Final Four edition, NBA mock draft: Projected first-round picks play this weekend

USA Today

04-04-2025

Final Four edition, NBA mock draft: Projected first-round picks play this weekend
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Duke, Florida, Auburn, Houston punch their ticket to the Final Four
The madness continues as Mackenzie Salmon previews the Men's Final Four matchups, which will feature all No. 1 seeds for the first time since 2008.
Sports Seriously
When you watch the NCAA men's basketball Final Four Saturday, you won't just be watching some of the best players in college hoops.
You will be watching future NBA players, too.
First-rounders and potential first-rounders abound in the Florida-Auburn and Houston-Duke games in San Antonio.
Duke has three players who are projected lottery picks (Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach); Auburn (Johni Broome) and Florida (Alex Condon) each have potential first-round picks. The Blue Devils, Gators and Cougars also have potential second-round selections (Florida's Walter Clayton Jr.; Houston's JoJo Tugler, Milos Uzan; Duke's Tyrese Proctor, Sion James, Isaiah Evans).
Here is USA TODAY Sports' latest mock draft ahead of the Final Four. (Stats through games of April 2; age listed is age at time of June 25-26 draft):
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18 years old
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 bpg, 48.3% FG, 37.4% 3PT, 83.4% FT
The do-it-all young star leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who has added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He is leading Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama.
2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT
The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper's best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers' lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California.
3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers
Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT
Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC.
4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT
The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA tournament second-round loss to Duke.
5. Kon Knueppel, Duke
Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 47.7% FG, 40.1% 3PT, 91.2% FT
He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games, including 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in Elite Eight victory against Alabama.
6. Tre Johnson, Texas
Freshman, guard, 6-6, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT
Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He has three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA tournament loss to Xavier.
7. Khaman Maluach, Duke
Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.4% FG, 76.4% FT
Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama.
8. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT
Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games of the season. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA tournament victory against Xavier.
9. Derik Queen, Maryland
Freshman, center, 6-10, 246, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT
An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-rou nd pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to Florida.
10. Asa Newell, Georgia
Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT
Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA tournament loss to Gonzaga.
11. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT
Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to UConn.
12. Liam McNeeley, UConn
Freshman, forward, 6-7, 210, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT
What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He has bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year's Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s.
13. Jase Richardson, Michigan State
Freshman, guard, 6-3, 185, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT
Richardson has improved as the season has progressed and has turned into the Spartans' steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA tournament in four games – 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn.
14. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Forward, 6-8, 198, 18
2024-25 stats: 10.8ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.2 apg, 52% FG, 27% 3PT, 69.8% FT
The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.
15. Egor Demin, BYU
Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 5.5 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41.2% FG, 27.3% 3PT, 69.5% FT
The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field.
16. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Sophomore, forward, 6-8, 245, 20
2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT
Although he's a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament.
17. Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.1 spg, 45.2% FG, 27.4% 3PT, 71.3% FT
He's just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.
18. Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)
Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 11.7 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.7% FG, 27.7% 3PT, 72.1% FT
Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He's quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February.
19. Thomas Sorber, Georgetown
Freshman, forward-center, 6-10, 255, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT
The standout freshman will miss the remainder of the season, requiring surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who's just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame.
20. Kam Jones, Marquette
Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.5% FG, 31.6% 3PT, 64.3% FT
All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn't afraid of contact. He has improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a career 37% shooter from deep in his four-year career. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John's. He had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to New Mexico.
21. Labaron Philon, Alabama
Freshman, guard, 6-4, 177, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.6 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.4 spg, 45.2% FG, 31.5% 3PT, 76.7% FT
Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He's a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season with seven games against ranked opponents, going 3-4, and Philon had 15 points in an overtime victory against top-ranked Auburn on March 8. He had a team-high 21 points, four assists and three steals in an SEC tournament victory against Kentucky but just three points on 1-for-9 shooting in a conference tournament semifinals loss to Florida. His best game of the NCAA tournament came in an Elite Eight loss to Duke: 16 points (3-for-6 on 3s), five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
22. Boogie Fland, Arkansas
Freshman, guard, 6-2, 175, 18
2024-25 stats: 13.5 ppg, 5.1 apg, 3.2 rpg, 1.5 spg, 37.9% FG, 34% 3PT, 83.3% FT
Fland is an aggressive defender, can hit mid-range shots, makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots and attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass. Fland sustained a thumb injury Jan. 11 and did play from Jan. 18 (he had surgery Jan. 22) until the first game of the NCAA tournament on March 20.
23. Carter Bryant, Arizona
Freshman, forward, 6-8, 225, 19
2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT
The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA tournament.
24. Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)
Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT
One of Europe's top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He's still raw.
25. Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)
Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
2024-25 stats: 4.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 60.3% FG, 60.6% FT
Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn't have a lot of experience but his potential – especially as a rim protector – has made him a first-round prospect.
26. Nique Clifford, Colorado State
Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-6, 200, 23
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT
Clifford is versatile wing who does a lot of multiple things – scoring, rebounding, passing defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams' final six games before the NCAA Tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland.
27. Alex Condon, Florida
Sophomore, forward-center, 6-11, 230, 20
2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50% FG, 33.9% 3PT, 60.4% FT
On a roster filled with talent, Condon, who is from Australia, provides scoring and rebounding with seven double-double this season, including 27 points and 10 rebounds in a late-season victory against Alabama. His scoring dipped in the NCAA tournament but he contributed with his all-around game: rebounding, passing, defense.
28. Johni Broome, Auburn
Senior, forward-center, 6-10, 240, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 2.1 bpg, 51.2% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 59.3% FT
A powerful and physical forward, Broome is a double-double machine in points and rebounds but also has a penchant for assists – 31 points, 14 rebounds against Georgia; 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against Alabama; 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, three blocks against Ohio State. Broome, who has led the No. 1-seeded Tigers to the Final Four, is in the running for college player of the year, and in four NCAA tournament games, he has three double-doubles in points and rebounds, including 25 points and 14 rebounds in a regional finals victory against Michigan State.
29. Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)
Forward, 6-8, 225, 20
2024-25 stats: 9.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.0 bpg, 44.4% FG, 30.3% 3PT, 72.5% FT
A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets.
30. Danny Wolf, Michigan
Junior, forward-center, 7-0, 250, 21
2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT
The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf has played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he's played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in an NCAA regional semifinal loss to Auburn.