This is my personal draft board for the 2025 NBA Draft. It’s not about predicting team selections or creating a mock draft—it’s entirely based on my evaluation of players and their statistics. I’m not concerned with how others view or rank these players; this is how I would approach the draft. Infact there are several players who appear on zero other mock drafts or top 100 big boards. We had Zach Edey as a 1st round pick several years ago when he wasn’t even being projected as a 2nd rounder at the time.
I generally prioritize younger players when all else is equal, emphasizing those with the highest potential who also show respectable current production. Wings remain my preferred archetype because of their versatility and value in the modern game. While I believe in taking calculated risks on players with significant upside, I also recognize the importance of a player’s floor and proven stats, particularly as we move further down the draft. It’s all about balancing risk and reward.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the excitement around emerging talent continues to build. Here’s a rundown of the top 15 players to watch, featuring a mix of established stars and rising prospects from across the college basketball landscape.
1. Dylan Harper (Rutgers)
Dylan Harper, a 6-foot-6 standout from Rutgers, is arguably the top player in this draft class. At just 18.7 years old, Harper combines size, skill, and leadership to make a compelling case for the number one pick. Averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists with a 28 PER and 62% true shooting, Harper’s scoring and facilitation are elite. With solid shooting and the athleticism to become a quality defender like his father—who played into his late 30s—Harper is the complete package. Despite Rutgers’ underwhelming season, Harper’s individual production remains impressive, and his potential as a future NBA star is undeniable.
2. Cooper Flagg (Duke)
At 6-foot-9, Cooper Flagg has drawn significant attention for his ability to handle the ball and rebound. His defensive instincts have been good, though not as dominant as anticipated, with others, like Brown, ranking better defensively in Duke’s system. Flagg’s shooting has improved, moving from a rough 50% true shooting to nearly 55%, but it’s still a work in progress. His potential, especially as a versatile defender and playmaker, keeps him in the conversation for a top pick.
3. Ace Bailey (Rutgers)
Ace Bailey, another Rutgers product, stands at 6-foot-10 and plays with explosive athleticism. While his production has been inconsistent due to an early-season injury, he’s still averaging 19 points, 7 rebounds, and contributing defensively with a block and a steal per game. Bailey’s true shooting percentage is a concern at 51%, and his assist numbers leave much to be desired. Still, his size and athletic gifts make him an intriguing prospect for the future.
4. Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois)
A 6-foot-6 wing for Illinois, Jakucionis is a certified sniper, shooting 42% from beyond the arc and 88% from the free-throw line. At 18.5 years old, he combines his shooting prowess with impressive size, playmaking, and poise on the court. Although his potential might not be as high as some others, Jakucionis has a high floor, making him a solid bet to have a productive NBA career.
5. Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)
Jeremiah Fears, a 6-foot-4 guard from Oklahoma, plays like a seasoned veteran despite being only 18.1 years old. His court vision, playmaking, and efficiency (60% true shooting) are already elite, and his ability to score effectively only adds to his appeal. While his three-point shooting needs improvement, his free-throw numbers suggest he could develop a reliable outside shot. Fears is a player to watch closely as his game continues to evolve.
6. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor)
VJ Edgecombe, a 6-foot-5 guard for Baylor, is one of the most explosive athletes in the class. His defense stands out, averaging two and a half steals and a block per game. However, his offense has been slow to develop, with a true shooting percentage of 50%. Despite his age (19.3), Edgecombe has the tools to improve, but his offensive consistency will be key to his NBA future.
7. Khaman Maluach (Duke)
A 7-foot-2 prospect for Duke, Khaman Maluach has the physical tools to be an NBA force. His height, mobility, and shot-blocking ability make him a potential game-changer on defense. Though big men are less valued in today’s NBA, Maluach’s youth and potential as a rim protector make him an intriguing prospect to roll the dice on.
8. Egor Demin (BYU)
Egor Demin, a 6-foot-9 forward for BYU, stands out with his impressive playmaking ability, averaging six assists per game. However, his scoring and rebounding are lacking, with a subpar 31% from three-point range and 67% from the free-throw line. Demin’s elite passing is his strongest skill, but his overall game needs improvement to maximize his potential in the NBA.
9. Tre Johnson (Texas)
A natural scorer at 6-foot-6, Tre Johnson from Texas is an offensive machine, hitting 40% of his three-pointers on solid volume. The main question surrounding Johnson is his ability to contribute in other areas—can he defend, rebound, and facilitate? His scoring will keep him in the conversation, but if he doesn’t develop other facets of his game, his NBA value might be limited.
10. Boogie Fland (Arkansas)
At 6-foot-2, Boogie Fland is a dynamic playmaker who has impressed with his court vision and offensive efficiency. He’s shooting 38% from three and 84% from the free-throw line, while also averaging six assists per game. Though his defense may raise concerns due to his size, Fland’s offensive skills could make him a valuable asset in the modern NBA.
11. Johni Broome (Auburn)
A 6-foot-10 forward for Auburn, Johni Broome has been a dominant presence in college basketball, averaging double-digit points and rebounds. At 22.3 years old, his age might raise some red flags, but his experience and production, especially in a tough conference, make him a strong candidate. His mobility, however, will be the key factor in his draft projection.
12. Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
Jase Richardson, a 6-foot-4 guard from Michigan State, has the pedigree of an NBA All-Star father. At 19.1 years old, he’s been efficient, shooting 48% from three, and is known for his solid all-around play. While not flashy, Richardson’s consistency and ability to contribute make him a steady prospect for the NBA.
13. Joson Sanon (Arizona State)
Joson Sanon, a 6-foot-5 guard for Arizona State, has been an impressive shooter, hitting 48% of his threes. At just 18.9 years old, his shooting stroke and potential as a scorer are undeniable. His solid shooting percentages and pedigree make him a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
14. Will Riley (Illinois)
Will Riley, a 6-foot-8 forward for Illinois, has had an up-and-down start to the season but remains an intriguing prospect. He’s average in most areas but has the potential to develop into a more assertive player. His size and room for growth give him the opportunity to become a force in the future.
15. Thomas Sorber (Georgetown)
A 6-foot-10 forward for Georgetown, Thomas Sorber is a strong, physical presence in the post. At 18.9 years old, Sorber has been a surprise, ranking as one of the top freshmen despite lower preseason expectations. With his defensive ability and touch around the rim, Sorber has the foundation to develop into a solid NBA player.
16. Nolan Traore (Saint-Quentin, France)
At 6-foot-5 and just 18.5 years old, Nolan Traore is an explosive athlete with tremendous defensive upside. While his potential is astronomical, his offensive game is a major work in progress. Traore is shooting a dismal 26% from three and has a 45% true shooting percentage. However, his 70% free-throw shooting offers some long-term hope for improvement. Despite his raw talent, Traore’s shooting inconsistency makes him a risky choice for a top-seven draft pick.
17. Asa Newell (Georgia)
Standing 6-foot-11 and 19.1 years old, Asa Newell is an intriguing big man prospect with a combination of size, athleticism, and shooting touch. His stretch-five potential is notable, though his rim protection instincts and blocking numbers leave room for growth. Newell’s physical tools and offensive skill set still make him a player to watch.
18. Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany)
At just 17.8 years old, 6-foot-10 Noa Essengue is one of the youngest players on this list. Already competing in a professional league, Essengue is averaging 10 points per game—a remarkable feat for his age. However, like many young talents, his shooting needs significant development to elevate his game to the next level.
19. Kam Jones (Marquette)
A 6-foot-4 guard and 22.7 years old, Kam Jones brings scoring ability, leadership, and experience to the table. While older prospects often face skepticism due to limited upside, Jones’s performance has been too impressive to ignore. Shooting consistency and his overall impact suggest he’s a first-round talent, regardless of mock drafts placing him lower.
20. Darrion Williams (Texas Tech)
At 6-foot-7 and 21.6 years old, Darrion Williams thrives under pressure. His defensive tenacity, rebounding ability, and all-around contributions make him a standout. With shooting splits of 83% from the free-throw line and 35% from three, plus averages of 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, Williams profiles as a solid fit for any NBA team.
21. Derik Queen (Maryland)
Derik Queen, a 6-foot-10 big man, just turned 20 years old. He’s polished, physical, and confident, but his defensive abilities and block numbers are underwhelming for his size. While his age puts him behind younger prospects like Thomas Sorber and Asa Newell, Queen still has potential as a reliable frontcourt anchor.
22. Liam McNeeley (UConn)
At 6-foot-7 and 19.1 years old, Liam McNeeley is a versatile wing with exceptional instincts. Known for doing a bit of everything, McNeeley’s defensive potential, especially as a ball thief, could separate him from his peers as he continues to develop his game.
23. Kon Knueppel (Duke)
Standing 6-foot-7 and 19.3 years old, Kon Knueppel is a sharpshooter with an exceptional basketball IQ. However, there are questions about how well he’ll handle the athleticism of the NBA. At times, he appears rushed, but his elite shooting ability and size give him undeniable value.
24. Ian Jackson (North Carolina)
At 6-foot-5 and 19.8 years old, Ian Jackson is a dynamic scorer with elite athleticism and swagger. While his upside is clear on both ends of the floor, his lack of passing and older-than-expected freshman age raise concerns about his ceiling.
25. Donnie Freeman (Syracuse)
Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-8 forward at 19.3 years old, offers high upside with a smooth jumper and defensive versatility. Shooting nearly 80% from the free-throw line and 33% from three, Freeman’s skill set makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a stretch forward.
26. Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)
A 6-foot-8 scorer at 20 years old, Mackenzie Mgbako excels at all three levels offensively. With 42% shooting from three and an impressive 86% free-throw rate, his shooting is his strongest asset. However, his rebounding toughness, ball skills, and defense need improvement.
27. Labaron Philon (Alabama)
At 6-foot-4 and 19 years old, Labaron Philon is a crafty scorer and excellent facilitator. His shooting—28% from three and 70% from the line—is a glaring weakness. But with a player efficiency rating of 22, Philon has the tools to become a steal if he improves his shot.
28. Alex Karaban (Connecticut)
Alex Karaban, a 6-foot-8 forward at 22 years old, is a polished prospect with elite shooting potential and a high motor. His leadership and experience will appeal to teams seeking an immediate contributor. While his upside is limited due to his age, Karaban’s performance has earned him a spot in the first round.
30. Adou Thiero (Arkansas)
At 6-7 and 20.5 years old, Adou Thiero is a defensive juggernaut with an emerging offensive game. He thrives in high-energy systems, making him a perfect fit for Arkansas. If he could improve his outside shooting, Thiero would easily climb draft boards. Despite this limitation, teams are likely to take a chance on his potential.
31. Isaiah Evans (Duke)
Isaiah Evans, a 6-5 guard who just turned 19, is all about upside. He’s athletic, explosive, and flashes high-level shooting potential, averaging two three-pointers per game at an impressive 48%. The biggest question? Why isn’t he playing more minutes. Duke is good but not good enough to justify benching him this much. Betting against Jon Scheyer on this one—Evans deserves more playing time.
32. Hugo Gonzalez (Real Madrid)
At 6-7 and 18.8 years old, Hugo Gonzalez is a smooth and dynamic prospect with a polished game. His experience playing for Real Madrid has prepared him for high-pressure moments. While his minutes in the ACB are limited, just being in that league at such a young age is a significant achievement.
33. Joan Beringer (Cedevita Olimpija, Slovenia)
Standing 7 feet tall and only 18 years old, Joan Beringer is a raw yet tantalizing prospect. His mobility and shooting touch for a player of his size give him “unicorn” potential if developed correctly.
34. Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois)
Tomislav Ivisic, a 7-footer at 21.3 years old, offers a blend of size, skill, and shooting. Despite his age, he’s just beginning his college basketball career at Illinois. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a valuable asset.
35. Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
At 6-10 and 21.6 years old, Maxime Raynaud is a versatile forward with a knack for spacing the floor. He’s shooting 37% from deep this season, slightly lower than previous years, but his potential is undeniable. Raynaud’s high basketball IQ and team-oriented play make him one of the most underrated players nationally. His only downside? Age. But at 21.6, he still has plenty of time to make an impact.
36. Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)
A towering 7-footer at 22.8 years old, Ryan Kalkbrenner is a defensive anchor. His elite shot-blocking and ability to control the paint make him a coach’s dream. This season, he’s also improved his offensive game, making him a more well-rounded prospect.
37. JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
At 6-9 and 19.4 years old, JT Toppin has the physical tools that scouts covet. His raw athleticism and energy are already making an impact, as he averages nearly two blocks per game. However, he’ll need to develop a consistent three-point shot to reach his full potential.
38. Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina)
Collin Murray-Boyles, a 6-8 forward at 19.4 years old, thrives on hustle and effort. While his shooting and ball skills still need work, his motor and productivity make him a valuable asset. Improving his 67% free-throw shooting would also enhance his draft stock.
39. Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas)
At 6-9 and 21.3 years old, Zvonimir Ivisic combines his European roots with a smooth shooting stroke. His game fits perfectly with the modern NBA, emphasizing versatility and outside scoring.
40. Koby Brea (Kentucky)
Standing 6-6 and 22 years old, Koby Brea is an elite three-point shooter with good size. In today’s NBA, that combination gives him a legitimate shot at carving out a role.
41. Chaz Lanier (Tennessee)
At 6-4 and 22.9 years old, Chaz Lanier is another top-tier three-point shooter. His shooting ability alone will keep him on scouts’ radars.
42. Joseph Tugler (Houston)
Joseph Tugler, a 6-8 forward at 19.5 years old, is relentless on the boards and thrives on effort plays. While undersized for a big man, his hustle and energy make him a valuable prospect.
43. Noah Penda (Le Mans, France)
At 6-8 and nearly 20 years old, Noah Penda is a raw but promising talent. His athleticism and flashes of two-way potential make him a player to watch with significant upside.
44. Chad Baker-Mazara (Auburn)
At 6-7 and 24.9 years old, Chad Baker-Mazara is one of the oldest prospects in this draft class. However, his scoring ability and veteran presence could make him an impactful addition to the right team.
45. Hunter Dickinson (Kansas)
Standing 7-2 and 24 years old, Hunter Dickinson is a throwback big man who dominates in the paint. His surprising mid-range shooting touch and rim protection make him a poor man’s Brook Lopez. Despite questions about his defense, Dickinson’s skill set makes him a potential steal late in the draft.
