to avoid whistles despite a sky-high contest rate in the paint. Greets anyone and everyone at the rim. Catches drivers off guard by emerging in their blind spot and spiking layup attempts from the rearview. Found success in drop coverage.
Downside
Needs to be catered to offensively. Not much of an interior scoring repertoire to speak of. Will turn 24 in January of his rookie season. Already in the twilight of his developmental timeline. Unagile and inflexible by NBA standards, be it laterally or north-south. Switching onto smaller matchups is bound to be a losing proposition. Got away with intermittent blitzes towards the sideline in college but profiles as a drop coverage merchant in the NBA. As such, he is schematically stringent. Unable to adequately stave off opponent putbacks and second efforts on the defensive. His 18.4 percent defensive rebound percentage as a super senior would rank lower than the likes of Myles Turner, Naz Reid and Jabari Smith Jr.
36. Tyrese Proctor
6’5” | 183 lbs | Guard | Duke | Junior | 21.2 Y/O
Tyrese Proctor found his footing as a junior, logging personal bests in scoring and shooting efficiency. A 6'5" hybrid guard with a 6'7" wingspan, Proctor can wear multiple hats offensively whether spearheading the primary action or spacing the floor in the open side. While there are dozens of more scintillating prospects in the Draft, Tyrese has first-hand experience playing within a sophisticated offense alongside high-caliber teammates. As such, his regulated role collegiately could dovetail nicely into a spot in an NBA rotation.
Upside
A smooth operator with the ball in his hands. Exhibits an elusive stop-start dribble cadence when navigating his way to the dotted line. An indiscriminate shot maker with a well-equipped shooting arsenal. 40.5 percent on 5.8 3-point attempts per game as a junior. Proficient from behind the arc off the dribble and off the catch. Capable of improvising to create his own shot. Ventures beyond traditional spot ups such as fanning out off flare screens or exit screens. Flashed deep range that extended well beyond the college 3-point line. A trusty pick and roll conductor who can knock down dribble jumpers or offload to the roll-man. Able to lob it high or dish it low depending on the coverage. Has an all-purpose offensive skillset befitting an NBA off-guard. An active individual defender who contains dribble penetration, funnels towards the help, and rides his man's hip. Stays involved multiple passes away from the ball - able to read and recognize plays as they develop,
Downside
Not a buoyant athlete vertically or horizontally. Cannot be relied on to unilaterally get the defense in rotation with a live dribble. All indicators suggest he is not cut out to be a lead guard. Made significant strides during his junior year as a result of Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel's offensive primacy lightening his individual offensive load. The greater his creative onus, the more likely he is to be overstretched as a pro. Susceptible to trigger-happiness or settling for jumpers the moment he has sufficient room. Slightly passive as a driver. His finishing ability with downhill momentum will be stress tested against sturdier second line help defenders. Inconsistency year-to-year as a foul shooter. 68 percent from the line as a junior compared to 87.1 percent as a freshman. Staying in front of NBA two-guards at the point of attack will be touch and go.
37. Koby Brea
6’7” | 202 lbs | Wing | Kentucky | Senior | 22.6 Y/O
Koby Brea transferred to Kentucky for his fifth college season after pouring it on from downtown at Dayton to the tune of 49.8 percent on 201 3-point attempts his senior year. A pure, unadulterated sharpshooter who needs to be accounted for at every turn, Brea will be highly coveted during the latter half of the draft for exactly that. While it is easy to poke holes in other facets of his game, Koby may just find his way into an NBA rotation off the back of his single defining skill.
Upside
6'7" swingman who can toggle between the two and the three positionally. An absolute bombardier from 3-point range. Near flawless shot mechanics. Empties the clip from deep and finds twine in a myriad of ways. A swish merchant that connects with nothing but net more often than not. Toys with defenders with shot fakes, fly-bys and reset dribbles. At his best moving off the ball and curling off screens - sets him up for success as a specialist in the pros. A rock steady ball mover and offensive cog. Not a ball stopper by any means. Leverages the threat of his jumper to hit gaps off the dribble or make the extra pass. Selective in all the right ways. Only 0.5 turnovers per game at Kentucky. Judicious with his decision making and rarely gets sped up. Boasts positional size to provide resistance defensively and hold his own.
Downside
Has a negative wingspan (6'5") and a willowy body composition - weighing in at just 202 pounds at the Combine. An underwhelming athlete who is not quick off the mark. Seemingly allergic to the rim in the halfcourt. Will likely be pigeonholed as a movement shooter at the next level. Incapable of mustering offense inside the arc. Limited capacity to create or freestyle off the dribble outside of basic straight-line drives. As such, far from a load-bearing playmaker or driver of offense. Not much to get excited about on the defensive end. Plays within the system but does not jump off the screen in terms of applying ball pressure or rotational excellence. Punches below his weight on the defensive glass.
38. Rocco Zikarsky
7’4” | 257 lbs | Big | Brisbane Bullets (Australia) | 18.9 Y/O
Rocco Zikarsky clocks in as the tallest up and comer in the draft after measuring at 7'3" without shoes during the Combine. Rocco still boasts a string bean physique as he continues to grow into his body, but the defensive film alone should be enough to turn heads. He was a colossus on the inside in a league littered with both blisteringly quick guards and broad-shouldered, stocky bigs.
Upside
Turns 19 in July. A credible lob threat with his 7'4" wingspan and 9'7" standing reach. A decent leaper off one foot provided he has enough runway on rolls to the hoop. Poses to be a great pressure release valve when parked in the dunker's spot. A universal donor when defending the pick and roll. Immense defensive potential. Surprisingly mobile for his size with impressive torque in his lower half when flipping his hips. Had instances of picking up guards out to 30 feet, backtracking all the way to the rim and successfully blocking the shot from the flank. Creates chaos when floating in the middle with sound positioning and deceptive agility. Has the spatial wherewithal to shade towards the ball handler while protecting against the pocket pass. Excellent on show and go's against high ball screens, which is rare for a player of his stature.
Downside
Severely limited offensively. The shooting upside is non-existent at this juncture. Made 57.6 percent of his foul shots for the Brisbane Bullets. Relatively uncoordinated on the receiving end of entry passes. Catches the ball as if he has oven mitts on at times. Little to no playmaking reps in the NBL. Will need to eventually take advantage of 4-on-3 situations in the short roll. Susceptible to being outmuscled until he properly fills out. Only played 12 minutes per contest in 2024-25. Acclimatizing to NBA athleticism may dampen his defensive impact significantly, at least over his first few years. Will have his top leg attacked incessantly in the NBA. May be a casualty to NBA speed and agility.
39. Chaz Lanier
6’5” | 206 lbs | Guard | Tennessee | Senior | 23.5 Y/O
A thoroughbred bucket-getter and quickdraw shooter in every which way, Chaz Lanier's shot-making prowess is unambiguously elite. After transferring to Tennessee for his fifth and final college campaign, Chaz rode the wave of a career-high scoring usage en route to an Elite 8 appearance in the NCAA Tournament. In spite of his defensive and playmaking drawbacks, the shooting pedigree is about as enticing as it gets. Lanier measured as a 6'5" shooting guard with a 6'9" armspan.
Upside
A resilient and unperturbable pull-up shooter from every segment of the court, whose credentials in that aspect speak for itself. Has an affinity for taking and making high difficulty jumpers, both assisted and self-created. Unorthodox mechanics with a release point at eye level. Side-winds on the left side of his body despite being a right-handed shooter. Follows his intuition away from the ball as a nomad in the halfcourt - cuts ball-side and skirts along the perimeter to avail himself. Positive wingspan is a string to his defensive bow. A passable scheme defender who competes valiantly when matching up with outsized opponents.
Downside
His 24th birthday is in December. On the smaller side for a surefire two-guard. Shooting efficiency dropped across the board as a super senior, although likely a byproduct of his sky-high usage rate at Tennessee. Finds it difficult getting all the way to the rim without blazing speed or fast-twitch explosiveness. Bobs and weaves his way around defenders rather than initiating contact. A score-first guard. Predominantly self-serving with the ball in his hands and barely a strand of playmaking DNA. 1.1 assists per game in 31.4 minutes. Hinders his worth as a pick and roll practitioner. No standout defensive attributes on or off the ball. Will need to dig in and make effort plays if he wants to stay on the court. Screen navigation will need improvement to avoid falling too far adrift when faced with a throng of picks.
40. Sion James
6’5” | 218 lbs | Wing | Duke | Senior | 22.5 Y/O
After toiling away at Tulane for four seasons, Sion James sought greener pastures by transferring to Duke for his final collegiate season. He assimilated perfectly, slotting in as the fifth starter for a loaded roster. Sion is a 6'6" swingman that has the rim in his crosshairs on any given possession. After working tirelessly to incrementally expand his game with each passing year, James has found his range as a shooter. No stranger to playing off others, it is now simply a question of sustainability.
Upside
A 39.4 percent 3-point shooter on 188 attempts his last two college seasons. A welcome sign given his 31.7 percent mark the three seasons prior. Drilled 21 of his 39 corner 3-point attempts at Duke (51.3 percent). Over half his field goal attempts came at the rim. Manufactures look off self-creation and off-ball movement. Instinctual cutter who keeps the defense guessing with quick slips to the rim and traversing the baseline. Relishes a footrace in the open floor, be it running the lane or sprint dribbling himself. Makes a concerted effort to get out ahead of the defense for early offense and easy rack attacks. Ran pick and roll intermittently, striking a delicate balance between hunting his own shot versus tossing the lob pass or dump-off. Shades of reliable secondary ball handling. Puts his nose to the grindstone defensively with contagious intensity. Does not budge while guarding the ball - unafraid to get in his man's jersey.
Downside
His fate hinges on the accuracy of his long-ball. Launched his 3-point attempts solely off the catch. His game is absent of dribble jumpers which hampers his ultimate ceiling. His handle is not up to snuff to assume a lead role. Utterly devoid of an in-between game. 90 percent of his 2-point field goal attempts came in the restricted area. With longer limbs and crowded lanes in the NBA, will need to find a way to score from floater range when the rim is off limits. A smidge undersized to hang with some NBA small forwards.
41. Alex Toohey
6’9” | 223 lbs | Forward | Sydney Kings (Australia) | 21.1 Y/O
Sitting atop the 2025 crop of the NBL's Next Stars programme, Alex Toohey savoured a starting role for the Sydney Kings to the tune of 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. A healthy 6'8" with a 6'11" armspan, he has an ideal chassis to work with. He held up admirably in one of the world's premier professional leagues, but a few key improvement areas still stand between him and NBA legitimacy.
Upside
Ideal height and weight for an NBA combo forward. Perimeter-oriented which helps his functionality in a frontcourt rotation. Demonstrates all the qualities of a read and react perimeter option. Started the lion's share of his halfcourt possessions in the corner as an accessory to the primary action, which serves as a good taste test for his eventual NBA niche. Eagerly moves without the ball and fills open lanes when afforded the opportunity. Fundamentally sound. Does a great job of staying grounded with jump-stops to avoid unnecessary mistakes. A heady defender who is scheme savvy. Played within a switch-heavy system. Middle-points well between his man and the ball. Anticipates and executes effectively on the fly. Stays in the picture when guarding out on the perimeter, even if lagging behind quicker guards.
Downside
All roads lead to the quality of his 3-point shot. Made 31 percent of his 2.9 attempts per game in Australia. Looked better as a stationary shooter rather than on the move. Nothing alarming about his technique. Buckles his knees slightly but the follow through is reassuring. Boasts an awkward and largely unrefined handle. Dribbles it too high with little capacity to change things up directionally. Glaringly right hand dominant as a finisher. Barely has a left hand on running layups or floaters even on the left side of the basket. Not a twitchy leaper. Requires forward momentum to get proper lift. Accordingly, risks being swallowed up in the paint by springier athletes. Lateral quickness remains a question mark. Whether or not he can adequately switch stance and backslide across three positions will be telling.
42. Yanic Konan Niederhauser
7’0” | 243 lbs | Big | Penn State | Junior | 22.3 Y/O
Born in Switzerland, Yanic Konan Niederhauser has propelled himself further up big boards after a strong showing at the Draft Combine. Yanic clocked in at 6’11” barefoot and 240 pounds with a 7’3” armspan. He is foregoing his senior year to commit whole-heartedly to his draft process. Konan Niederhauser averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks his junior year, abusing rims across the East coast. He joins a deep and wide-ranging big man cohort that ventures well beyond traditional archetypes.
Upside
An incendiary athlete with a balanced physique. Soars for gravity defiant dunks and blocks with regularity, seemingly using the painted area as a launchpad. Adroit play finisher who combines soft hands with impeccable jump timing. Able to circumvent airborne defenders with split-second touch finishes at the pinnacle of his jump. Accordingly, rolling hard and reading the rim is his forte. Sprints the inner channels in transition to draw defensive attention towards the middle. Not averse to flashy dribble drives when smothered on the perimeter. Apt at ripping through and detonating at the basket after two or three dribbles. A staunch shot blocker who haunts strong-side drivers like an apparition. Slides across the split-line with audacity to erase layups and floaters. 3.3 blocks per 36 minutes as a junior.
Downside
22 years old with plenty of on-court adjustments to make. A pedestrian passer who does not create advantages in the halfcourt outside of setting screens and vertical spacing. Minimal evidence of shooting competence outside of 10 feet. 66.4 percent from the line as a junior. Needs to straighten out his habits on a per-possession basis. Constantly rolls the wrong way after setting a screen, diving off the wrong foot and voluntarily delaying his rim runs. Needs to rein in his rim protecting principles, particularly his method of contesting. Makes no attempt to keep the ball inbounds and turn possession. Averaged 4.7 fouls per 36 minutes his junior season. Often overzealous while hustling to rotate, sacrificing his positional integrity on the back line. Plods when playing out in space, especially on catch hedges. Too aggressive on the rush and too slow on the retreat to effectively hedge and recover.
43. Hunter Sallis
6’5” | 181 lbs | Guard | Wake Forest | Senior | 22.2 Y/O
A highly ranked high school recruit in the class of 2021, Hutner Sallis departs from four years at Gonzaga and Wake Forest with flashes of brilliance. A 6'5" combo guard (which this draft class seems to be littered with) with an additional 5 inches to his wingspan, the physicals are a feather in his cap. A hefty shooting drop off during 2024-25 may depress his draft stock, but the 22 year old brandishes a distinctive craft with the ball in his hands to warrant second-round interest.
Upside
An attuned ball carrier with a herky-jerky approach to his drives. Ambidextrous which ups his value. Has the ball on the string with an affinity for hesitations, splitting double teams, snaking the pick and roll, or crab dribbling his way into shots around the dotted line. Sleek touch from the upper paint. A sneaky dunker off one or both feet when swooping to the cup with enough tarmac. Converted 63 percent of his field goal attempts at the rim. Deepens his downhill threat with a deadly mid-range pull-up. Made over half of his 2-point jumpers as a senior. Uses jump-stops in the lane well to get to his floater or wait out the defense and seek out passing outlets. Apt at playing off others by cutting and replacing where the circumstances demand. Not a playmaker unto himself, but zips the ball around and makes improvisational reads as they manifest. Frequently redirects the ball to cutters orbiting his drives. A brigand at the point of attack who can stick to opposing guards like glue with his combination of range and shiftiness. Pitches in on the defensive glass.
Downside
Has had peaks and valleys as a long-range shooter year-to-year. His 40.5 percent from distance as a junior plummeted to 27.7 percent as a senior. His junior year mark appears to be an aberration - never converted more than 30 percent otherwise. Shooting form appears leisurely and off-kilter at times. Dips the ball a tad on the draw or takes valuable seconds to adjust and set his feet. Does not always jump straight up and down on his jump shot. Has a tendency to lean back which can hinder his follow through. Hit the scales at 180 pounds during the Combine. Will need to strengthen his brittle frame as a drive-centric operator. Needs to be more prudent when navigating screens defensively, be it fighting under or over.
44. Hansen Yang
7’2” | 253 lbs | Big | Qingdao (China) | 19.9 Y/O
A 7'2", 250 pound big out of China, Hansen Yang will turn 20 years old on draft day. Despite the slower, relatively menial nature of the Chinese Basketball Association, Yang logged 16.2 points, 10 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in his second professional season. Hansen is well-rounded center with a strong affinity for posting up and stampeding down the middle. He could benefit immensely from further maturation over the coming years, making him an attractive low-risk addition in the second-round for any team willing to be patient.
Upside
A mid-post technician who seamlessly toggles between brute force and graceful touch. No stranger to a pirouette, step through or drop step. Able to pivot off either foot to work the angles. Predominantly finishes with dunks or right-handed baby hooks. A jumbo playmaker at the top of the floor. Splits defenders with backdoor finds and threads entry passes to his fellow big man wheeling to the rim. Visibly competitive on both sides of the ball. Cordons off the paint on the back line with his 7'3" wingspan. Proved his worth as a swat machine with Qingdao, with the counting stats to back it up.
Downside
A willing shooter from distance, though not an effective one. Connected on less than 30 percent of his long twos and triple tries. His mechanics do not do him any favors. Flares his elbow out while his guide hand seems to exact influence over the flight of the ball. Far from ambidextrous around the basket. Finishes with his right hand virtually every time. Racked up 3.1 giveaways per game against inferior defensive units. Adapting to sophisticated coverages with more advanced passing reads will be a must. A plodding big when guarding in space. Lacks functional burst. His range and extension may be insufficient to get by defensively. Will need to make up for his physical limitations with spatial acuity behind the play. Switchability in the long run remains contentious.
45. Micah Peavy
6’7” | 212 lbs | Wing | Georgetown | Senior | 23.9 Y/O
A late bloomer who broke out as a super senior in his third collegiate uniform, Micah Peavy has thrown his hat in the NBA Draft ring against all odds. Micah shouldered a minutes and usage load at Georgetown that he had never sniffed previously, incidentally shoring up his 3-point stroke in the process. Peavy's drive and isolation game has stylistic parallels to Michael Beasley, while his shooting mechanics bear a striking resemblance to Dillon Brooks. He is crossing his fingers for a second-round opportunity after leaving it all out on the court.
Upside
A 6'7" swingman who can oscillate between the two and the three. Explosive athlete who runs and jumps with grace. Genuine three level ace when it comes to getting buckets. Frequently stops and pops or falls away for silky smooth elbow jumpers. Maintains his balance when screeching to a halt. Cranks up the pace on the fast break for early offense, routinely finishing with authority at the rim. Sunk 40.8 percent of his 4.1 3-point tries per contest his final college season. Forged a lethal pick and roll partnership with Thomas Sorber which enhanced his decisiveness and execution as an entry passer. A robust, hard-nosed defender who disallows anything easy by walling off drives. 2.3 steals per game as a super senior. Possesses quick feet to matchup with two-guards and the core strength to stand his ground against most forwards.
Downside
His 24th birthday is less than a month after draft night. Forecasts as a system player who can do what is asked of him on both ends. Comfortable driving north-south or coming off a pick, but is unsophisticated when asked to freelance with a live dribble. His robotic shooting form begs the question of whether his 40 percent mark as a super senior was a flash in the pan. Made a paltry 65.9 percent of his free throws, which happened to be a career-high. Attempted just 1.4 threes per game over his first four seasons at a 26.7 percent clip. Does not have the backing or historical indicators to have faith in his jump shot sustaining. Occasionally overzealous defensively jumping passing lanes or reaching in, compromising his positioning.
46. John Tonje
6’6” | 212 lbs | Wing | Wisconsin | Senior | 24.2 Y/O
A rare 6 year college player, John Tonje first graced an NCAA court pre-Covid. He is a guard-forward standing at 6'5" with an extra 3 inches to his reach. It took John awhile to obtain the license to let his game do the talking as a go-to scoring option, but the Badgers gave him the platform he needed to prove his worth. Tonje turned 24 in April. As such, he is nearing the vertex of his developmental trajectory. His name should be front and center in the flotsam of the late second-round. If Tonje does not hear his name called, he will undoubtedly have a two-way contract with his name written all over it.
Upside
A hybrid swingman with a proven track record as a lights out shooter. Squares up effortlessly and keeps everything in line in both the upper and lower half of his release. Canned 38.8 percent of his 5.9 3-point attempts as a senior - even more off the catch - as well as an automatic 90.9 percent from the foul line. Unflinching jump shooter whether he is idle, moving, or creating for himself and pounding the rock. Exhibits a quicker first step and better vertical leaping ability than his horizontal movement leads on. Well-versed in taking a backseat and letting others take the reins. Does not rest on his laurels on the open side. Stays ready and leverages the gravity of his shooting prowess to slash to the rim or gallivant along the arc. Turns the corner sharply while coming of picks to cater to the low-man. Makes solid entry passes in the face of more aggressive pick coverages.
Downside
Already 24 years old. For the most part, he is who he is. Adapting to NBA speed will be a tall order. More of a dual threat than a triple threat when tasked with initiating offense, as his playmaking (or lack thereof) lends itself to a strictly tertiary capacity. Found success getting to the rim at the college level, be it off the dribble or as a cutter, but struggled to finish in traffic. Generally animated and emotive, sometimes to a fault. Gives up several inches against opposing forwards defensively which he does not make up for with amazing footspeed or short-zone quickness. Will be neither stout nor switchable. Will only be able to matchup with guards of a certain ilk in single coverage. His feasibility as an individual and team defender is very much up in the air.
47. Jamir Watkins
6’6” | 215 lbs | Wing | Florida State | Senior | 23.9 Y/O
A 6’7”, 215-pound swingman with plus 4 inches to his wingspan, Jamir Watkins departs Florida State with a well-rounded game and high appeal in the middle of the second-round. Jamir is a guard-forward amalgam who takes what the defense gives him on one end and locks down opponents on the other. He averaged 18.4 points and 5.7 rebounds on 42.7 percent from the field as a senior. Unless and until he can keep defenses honest from the outside, he will struggle to get off the pine at the next level.
Upside
Exhibits lead guard qualities in spurts whether initiating primary actions at the point of attack or attacking secondarily from the side of the floor. Picks up speed in the open court, putting defenders in a bind by slicing through the lane to pressure the rim. Has the optics of a credible jump shot. Technically conscious release with a free-flowing stroke from his follow through to his guide hand. The overall form provides reason for optimism. Flashed deep range well beyond the college line. 75.8 percent foul shooting is good but not great. A passable supplementary facilitator either driving and kicking, running pick and roll or swinging the rock as possessions unfold. Capable of throwing the lob pass or taking an extra dribble to catch the low-man defender lacking and hit the roller. His multi-pronged M.O. could be well served shepherding bench lineups down the road. Defensively, poses to guard three positions ably at the NBA level. Equipped with the quickness to stay in front as well as the ranginess to create chaos.
Downside
His 24th birthday is less than two weeks after the draft. 3-point accuracy falls woefully short of the NBA league average. Shot 32.5 percent from range for his collegiate career, with his high watermark coming as a junior at 34.4 percent. Does not get much lift in the lower half of his shooting motion. Risks becoming a strategic nullity as a non-shooter. Does not have top-shelf ball handling or playmaking to fall back on. Converted 58 percent of his rim attempts as a junior, which comprised over a third of his field goal attempts. That figure was propped up by fast break layups and dunks against an unset defense. Ranked 19th percentile on dribble jumpers generally. Does not have a mid-range game to speak of, limiting his threat level as a second-side option or downhill driver.
48. Eric Dixon
6’9” | 259 lbs | Forward | Villanova | Senior | 24.4 Y/O
A man amongst boys for much of his final collegiate season, Eric Dixon's combination of striking physical traits and deep shooting range are unmistakable. He does the bulk of his work low to the ground with high touch time post ups and a turnaround jumper evocative of Julius Randle. At 6'8" and 260 pounds, his brawn similarly fits the bill.
Upside
Grown man strength with a chiselled physique. Manhandles opponents with his back to the basket or faces up with downhill craft. Blends physicality with grace - roughing up or skirting by post defenders in equal doses. Abates defenders with an array of spins or a hop-step. Utilizes pound dribbles masterfully. Finishes with either hand but skews right. Covers ground with his strides to the basket. Protects the ball well by leaning in with his inside shoulder. A torrid 3-point shooter from above the break. Nailed 40.7 percent of his 7.2 attempts per game as a super senior, mostly off the catch. Able to hop into threes off curls. Has a knack for knocking down looks from several feet behind the line. Has a gooseneck follow through with great alignment of his shooting hand. A brick wall screener with the wherewithal to re-screen or switch the angle promptly. Quick-witted when stationed away from the ball.
Downside
One of the oldest prospects in the class. Will turn 25 in January of his rookie season. Not an incendiary athlete. Seldom gets particularly airborne as a finisher. Converted only 58 percent of his rim attempts despite his penchant for bully-ball. Needs to speed up his jumper. Resets before firing, bringing the ball down momentarily when catching it in the shooting pocket. Shoots the ball relatively flat due to a low release. Gets stiff with the dribble the more runway he is given on penetration. Playmaking from out of the post and the short roll is relatively dull. Tends to make the more obvious reads without much foresight. Questionable defensive fit in the pros. Lumbersome when guarding out past the 3-point arc while giving up several inches on the interior. Will likely be stuck in quicksand against NBA wings. Needs to execute snappier closeouts to avoid being blown by. Will be tested as the low-man in high ball screen actions.
49. Ryan Nembhard
6’0” | 176 lbs | Guard | Gonzaga | Senior | 22.3 Y/O
A spitting image of his brother Andrew, Ryan Nembhard departs his senior year at Gonzaga as one of the premier game managing point guards in the class. With a ridiculous 9.8 assists to 2.5 turnovers per game, Ryan brings a steady hand to the offense that could keep a bench unit afloat. After weighing in at 175 pounds at the Draft Combine, Nembhard’s physical shortcomings will present an obtrusive hurdle out the gate.
Upside
A playmaking aficionado with a throwback pass-first disposition. Thrives with simplicity. Nothing overly flashy or daring. Navigates defensive alignments in the halfcourt with precision, manipulating his immediate defender with irregular but methodical dribble cadence. Deep propensity for pull-ups around the elbows. Uses sprint dribbles in short areas to create separation when coming off a pick tightly, as well as stop-and-go's to kite defenders. A steadfast decision-maker on the fast break. Rarely forces the issue, keeps his dribble alive to let his passing options materialize, and has the vision to execute to a T. Uses retreat dribbles to widen his passing windows. Preposterous 41.5 percent assist percentage as a senior. A dexterous downhill finisher with a running start. Masterful use of his off-arm and outside hand for scoop layups at speed. 44.4 percent on catch and shoot threes ranked 92nd percentile, albeit on low volume. Routinely stops and pops using "get" actions with his fellow big men along the top of the arc. Plays activity based defense. Dispossesses opponents with swipes and interceptions to the tune of 1.7 steals per game as a senior. Turned 22 in March so still has room for growth.
Downside
6'0", 175-pound point guard with a 6'2" wingspan. Shot 56 percent at the rim despite plenty coming off transition run outs. Getting to, and converting at, the basket will be difficult in halfcourt NBA sets. Eccentric shooting form similar to his brother. Brings the ball down off the catch and places the palm of his shooting hand in an awkward spot before his upward shooting motion. Follows through at chin level. Knocks his knees together despite a solid width between his feet. Scaleability of his jumper remains a question mark - only 2.7 3-point attempts per game as a senior. Will need to dial it in from deep to acclimatize to a secondary role. His size could easily render him a defensive pushover. Will get victimized in cross-matches and is vulnerable to being mowed down by most NBA players wing-sized and above.
50. Javon Small
6’2” | 190 lbs | Guard | West Virginia | Senior | 22.5 Y/O
Javon Small lives up to his name, measuring as one of the five shortest prospects at the Combine (6’1” barefoot). Small spent his four college seasons with three separate programs and led the charge offensively as a junior and senior. Javon boasts some of the best hops in the class, logging the third highest maximum vertical leap at the Combine (40.5 inches). He could be near the top of the board in the back-end of the second-round for a squad hunting for backcourt depth.
Upside
A twitchy riser off one or both feet. A 63 percent finisher at the rim. Takes it to the hole with purpose. Uses his athletic pop for acrobatic finishes and sporadic dunks. A multifaceted scorer who is at his best with a live handle. Great at coming off dribble handoffs and attacking diagonally. Makes the offense churn with his on-ball wiggle. Uses probe and freeze dribbles to beat his man, lure help defenders and tilt the defense in his favor. Made 36.2 percent of his 398 3-point attempts as a junior and senior, a large chunk of which were pull-ups. Has credible range out past 25 feet. 87.1 percent free throw shooting for his college career is a key performance indicator for underlying touch and shooting proficiency. A learned pick and roll ball handler who tailors his tempo to the coverage he is navigating. 35.1 percent assist percentage speaks to his distinguished passing feel against help rotations. Gets after it defensively. Digs in at the top of the arc, eschews screens, and generates steals (1.5 per game).
Downside
Likely caps out as a third or fourth guard in an NBA rotation. Jump shooting technique is imperfect. Shoots it out in front of his face with a low release, often leading to a flatter trajectory than is ideal. Needs to smoothen his process while setting his feet before pulling the trigger. Sopped up most of the on-ball duties at Oklahoma State and West Virginia (28.2 percent usage as a senior). Will need to optimize his game in a similar manner to Cason Wallace, working off others in a far more restrained, off-ball capacity. The size deficit will rear its head constantly. It will be open season against any opponent with a sizeable backcourt tandem. Will need to fight relentlessly to hold his weight with any ounce of success on switches.
51. Amari Williams
7’0” | 262 lbs | Big | Kentucky | Senior | 23.4 Y/O
Amari Williams transferred to Lexington after a four year stint at Drexel. A heel turn from the lowly CAA to the esteemed SEC raised the stakes for Williams and brought out the defibrillator for his pro ambitions. In 22.8 minutes per game as a super senior, Amari posted 10.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists. With over a dozen high profile prospects in the class opting to return to college, the May 28 decision deadline elevated Williams’ standing among talent evaluators. After being omitted from most big boards, he now has an inside track to hearing his name called in the 50 to 60 range.
Upside
A burly paint presence with long limbs. Measures at 7’0”, 260 pounds with a 7’5” armspan. Straddles the fence between strength and agility. Nimble slip screener. Wheels off dribble penetration to the upper paint well. Mobile from baseline-to-baseline coasting down the floor. Wields a solid floor game. Puts the ball on the floor with rip throughs, fake dribble handoffs, or when igniting the break. 24.7 percent assist rate as a super senior. Not quite hub status from the high post, but makes plays as a facilitator with accurate bounce passes to backdoor and slot cutters. Recognises defensive overlaps for kicks to the baseline roamer. Logged a demonstrative 29.7 percent defensive rebound rate by throwing his weight around. 3.1 blocks per 40 minutes during his 5 year college career. An intimidator on the back line with a strong positional compass. Willing to defend further away from the rim and play up on ball screens.
Downside
Close to fully formed as a player. Turns 24 in January. Ultimate ceiling is presumably a replacement-level big who can rebound, block shots and run the floor. Few separating qualities versus bigs of his ilk. Above average verticality, but not an outlier in that regard. His post game is bare bones. Backs down or barrels into opponents and defaults to left hand hook shots. Outwardly left hand dominant - James Wiseman-esque in that regard. Shot a dismal 37 percent from floater range near the left baseline. 63 percent at the rim has room for improvement. Not much of a jump shot to speak of. Disjointed release at chest level and out in front of his body. Despite graceful touch finishes, does not display much instinct or foresight as an offensive rebounder. Listless in spurts defensively, zoning out or losing focus. Prone to over-pursuing drivers for secondary contests.
52. Payton Sandfort
6’7” | 212 lbs | Wing | Iowa | Senior | 22.9 Y/O
A shooting specialist with positional size, Payton Sandfort has his work cut out for him at the next level. He is a 6’7”, 215-pound wing with an extra inch to his reach. All that remains is an opportunity, should that come by way of hearing his name called or otherwise. Payton’s shooting percentages took a downturn his senior year, but he was ailing all year long and unable to shake off the rust. Despite a fractured wrist and a torn labrum in both shoulders, both of which required surgery, Payton still managed to suit up in all 33 games for the Hawkeyes in 2024-25. After participating in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine, Payton’s draft hopes lie amidst a highly-acclaimed crop of NBA talent for 2025.
Upside
A robust jump shooter with a high release point above his head that makes it hard to block. Quick on the draw, catching and firing in one fell swoop. Advanced movement and relocation shooter who expertly uses a couple of dribbles to pull up, averting defenders who are flying out. Able to pour it on with a deluge of triples once he gets his eye in. Connected on 37.9 percent of his 7.3 3-point attempts per game as a junior before injuries bogged down his senior year efficiency (34 percent). A menace coming off screens. Always on his toes, slicing into the lane with escape dribbles when run off the line. Typically plays off two feet the closer he gets to the basket. Delivers passes to the low-man on time and on target, both in the flow of possessions and when attacking downhill. Exerts himself defensively.
Downside
Netted just 54 percent of his field goal attempts in the restricted area. Does not have the upward burst to steer clear of help defenders at the rim. Mostly launched his 3-point attempts from above the break in college. Will need to adapt to a basketball life where he is stashed in the corner. If he plays forward for extended stretches, may struggle mightily with his individual assignment on both ends. Typecasts as the weakest link defensively in the majority of NBA lineups. While his size quells much of the trepidation, he will more than likely be dragged into actions and receive the Duncan Robinson or Bogdan Bogdanović treatment i.e. getting hunted on switches relentlessly.
53. Johni Broome
6’10” | 249 lbs | Big | Auburn | Senior | 22.9 Y/O
Another super senior with 5 years of college play under his belt, Johni Broome will need to overcome glaring physical and temporal concerns in his plight to hitch his wagon to an NBA suitor. Auburn's tournament run certainly helped his stock. But with a skillset from a bygone era and an ever-evolving NBA context, carving out a niche will be easier said than done.
Upside
An interior fundamentalist through and through. Dominant with his back to the basket. Possesses elite low-post craft with ballerina-like balance and footwork. The totality of his finishing package bodes well. Can punish his man with brute strength under the rim or elegant touch from close range. Leverages physicality and welcomes contact. Allows him to capitalize on a size advantage and feast on cross-matches. Tailor-made to make plays out of the short roll. Maps the court and offloads to the open man on time and on target. Experienced playing in space at the top of the arc as a high-post waystation. Tenacious on the glass on both ends, not afraid to throw his weight around. Defensive execution measures up with the tools to wreak havoc against smaller lineup configurations. Audacious yet calculated on the back-side with a penchant to rotate and contest without fouling.
Downside
Turns 23 in July. Much closer to a finished product than a fledgling star. Inherently ground bound. At 6'10" and 250 pounds, he is smaller than most fives and slower than most fours from an NBA perspective. 27.8 percent from long range as a senior. Such an iffy 3-point stroke diminishes his utility further away from the basket. 58.7 percent from the charity stripe on 5.6 attempts per game his senior year. Eminently hackable. Unlikely to hold up on switches in the pros with his slow-footedness and laborious physical tendencies. Hard to envisage a ceiling beyond a plucky workaday big off the end of the bench.
54. Alijah Martin
6’3” | 208 lbs | Guard | Florida | Senior | 23.5 Y/O
A national champion after transferring to the Florida Gators for his fifth college season, Aljjah Martin is a rumbling athlete with a boundless motor. Standing at 6'3" and weighing in at 210 pounds, what he lacks in stature he compensates for with maniacal effort. Martin sits on the fringes of the draft board, but fits the bill of a self-driver who could make a name for himself in Summer League should he go unselected.
Upside
A crowd-pleasing uber-athlete who lives above the rim. Elicits oohs and aahs with a healthy dose of highflying finishes and aerial artistry. Passable shooter who consistently hovers around mid-30s percentages from deep. Punches above his weight with great conditioning and a well-sculpted physique. Weaponizes his fast-twitch verticality in a multitude of ways. Unafraid to sky amongst the trees for rebounds on both ends. A genuine lob threat in transition. A straight up irritant defensively. Confronts ball handlers at the point of attack with early pick up points and undue ball pressure. Unwavering intensity in the throes of possessions, whether stuck on an island in a mismatch or scrambling his way through multiple screens. Generated 1.6 and 1.5 steals per game his final two college seasons respectively. Creates moments of rupture by fusing sound positional instincts with sheer drive and determination.
Downside
His 24th birthday is in December. Best suited as an off-guard, which does not gel with the fact he is point guard size. Accordingly, his ideal NBA fit and physical shortcomings may be incompatible. It behooves him to be stationed one pass away in the halfcourt rather than independently create offense. Flourishes at ripping past guys on the perimeter as opposed to breaking down his man off the bounce. Lacks the passing gene necessary to dissect defenses and set up his teammates on a full-time basis. Does not possess the requisite dribble counters to conjure offense in isolation. Limited scope defensively on an NBA floor. Will be incessantly stuck in switches that even his burst and effort cannot overcome.
55. RJ Luis Jr.
6’7” | 210 lbs | Wing | St John’s | Junior | 22.6 Y/O
The tip of Rick Pitino’s offensive spear, RJ Luis Jr. is betting on himself and leaving college after his junior campaign. St John’s 31-5 season was overshadowed by a heartbreaking loss during the round of 32, which saw RJ benched down the stretch. Luis Jr. is a 6’7”, 210-pound wing whose bright spots and drawbacks intersect all too often. His physical traits, defensive buy-in and ball skills measure up, but rash decision-making and an unpalatable 3-point clip have tainted his main selling points.
Upside
Ideal size for a guard-forward with a 6’11” wingspan to boot. A dynamic downhill driver, especially when turning the afterburners on in transition. A big proponent of stutter dribbles, stop-and-go’s and double crossovers to beat his defender. Graceful footwork inside the arc. A versatile finisher - highflying jams, fighting through contact, drawing fouls, and a hitch-less fall away jumper. Coaxed whistles to the tune of 5.1 free throw attempts per game. Adept at finding the low-man from the nail after forcing defenders to commit. Darts around the halfcourt when cracks in the defense open up, particularly flashing to the middle when there is space to assimilate. An oppressive defender who is able to slide up and down the positional scale. An elite rebounder for his position.
Downside
Despite his on-ball proficiency, his handle is not particularly advanced. He can dither around aimlessly when faced with stoic on-ball defenders. Almost half of his field goal attempts came at the rim, where he netted just 54 percent. Jump shot is shaky on both spot-ups and pull-ups. His shooting form is a combination of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and O.J. Mayo. Shot 33.6 percent on 137 3-point attempts as a junior, with his catch and shoot efficiency being not much better. Can fade into the background as easily as he can score in bunches. No singular skill sets him apart as a prospective NBA rotation player, especially since his slashing qualities are not backed up by raw numbers. Without marked improvement to his dribble creativity or shooting ability, he risks being fungible in the span of a few years.
56. Vladislav Goldin
7’1” | 253 lbs | Big | Michigan | Senior | 24.1 Y/O
Already 24 years old, Vladislav Goldin left Florida Atlantic as a senior to seek out fiercer competition for his fifth and final college season. He joined forces with Danny Wolf in Michigan’s frontcourt en route to an appearance in the Sweet 16. Goldin is a 7’1”, 250-pound specimen with a 7’5”wingspan. While his measurables fit the bill, the breadth of his skillset has certainly been called into question. The Russian-born big man has a throwback style but has gradually expanded his shooting range to deepen his offensive utility. The degree to which front offices buy in to his stretch potential could make or break whether he hears his name called in the second-round.
Upside
Converted 68 percent of his field goal attempts at the rim, dunks and layups alike. A skilful finisher in traffic with defenders draped all over him. Adept at tying up his man for deep seals under the goal to make things easy for his backcourt table setters. Incredibly poised with the ball down low. Keeps his balance, goads defenders with pump fakes, and finds a way to score with his feet planted to the floor. Harnesses power dribbles, drop-steps and dip-ins to free himself up. Will never evoke any style points, but capitalizes on his post touches with sound fundamentals. Perceivable shooting potential. Shot 11 of 33 from 3-point land as a super senior, and upped his free throw percentage by 7 percentage points. A stout pick and roll defender in drop coverage. Imposes his will defensively by being in the right place and standing firm.
Downside
Turned 24 years old in May. Does little outside of catching and finishing. Needs to be spoon-fed offensively. A strong penchant for post-ups at the college level which will inevitably dwindle as he finds his feet in the NBA. His ground-bound temperament can simultaneously work in his favor and work against him. Best suited as a paint-rooted five man stationed well below the level of the screen. Will be vertically and horizontally troubled against his NBA peers. Shading towards the perimeter is a losing battle as he moves side-to-side as if he has ankle weights on. Similarly unable to modify shots by playing above the rim or skying for contests due to his athleticism deficit. Matchups against stretch bigs or guards who feast on dribble jumpers will be untenable.
57. Izan Almansa
6’10” | 220 lbs | Forward | Perth Wildcats (Australia) | 20.0 Y/O
Spanish-born Izan Almansa took his talents to Australia after the dissolution of the G-League Ignite in 2024. He averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.8 minutes for the Perth Wildcats. A 6’10” power forward with an additional 3 inches to his wingspan, the measurables favor Almansa. But channelling his tools into tangible NBA production will be easier said than done. Izan’s NBL tenure was far from eye-catching, and as such the theory of his skillset still far outweighs the reality.
Upside
Does a little bit of everything offensively. At his best around the dotted line or gliding down the middle lane for momentum finishes. Possesses a smooth finger roll and a prolific right-handed push shot from 8 to 12 feet. Showed glimpses of spinning into left hand hook shots in the post. Played a lot in the dunker's spot in Perth. Conducted dribble handoffs, often improvisationally. Great sight line passer in the halfcourt. Kicks it to the corner expertly out of the short roll and sprays out to shooters when recovering loose balls. Plays with a battery in his back on both ends, whether pounding the glass or loping into the forecourt for fast break opportunities. Deploys great verticality on defensive contests, even if he only has one of his arms up.
Downside
Hit the scales at 220 pounds. Needs to fill out his frame to slot in as a four. Not an explosive standing dunker. Clunky shooting mechanics (to put it lightly). Has his elbow at greater than a 90 degree angle. Never truly aligns his elbow as well as an errant guide hand. Low release point in front of his face. 53.4 percent foul shooting in 2024-25 provides another reason to be dubious. Cutting instincts can be haphazard. Does not vacate space in a timely manner and clogs the paint at times by standing idle in the immediate vicinity of a drive. Has a rigid handle when attacking north to south. Tentative defender when blitzing or switching. Lackluster foot speed while backpedalling as well as shifting laterally. His positioning and switch recognition as the low-man is uninspiring.
58. Brice Williams
6’6” | 206 lbs | Wing | Nebraska | Senior | 23.9 Y/O
Brice Williams is on the outside looking in as it pertains to his second-round chances, but anything can happen. He is a 6’6”, 205-pound wing with a plus 5 inch wingspan. Brice stuffed the stat sheet as a super senior, producing 20.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game on impressive .471-.370-.883 shooting splits. The offensive potency cannot be overstated, but how he fares on the less glamorous side of the ball will ultimately determine whether or not he can stick around at the next level.
Upside
A sterling shooting resume. 38.5 percent from beyond the arc and 84 percent from the charity stripe over his 5 college seasons. His efficiency sustained despite a prevalence of contested jump shots throughout his final season. Unshakeable resolve even with defenders breathing down his neck. Has a top-heavy jump shot with his arms doing most of the work. Does not bend his knees much which partially weakens his lower base, but he has made it work. An even-keeled dribble driver whose shooting appetite spans every area of the floor. He has a buttery mid-range pull-up with crystal clean technique. Alternatively, sprint dribbles his way to the block and extends for tough scooping finishes on either side of the hoop. Typically works his way around defenders, relying on angular touch. Although he can periodically outmuscle smaller bodies when heading north-to-south.
Downside
Turns 24 years old in early July. Not overtly springy when getting airborne. Most of his threes come from the top of the arc. Tailoring his game to corner spot ups will be a must. His score-first disposition at Nebraska will require drastic overhaul as he transitions to the NBA. His college primacy meant he could hunt for his shot, often at the expense of assessing and diagnosing his passing avenues. His NBA role will be heavily streamlined with little creative freedom. As close to a finished product as a prospect can get. Has the ability to dribble drive left to his weak hand, but typically spins back to his right hand to finish. Defense is not his strong suit. Neither fleet of foot nor physically imposing. Individually, he is sporadically aloof and noticeably slow-footed when guarding the ball or staying in lockstep with driver. At 205 pounds, he is too easily displaced. His defensive viability will be scheme dependent.
59. Mark Sears
6’0” | 183 lbs | Guard | Alabama | Senior | 23.3 Y/O
After spearheading Alabama’s momentous final four berth in 2024, Mark Sears ran it back for a fifth year encore. But he did not quite finish on a high, as a precipitous fall in his 2-point and 3-point efficiency year-on-year marred what was otherwise an illustrious college tenure. Standing at 5'11" barefoot with an extra 3 inches to his wingspan, Sears’ archetype is fewer and further between than ever before. He will need to become a transcendent dribble jump shooter to paper over his lilliputian defensive impact.
Upside
A deadbang sniper with logo range, despite a 3-point shooting drop-off from 43.6 percent to 34.5 percent as a super senior. Gets to his shot in a myriad of ways above the break by shaking defenders with a devious handle. As dangerous a shooter away from the ball as he is with the ball in his hands through constant movement. Jump shot is a fusion of Jalen Brunson's base with Trae Young's release. A pick and roll freelancer who parlays his shooting toolbelt with his low center of gravity, drawing defenders high and wading his way inside the arc. An evaluative dribble penetrator who can switch up his pace on the fly. Interchangeably turns on the jets to accelerate and hits the brakes to get by his man or buy himself extra separation. Splits defenders by forcing his way through openings and maneuvering in heavy traffic. 26.4 percent assist percentage as a super senior. Great lob thrower over the top or needle threader with the bounce pass. Displayed an uncanny ability to bail out of his jumpers to bullet a pass inside. Renowned for his gamesmanship. Rose to the occasion in high leverage moments.
Downside
Hit the scales at 183 pounds at the Draft Combine. Far from an athletic marvel. Not lightning quick as a diminutive guard. Survives with knowhow and patience rather than a blazing first step or a skyward layup package. Effective field goal percentage nosedived by 11 percent his super senior season. Converted a mere 50 percent of his shot attempts the rim, comprising over a third of his field goals. Requires Jupiter-level gravity to fully unleash his drive game against NBA coverages. A walking mismatch. Will be dead center in the crosshairs of opposing offenses. Whether he is hidden on weaker assignments or only rolled out in favorable matchups, life in the NBA as a sub-6 foot guard is riddled with disadvantages that inevitably come to bear.
60. Dink Pate
6’7” | 201 lbs | Wing | Mexico City Capitanes (G-League) | 19.3 Y/O
When Dink Pate signed with the now defunct G-League Ignite in April 2023, he became the youngest recorded professional basketball player to ever play in the United States. But the bells and whistles of his come-up gradually subsided and his production never quite measured up. Yet to find his lane on either side of the ball, Pate has a lot to figure out. Accordingly, he projects as a late second-round pick hoping for a franchise to take a flyer on his youth and physical traits.
Upside
Time is on his side. Went pro much earlier than most but got his feet wet against NBA calibre competition. Armed with the height (6'7") and length (6'10" wingspan) of an NBA swingman. A decent athlete to boot. An avid straight-line driver (especially down the middle lane) with untapped potential as a ball carrier given the right guidance. Light traces of a floater game as well as a propensity to stop and pop around the upper paint. Mobile in the open floor and sets his sights on the rim in transition. The blueprint to developing into a resourceful wing defender is there.
Downside
Years away from being NBA rotation ready. A project in every sense of the word. A relatively aimless ball handler with a glaring lack of intentionality. Riddled with indecision at the climax of his drives - leaving his feet or stopping on a dime with no outs. Often barges into the lane without a preconceived plan and lacks reactivity when greeted by the help. Tentative finisher that over-contorts when challenged in mid-air. Converted less than half of his layups against subpar rim protection. Jump shooting mechanics are uninspiring. 25.8 percent from deep in 2024-25. Has an errant guide hand, rotates his feet on the way up, flares his legs out and frequently leans backwards in the latter half of his shooting motion. Not much playmaking feel to speak of. Defensive awareness and aptitude reading the floor several passes away from the ball will need to improve.
Late Withdrawals from the 2025 Draft
I assembled my big board throughout May and early June. Three international prospects that I scouted pulled out ahead of the June 15 withdrawal deadline. For completeness, I have included their scouting reports below. This trio will undoubtedly be back in the mix for 2026.
Neoklis Avdalas
6’8” | 198 lbs | Forward | Peristeri BC (Greece) | 19.4 Y/O
Original Rank: 38
Neoklis Avdalas is a 19 year old Greek newcomer who has shot up draft boards following the May 28 decision deadline. Across all Greek competition in 2024-25, Avdalas averaged 7.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 18.5 minutes of gameplay, sinking 35.7 percent of his 2.7 3-point attempts per game. Like several other Europeans in this class, the sample size is negligible. But the film is enlightening nevertheless. Neoklis is smack bang in the middle of the second-round discourse and projects as a low-risk, high upside bet for any franchise willing to take a flyer and trust the process.
Upside
A high floor prospect due to his size and ball control. His 20th birthday is in April 2026. Clocked in at a shade under 6’8” without shoes with 6’9” length at the Combine. A part-time initiator who cleverly freelances with his handle. Uses in-and-out dribbles, wide crossovers, snatch backs, and an unpredictable tempo to administer clean looks or weave his way to the rim. As such, comfortable creating for himself in isolation. A spry athlete with deceptive bounce off one or both feet. Picks up considerable pace at full speed. A fastidious cutter when his man has his back turned. Uncanny shot-maker off the dribble and the catch. Has shooting form eerily similar to Kevin Huerter. No stranger to a self-created sidestep three. Only 2.7 assists per 36 minutes, but proved his worth as a secondary facilitator and pinpoint passer. Exhibits great vision to find secondary cutters. Does not rush, uses set up dribbles and finds the pocket regardless of it he throws a dump off, skip pass or jump pass. His physical tools provide a respectable defensive baseline. Relentless activity one pass away from the ball. Puts his length to good use. Sinks from the perimeter to ambush drivers in their periphery and strip the ball.
Downside
Weighed in at a svelte 198 pounds at the Combine. Physical maturation is still ongoing. Little evidence of touch from floater range. 3-point resume is not extensive. Imputing shooting competence is largely predicated on the eye test. Lateral movement on the perimeter is suspect. He has bad posture on hard closeouts - tilts slightly upright and is slow to drop his back foot if he needs to slide backwards and protect against the drive. Squares up his feet far too often, opening himself up to being attacked on both sides. He oscillates between stances and constantly switches up his top leg, rather than picking a side and shadowing his man accordingly.
Michael Ružić
7’0” | 221 lbs | Forward | Joventut Badalona (Spain) | 18.7 Y/O
Original Rank: 40
A Croatian youngster playing professionally in Spain, Michael Ružić follows in the footsteps of his father Tomislav who played professionally in Europe for 16 years. Like Hugo González, Ružić was at the mercy of his surrounding talent in the Spanish ACB league. He clocked just 12 minutes off the bench and scored 3.2 points per game. Michael is 18 until October, and as such profiles as a developmental project with time on his side.
Upside
Came out of the Combine listed at 6'11" without shoes and a 7'0" wingspan. Ripe potential to be multi-positional as a small-ball five, traditional four or oversized swingman. Slotted seamlessly into an egalitarian offensive scheme - screen and rolls, attacking closeouts, flashing to the middle. His footwork off the gather is reassuring. Showed promise as a selfless and intelligent passer pinging the ball around in the halfcourt against a shifting defense. Smooth jump shooting mechanics. Converted 40.7 percent of his 96 3-point attempts across all leagues in 2023-24. 80 percent from the foul line in the same span. Suffered a serious thumb ligament injury in the middle of the 2024-25 season which trickled into his shooting efficiency. Ample reason to believe in his ability as a knockdown shooter. A pliable defender with all the right instincts. Slides his feet in a manner more akin to a wing than a big. Puts his length to good use whether grounded or airborne. Typecasts as an additive gap defender one pass away by virtue of his length.
Downside
Unequivocally raw. Will need to match flashes with substance further down the road to pay dividends for a prospective NBA suitor. Weighed in at a wiry 220 pounds at the Combine. Has a lot of mass still to gain in order to stand firm against NBA frontlines. Expediting his jumper should be a priority. Pulls his shooting hand just above his head in a manner that marginally delays his release. Missed two months of action in 2024-25 which hindered his momentum and shooting rhythm. Remains a pure upside bet with more unknown than known aspects to his game when assessed through a NBA lens.
Mouhamed Faye
6’10” | 220 lbs | Big | Reggio Emilia (Italy) | 20.4 Y/O
Original Rank: 56
Mouhamed Faye has spent the last two seasons with a starting gig in Italy’s premier Lega Basket Serie A. The Senegal national left the 2024 Adidas Eurocamp measuring 6’10”, 220 pounds with an absurd 7’5” wingspan. In 2024-25, Mouhamed recorded 9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting 65.3 percent from the field in 20.9 minutes per game. As a scorer, Faye lives in the restricted area. But he plays an active role in keeping the offense humming with a series of ball screens and back screens. He serves as a Goliath rolling target down the split-line. Faye is crossing his fingers that an organisation deems him worth a second-round selection, and his hope may come down to the wire.
Upside
Turned 20 in February with two years of professional basketball under his belt. Commands airspace as a lob threat. Great hands with a massive catch radius, whether inhaling high lobs or low entry passes. Significant vertical extension on his second efforts as an offensive rebounder when chasing tap backs and put-back dunks. Showed decent touch on right handed hooks on the low block. A transition accelerant who is amenable to bolting coast-to-coast, contrary to what his physical dimensions may suggest. No great shakes as a playmaker, but executes simple reads - kick outs from the block, bounce passes to the baseline cutter etc. Rarely gets stuck or motionless in the halfcourt. Keeps the ball high and out of reach of defenders when pressured. Dabbled in a range of pick and roll coverages defensively, occasionally showing high to the ball. Understands the power of his own reach and ranginess. Fronts the post well by interjecting with his length. A great scramble defender who covers considerable ground for rearview and peripheral contests.
Downside
Categorically raw with his two-way fundamentals still a work in progress. Will need to add some heft to his lanky 220-pound frame. A full-time paint roamer - shooting upside is non-existent at this juncture. 56.1 percent free throw shooter in 2024-25, 37 percent the year prior. Severely limited post repertoire. Moves at three-quarter speed when backing down and rarely chins the ball or gets his shoulder into his man. Defaults to leaning and fading hook shot attempts. Unable to maul smaller bodies inside. Has poor habits to tighten up on as a screen setter - rolls the wrong way towards his inside shoulder which holds up his dives to the rim. Susceptible to biting on pump-fakes rather than staying grounded and maintaining his vertical cylinder.