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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
NBA Draft's Cooper Flagg Reveals Hidden Talent, Handicap on Course
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. At 18 years old, Cooper Flagg was just drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. He's coming off a season in which he was named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, and led Duke to the ACC title and the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament. Before that, he was the No. 1 high school prospect in the 2024 class. And yet he's still found time to achieve a 14 golf handicap. Impressive. During a recent interview, Flagg revealed his passion for golf, as well as that he considers his golfing skills his "hidden talent": Hopefully there's still some time for golf in the offseason 😉 Congrats to @Cooper_Flagg for being the No. 1 pick in the @NBA Draft! — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 26, 2025 In another interview ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, he revealed his dream foursome of NBA legends: "Michael Jordan. I know he's a good golfer. I think Steph Curry is a really good golfer, and then I know Tatum plays a little bit, so maybe Jason Tatum." Golf is an ultra-popular sport among professional basketball stars. Jordan, Curry, and Tatum are three notable examples due to the high level they have reached in their golfing skills. Another well-known example is WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who has demonstrated her love for golf, although her skills are still a work in progress. Cooper Flagg answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Cooper Flagg answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Flagg was the breakout star of NCAA basketball last year. He needed just one season with the Duke Blue Devils to make his mark on college sports. The 6'9'' guard averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, leading his team to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance. He became the first ACC player in 25 years to record 500+ points, 100+ assists, and 30+ blocks in a regular season. Flagg earned most of the major national honors, including Naismith College Player of the Year, ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, and consensus First-Team All-American. Predicted as the No. 1 overall pick virtually since the start of his college career, Flagg actually received the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Dallas Mavericks will count on him next season to round out a roster that also includes stars like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. More Golf: Tony Finau Latest Victim to Withdraw from PGA Tour's Rocket Classic
New York Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
NBA world completely stunned by Yang Hansen pick at No. 16: ‘What on earth is Portland doing?'
The 2025 NBA Draft had its first real stunner just past the midway point of Wednesday's proceedings. As part of a trade with the Grizzlies, the Trail Blazers landed Yang Hansen from China with the No. 16 pick, completely shocking most of the basketball world. Hansen was not seen by most draft experts as a first-round pick, so Portland using its spot to take the 7-foot-1 center surprised many. CBS analyst Matt Norlander said he was stunned by the 19-year-old getting picked so high. 4 Yang Hansen handles the ball during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2025 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NBAE via Getty Images 4 Yang Hansen greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 'If Egor Demin going to Brooklyn was 6.8 on the shocking scale out of 10, this registers around a 9.5 overall,' Norlander said. 'I can guarantee you people around the league are shaking their heads and texting each other right now going: 'What on earth is Portland doing?'' Follow The Post's coverage of the 2025 NBA Draft One NBA exec told ClutchPoints succinctly: 'That is the wildest pick I've ever seen. Those jobs up there are on the line.' ESPN's Shams Charania called the pick a 'surprise.' Hansen was not listed in The Post's final first-round mock draft. 4 Yang Hansen looks on after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect He's the first player from China to be taken in the NBA draft since Zhou Qi (Rockets) and Wang Zhelin (Grizzlies) were picked in 2016. The 19-year-old has spent the last two seasons in the CBA, averaging 15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 blocks per game over 96 contests. draft profile says Hansen does have star potential at center, but that he'll need to add muscle to make good on reaching those lofty heights. 4 Yang Hansen speaks to the media after being drafted 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025. Getty Images While it remains to be seen how Hansen acclimates to the NBA, the Trail Blazers, at least for one night, left people scratching their heads.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA mock draft 2.0: Rounding up the final consensus expert predictions
The 2025 NBA Draft is finally here! While we know evaluators have Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper as their top prospects, who is coming off next on the board? To get a sense of where prospects stand as of right now, For The Win has surveyed all of the leading mock drafts to provide a general consensus. Advertisement Since our last update, the following players have improved their rankings the most: Noa Essengue, Joan Beringer, Walter Clayton Jr., Kon Knueppel, V.J. Edgecombe, Carter Bryant, and Noah Penda. Meanwhile, the following players have dropped the most: Derik Queen, Ace Bailey, Jase Richardson, Nolan Traoré,Tre Johnson, Liam McNeeley, and Egor Demin. For this exercise, we're using my latest mock along with other mainstream mocks from the following publications (sorted alphabetically): Our scoring methodology was based on a trade value chart from ESPN's Kevin Pelton. All heights are listed without shoes unless noted otherwise for international prospects who have not yet participated in the NBA Draft Combine. Advertisement Meanwhile, for more prospect coverage, here is our latest NBA mock draft at For The Win. Note: These rankings do not reflect our personal opinions or team fit but rather where experts currently have each prospect slated. The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1. Cooper Flagg Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 7.75'' DRAFT AGE: 18.5 PREVIOUS RANK: 1 More: Cooper Flagg had the toughest quote about quick rise to No. 1 NBA pick 2. Dylan Harper Dylan Harper (29) participates in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. TEAM: Rutgers Advertisement POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 4.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 PREVIOUS RANK: 2 More: Q&A: Meet Dylan Harper, the best NBA Draft prospect who did not make March Madness tourney 3. V.J. Edgecombe VJ Edgecombe Jr. #1 takes part in a shooting drill during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 13, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 4.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.9 PREVIOUS RANK: 4 More: ESPN's NBA mock draft had 1 intriguing V.J. Edgecombe, 76ers workout detail 4. Kon Knueppel Kon Knueppel talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 5.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.9 PREVIOUS RANK: 6 More: Meet NBA draft prospect Kon Knueppel, the other Duke star you're not talking enough about 5. Ace Bailey Ace Bailey #21 looks on during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 13, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 7.50'' DRAFT AGE: 18.9 PREVIOUS RANK: 3 Advertisement More: The alarming reasons why Ace Bailey's NBA draft stock is plummeting 6. Jeremiah Fears Jeremiah Fears answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Oklahoma POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 2.50'' DRAFT AGE: 18.7 PREVIOUS RANK: 6 More: Meet Jeremiah Fears, the NBA Draft prospect who wants to 'destroy' opponents 7. Tre Johnson Tre Johnson (56) participates in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. TEAM: Texas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 4.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 PREVIOUS RANK: 5 8. Khaman Maluach Khaman Maluach answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Duke POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7' 0.75'' DRAFT AGE: 18.8 PREVIOUS RANK: 8 9. Noa Essengue TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany) POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 10.00'' DRAFT AGE: 18.5 PREVIOUS RANK: 14 10. Carter Bryant Carter Bryant answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 6.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.6 Advertisement PREVIOUS RANK: 12 11. Kasparas Jakučionis Kasparas Jakucionis talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 4.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.1 PREVIOUS RANK: 10 More: Why Derik Queen may slide in the 2025 NBA Draft 12. Collin Murray-Boyles Collin Murray-Boyles talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: South Carolina POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 6.50'' DRAFT AGE: 20.1 PREVIOUS RANK: 13 13. Egor Demin Egor Demin talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: BYU POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 PREVIOUS RANK: 11 14. Derik Queen Derik Queen talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Maryland POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 9.25'' DRAFT AGE: 20.5 PREVIOUS RANK: 9 More: Why Derik Queen may slide in the 2025 NBA Draft 15. Joan Beringer TEAM: KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 11.00'' Advertisement DRAFT AGE: 18.6 PREVIOUS RANK: 15 16. Cedric Coward Cedric Coward talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Washington St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.8 PREVIOUS RANK: 15 More: Q&A: How Cedric Coward went from D-III to the most captivating NBA draft prospect 17. Thomas Sorber Thomas Sorber answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Georgetown POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 9.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.5 PREVIOUS RANK: 19 More: Q&A: Thomas Sorber knows there is so much he hasn't even shown before NBA Draft 18. Asa Newell Asa Newell talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Georgia POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 9.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 PREVIOUS RANK: 21 More: Q&A: Asa Newell pitches his 'contagious' energy as NBA draft prospect 19. Nique Clifford Nique Clifford talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Colorado St. Advertisement POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 23.4 PREVIOUS RANK: 17 20. Walter Clayton Jr. Walter Clayton Jr. answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Florida POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 2.00'' DRAFT AGE: 22.3 PREVIOUS RANK: 27 More: Is Walter Clayton Jr. an NBA Draft first-round pick after his incredible March Madness? 21. Nolan Traoré TEAM: Saint-Quentin (France) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 3.00'' DRAFT AGE: 19.1 PREVIOUS RANK: 16 22. Danny Wolf Danny Wolf talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6' 10.50'' DRAFT AGE: 21.2 PREVIOUS RANK: 22 23. Jase Richardson Jase Richardson talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Michigan St. POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6' 0.50'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 PREVIOUS RANK: 18 More: 5 things to know about Michigan State star Jase Richardson 24. Liam McNeeley Liam McNeeley talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Connecticut Advertisement POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 6.75'' DRAFT AGE: 19.7 PREVIOUS RANK: 20 25. Will Riley Will Riley talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.3 PREVIOUS RANK: 24 26. Rasheer Fleming Rasheer Fleming talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. TEAM: Saint Joseph's POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 8.25'' DRAFT AGE: 21.0 PREVIOUS RANK: 25 27. Drake Powell Drake Powell #82 takes part in a shooting drill during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 13, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6' 5.25'' DRAFT AGE: 19.8 PREVIOUS RANK: 27 28. Noah Penda TEAM: Le Mans (France) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6' 7.25'' DRAFT AGE: 20.5 PREVIOUS RANK: 32 29. Maxime Raynaud TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7' 0.25'' DRAFT AGE: 22.2 PREVIOUS RANK: 26 More: 2025 NBA Draft Combine: 5 biggest winners, including Maxime Raynaud and Miles Byrd 30. Ryan Kalkbrenner Ryan Kalkbrenner answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. TEAM: Creighton Advertisement POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7' 1.00'' DRAFT AGE: 23.5 PREVIOUS RANK: 29 BEST OF THE REST 31. Hugo González 32. Ben Saraf 33. Yanic Konan Niederhäuser 34. Chaz Lanier 35. Adou Thiero 36. Hansen Yang 37. Kam Jones 38. Tyrese Proctor 39. Bogoljub Marković 40. Johni Broome 41. Jamir Watkins 42. Sion James 43. Alex Toohey 44. Koby Brea 45. Rocco Zikarsky 46. Micah Peavy 47. Javon Small 48. Alijah Martin 49. John Tonje 50. Eric Dixon 51. Ryan Nembhard 52. Hunter Sallis 53. Kobe Sanders 54. Lachlan Olbrich 55. Vlad Goldin 56. Tamar Bates 57. Amari Williams 58. Brice Williams 59. Mark Sears 60. RJ Luis Jr. 61. Brooks Barnhizer 62. Dink Pate 63. Mohamed Diawara Advertisement 64. Saliou Niang 65. Chucky Hepburn 66. Viktor Lakhin 67. Max Shulga 68. Grant Nelson 69. Will Richard 70. Khalif Battle This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2025 NBA mock draft 2.0: Rounding up the final consensus expert predictions
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Ex-St. John's star RJ Luis on cusp of NBA draft possibilities he once couldn't have imagined
Four years ago, RJ Luis Jr. couldn't have imagined this. Forget playing in the NBA. Even big-time college basketball was far from a given. Advertisement Luis held just two Division I scholarship offers, from Northeastern and Lamar University. He didn't want to settle, so the Miami native opted to do a prep year at Mount Zion Prep in Maryland. That's when everything changed. 'Once I went to prep school, I kind of made that jump and started to figure out myself and my work ethic,' he recalled in a phone interview with The Post. 'Everything just clicked. Since then, it's been a gradual [climb], improving and getting better as a player. Advertisement 'I wouldn't change it. The stuff that we go through in life is what makes us. It's just super cool to see all my hard work paying off.' The former St. John's star is on the cusp of a professional career, a projected second-round pick in this week's NBA Draft. He worked out for 18 teams and took part in the scouting combine in Chicago. The past few months have been a whirlwind for the 6-foot-7 wing. Advertisement 3 RJ Luis Jr. handles the ball during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine on May 15, 2025 NBAE via Getty Images In March, he became the first Johnnie to be named the Big East Player of the Year since Walter Berry in 1986. He led St. John's to its first Big East Tournament title since 2000 as the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Afterward, he called it the best week of his life. But the following weekend, second-seeded St. John's was upset by Arkansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and Luis struggled through a nightmarish 3-for-17 shooting performance. Advertisement He was benched over the final 4:56 by coach Rick Pitino. 3 RJ Luis Jr. shoots a three point basket during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2025 at Wintrust Arena. NBAE via Getty Images Luis declared for the NBA Draft and entered the transfer portal a week after that disappointment. There was some thought he could return to school — top transfers were getting upward of $3 million — but Luis opted to stick with his initial plan of going pro. 'The money in the NBA is night and day compared to college. It wasn't a hard decision,' Luis said. 'My goal was to do the same thing at St. John's my sophomore year, but injuries held me back. I think I had an amazing year this year. [This was] ultimately the end goal, to play in the NBA and stick there.' Luis has been a much-debated prospect in this draft. Teams like his athleticism, versatility and scoring ability. But his 3-point shot and decision-making need work. He will have the ball in his hands less frequently on the next level. 3 St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. reacts after hitting a 3-point shot during the team's opening NCAA Tournament game. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post 'It's a tough thing, but he's gotta go from a star on his team to a role player,' an NBA scout familiar with Luis said. 'Tough transition, so he's probably going to have to get some G-League reps, and go from there. Be a consistent shooter. Advertisement 'Is he one of the best 75 draft prospects in this draft and is he one of the best 500 players in the world, where he should be on some kind of NBA contract?' Said a second scout: 'He's going to have to make some modifications to his game. He's a two-way guy for sure, because he can score the ball. But he has to learn to score the ball on my terms, as opposed to his.' Luis has been somewhat of a target since that Arkansas loss. He was criticized for that performance and later questioned for not cashing in on his last year of college eligibility. He's heard the doubters. Advertisement 'One hundred percent, but that's how life is. You're always going to have people rooting against you,' Luis said. 'I'm fully positive. I know the amount of work I put in.' Luis has come a long way from those two Division I scholarship offers. His first season at St. John's was marred by injuries, a fractured left hand and nagging shin splints. He wasn't able to do much basketball-wise last summer following surgery on each shin, but still had a sensational junior season, leading the Johnnies to their best season in 25 years. If he is selected, he would become St. John's first player to hear his name called since Sir'Dominic Pointer (53rd overall by the Cavaliers) in 2015. 'It would be the same thing as winning the regular-season championship and Big East Tournament and getting a bid to the [NCAA] Tournament,' he said. 'To be able to leave my little bit of a legacy at St. John's, just make that fan base proud.'
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: First-round predictions after early entry withdrawal
2025 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: First-round predictions after early entry withdrawal Show Caption Hide Caption 2025 NBA Draft Combine winners: Raynaud, Lendeborg and Byrd These 2025 NBA draft prospects are the biggest winners from the NBA Draft Combine The 2025 NBA Draft is less than a month away, and now we know exactly which players will return to the NCAA and which will focus on turning pro. While a few notable players like Yaxel Lendeborg and Labaron Philon decided to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and return to college, others like Cedric Coward and Adou Thiero opted to remain focused on their pro future. NBA scouts and evaluators had a chance to scout players at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, and players like Stanford's Maxime Raynaud walked away as big winners. There is plenty of time in the pre-draft process for players to make their case for why an NBA team should select them as a key piece of their franchise. But based on the latest intel, we are starting to get a better idea about who may be headed where on June 25 in Brooklyn. The following mock draft is based on our research and contains original reporting with quotes from prospects including Dylan Harper, Kon Knueppel, Jeremiah Fears, and Asa Newell. The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 18.5 The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery was effectively a launching ground for Duke sensation Cooper Flagg to find out what team he will play for next season and beyond. It was the Mavericks who shockingly got the opportunity, and we shouldn't expect them to trade the pick. Flagg was long considered the favorite at No. 1 overall (we wrote about it when he was 15 years old) and he made that even more clear when he dominated against Team USA during a friendly scrimmage before they won gold at the Olympics. He then exceeded all expectations while he was in college, accomplishing just about everything except winning a national championship. 'He doesn't turn it off. That's one of the best compliments I can give,' Kon Knueppel, his Duke college roommate and teammate, recently told For The Win. 'He is just a humble dude who loves basketball.' Expect the No. 1 overall pick to enter the NBA as one of the most impactful defenders and the ability to easily become a focal point of the Mavericks as well. More: The Mavericks reportedly plan to select Cooper Flagg, not make another controversial trade 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Even though we have long known Flagg would go No. 1 overall, Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper began to separate himself as the second-best prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Perhaps the Spurs may decide to move this pick if they can land Giannis Antetokounmpo, but no matter what, Harper is the guy to watch at number two. For The Win spoke to Harper earlier this year and he described how he developed his fantastic ability to become such a dynamic scorer at the rim. Harper should bring that skill set with him to the pros after earning Big Ten All-Freshman honors. If his jumper continues to develop, Harper is the type of player you can build your offense around. Even if it doesn't, he still offers good size as a big guard who has cut some weight since last year. More: Will the Spurs use the No. 2 overall pick or trade it for Giannis Antetokounmpo? 3. Philadelphia 76ers: Ace Bailey TEAM: Rutgers POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 18.9 It is easy to imagine why a front office may fall in love with Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, who hits difficult shots. Back when For The Win spoke to his teammate Dylan Harper, he said that his favorite thing about Bailey is how much joy he plays with on the court. Harper described him as tall, lanky, twitchy and a nearly constant presence because of his ability to get a bucket. Bailey measured a bit shorter than expected at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago shy of 6-foot-8 barefoot, but he has a wingspan longer than 7-foot. While some evaluators feel that he might take a bit too many mid range shots, his ability to shoot at his size is something that is going to entice every team in the NBA. His consistency will define just how much success he has, though, as will any development as a passer or as a defensive playmaker. There are also rumors that Philly is reportedly considering using this pick to try and land Kevin Durant. More: The 76ers are reportedly looking to trade No. 3 pick in pursuit of Kevin Durant 4. Charlotte Hornets: V.J. Edgecombe TEAM: Baylor POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-5 DRAFT AGE: 19.9 After a strong performance for the Bahamas during the Olympic qualifiers last year, V.J. Edgecombe became a name to watch for scouts and evaluators. At the start of the NCAA season, he showed a lot of promise as a defensive player, though that actually slowed down a bit as his freshman campaign progressed. However, while at Baylor, he also showed promise as one of the bounciest scorers. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year joined Flagg as the only first-year collegiate players with at least 30 dunks and 3-pointers recorded, per Bart Torvik. For the Hornets to draft Edgecombe this high, they will hope that his jumper eventually becomes more consistent once he has found his groove in the NBA. 5. Utah Jazz: Kon Knueppel TEAM: Duke POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 19.9 Duke's Kon Knueppel earned ACC All-Freshman honors and won ACC tournament MVP. 'It's not always about scoring. That's not always the most important thing,' Knueppel recently told For The Win. 'That doesn't always translate to effecting winning the most, so [I'm] just trying to focus on all the little things.' He can make plays on spot-up possessions and when using off-ball screens and led all freshmen in corner 3-pointers made. He plays winning basketball as the Blue Devils have outscored opponents by 625 points when Knueppel is on the court this season, per CBB Analytics, which was the highest plus-minus among all men's college basketball players. 6. Washington Wizards: Tre Johnson TEAM: Texas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Texas wing Tre Johnson is a player who is reportedly gaining some momentum in the pre-draft process so far. Johnson was named SEC Freshman of the Year because he is such a natural scorer whose passing is better than his assist stats might suggest. He is very difficult to stop in the open-court and led all freshmen in 3-pointers made in transition (21) and above the break (65) this season, per CBB Analytics. He measured with a nearly plus-six (6-foot-10) wingspan at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which should help him in the pros. He recorded the fastest lane agility time (10.49 seconds) at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his upside makes him a good option for a franchise like the Wizards. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears TEAM: Oklahoma POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-4 DRAFT AGE: 18.7 Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears was recently reportedly gaining momentum in the 2025 NBA Draft. His mentality helps explain why. "Whoever picks me on draft night, you guys are going to be getting a dog," Fears recently told For The Win. "Somebody that's going to come in, work hard, bring a star power, and give it his all every time they step on the court." Fears gave fans some amazing highlights as he climbed up draft boards this season. He deservedly received SEC All-Freshman honors, can score at multiple levels from the floor, and he is a fantastic playmaker on both offense and defense as well. He is the second-youngest NCAA prospect we have projected in the first round behind only Flagg and was still one of the best overall performers in March Madness. He was one of the fastest players at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, recording a 3.05-second three-quarter sprint. Expect him to draw serious interest from all of the teams in the top half of the lottery as he won't have to wait long to hear his name called on draft night. 8. Brooklyn Nets: Nolan Traoré TEAM: Saint-Quentin (France) POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19.1 After a slow start to his season in France, based on his priors before this season, it was only a matter of time before Nolan Traoré eventually started to heat up. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 42.7 percent on 3-pointers over the course of his last ten games, per RealGM. Traoré was named 2025 Best Young Player of the Basketball Champions League and is inarguably one of the best playmakers in the 2025 NBA Draft. If he is more consistent at the next level, he could become something special as a point guard of the future. Other teams that could make sense as a potential fit include the New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat. 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach TEAM: Duke POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-2 DRAFT AGE: 18.8 South Sudan's Khaman Maluach enjoyed an excellent, efficient campaign and earned ACC All-Freshman honors for Duke. As a lob threat, per CBB Analytics, he had the second-most alley-oops completed (38) among all players in college basketball. He is raw on both ends of the court but has a strong defensive presence thanks to his nearly 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. Other teams that could make sense as a potential fit include the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks. 10. Houston Rockets: Egor Demin TEAM: BYU POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Russia's Egor Demin was initially having one of the strongest freshman campaigns of anyone in the nation for BYU. But his relatively poor overall performance and shooting against top-100 competition causes some room for concern. He measured at 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and his playmaking still makes him intriguing. The Rockets could develop him in the G League, where he would not need him to make an impact right away. More: ESPN's Brian Windhorst predicted 2 fascinating trade destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Derik Queen TEAM: Maryland POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 20.5 After recording perhaps the biggest moment of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, as noted by my colleague Mike Sykes, Maryland freshman Derik Queen skyrocketed his draft status. He trailed only Flagg in Wins Above Replacement Player (WARP) among freshmen this season, per CBB Analytics. Queen was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and proved his versatility and eye-catching skill set as a big man who is incredibly fun to watch. While his athletic testing was less than desirable at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, he plays at his own speed and could provide a unique addition for any roster. 12. Chicago Bulls: Kasparas Jakučionis TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.1 Lithuania's Kasparas Jakučionis was briefly one of the hottest names in draft circles and he eventually earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. He has an effective pull-up jumper and led all high-major freshmen in unassisted 3-pointers made (34), per CBB Analytics. As a distributor, in the same group, he also had the most assists finished at the rim (76) this season. Jakučionis needs his jump shot to look more like it did in the first two months of the season than it did in the final three for this pick to work out. 13. Atlanta Hawks: Carter Bryant TEAM: Arizona POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.6 Arizona freshman Carter Bryant is a former McDonald's All-American forward who had a strong collegiate debut despite a relatively limited role. He was the only freshman aside from Flagg with at least three dunks and 3-pointers during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, per Bart Torvik. Bryant is unselfish, he works hard on defense, he measured with a wingspan just short of 7-foot, he recorded a 39.5-inch max vertical and 3.07-second three-quarter sprint. Bryant plays with a high IQ, and already looks like one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process. It was a no-brainer for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. 14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): Collin Murray-Boyles TEAM: South Carolina POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 20.1 South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles is perhaps the most enticing collegiate player who was not a one-and-done prospect. He is a versatile forward who averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, as well as 1.3 blocks per game this season. He is ready to contribute in many ways at the next level. Murray-Boyles is a bit undersized for someone who is virtually a non-threat from beyond the arc but he can offer enough versatility as a defender to potentially make up for it. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA): Cedric Coward TEAM: Washington St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 21.8 Perhaps the most fascinating player in the 2025 NBA Draft is Cedric Coward, who was originally committed to Duke in the transfer portal before deciding to turn pro. He shot 40.0 percent on his 3-pointers while averaging 17.7 points per game before getting hurt last season. Coward is one of the hottest names in draft circles right now after measuring with a 7-foot-2 wingspan with a 38.5-inch max vertical and 3.06-second three-quarter sprint at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. More: 7 fascinating players who decided to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft, including Cedric Coward 16. Orlando Magic: Joan Beringer TEAM: KK Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia) POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 18.6 France's Joan Beringer was not able to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine is a great rim runner and legitimate vertical lob threat. He has a strong defensive presence with a high upside who can impact the game defensively right away. Beringer led the ABA League in blocks this season and ranks third overall in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) in his league, per Cerebro Sports. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): Asa Newell TEAM: Georgia POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-11 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Georgia's Asa Newell, who was named SEC All-Freshman, is a classic rim-running big man who does not make the game too complicated for himself. He recorded the second-most layups and dunks combined this season among freshmen, per CBB Analytics. But he is also developing his 3-pointer after changing his shooting motion. 'I've always been extremely confident in my jump shot from high school to college and now in the NBA,' Newell recently told For The Win. 'You have to have a 3-point shot to survive in the NBA.' He trailed only his high school teammate, Flagg, among all freshmen in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) last season. 'I know I play with a lot of energy,' Newell added. 'I'm a match waiting for some gasoline and causing a whole fire … That is very contagious when you have someone who plays very hard, with a motor, and doesn't take plays off.' 18. Washington Wizards (via MEM): Thomas Sorber TEAM: Georgetown POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 6-10 DRAFT AGE: 19.5 Georgetown freshman big Thomas Sorber, who has a 7-foot-6 wingspan, was an analytics darling before he suffered a season-ending foot injury. He could provide an exciting young piece to a developing young core and defensive presence for a team that could use a spark on that end of the floor like the Wizards. It made a lot of sense for him to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft. 19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL): Noa Essengue TEAM: ratiopharm ulm (Germany) POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 18.5 France's Noa Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft but has still managed impressive productivity in one of the more competitive basketball leagues. He ranks fifth-best among all players in Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) among those with at least seven games played in the Eurocup, per Cerebro Sports. Essengue is an interesting prospect who a variety of teams should have on their radar. 20. Miami Heat (via GSW): Will Riley TEAM: Illinois POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-8 DRAFT AGE: 19.3 Canada's Will Riley had multiple big performances during his freshman campaign for Illinois, including a debut in which he had 31 points while shooting 5-of-6 on 3-pointers. He also had 21 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists during a win over Iowa in the Big Ten tournament and had another great game against Xavier shooting 3-of-4 on 3-pointers during March Madness. Riley was named Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. Any team drafting Riley is betting on his continued development. 21. Utah Jazz (via MIN): Liam McNeeley TEAM: Connecticut POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 UConn freshman Liam McNeeley won Big East Freshman of the Year and showed flashes during his freshman campaign, like when he had 38 points with 10 rebounds while making five 3-pointers against Creighton on Feb. 11. He also had a solid performance against the eventual national champions during the NCAA men's basketball tournament, recording 22 points while adding 2 rebounds as well as 3 assists and 2 steals. McNeeley is solid value at this point in the draft but should get consideration even higher. 22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL): Maxime Raynaud TEAM: Stanford POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-1 DRAFT AGE: 22.2 Every team in the NBA should want a guy like France's Maxime Raynaud, who measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-1 and a standing reach above 9-foot-2. Those are excellent numbers for a player who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. But is even better when also considering he made nearly two 3-pointers per game. Raynaud was easily one of the biggest standouts during five-on-five scrimmages at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. More: 2025 NBA Draft Combine: 5 biggest winners, including Maxime Raynaud 23. Indiana Pacers: Nique Clifford TEAM: Colorado St. POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 23.4 Colorado State senior Nique Clifford is the oldest player we have projected in the first round but he looks ready to contribute to an NBA rotation. Teams are betting on the assumption that the do-it-all forward is going to make an impact on winning right away in the NBA. He led an upset over Memphis in the first round of the NCAA tournament and averaged a productive 18.9 points. 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game during his final collegiate campaign. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Danny Wolf TEAM: Michigan POSITION: Big HEIGHT: 7-0 DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Michigan's Danny Wolf is a do-it-all big man who has averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game this season. Wolf had the most assists (132) of any college player who is 6-foot-10 or taller, per CBB Analytics. The big man is an incredibly gifted and skilled playmaker considering his height, and even though there are questions about how it may translate in the NBA, those are players the Thunder typically bet on. 25. Orlando Magic (via DEN): Walter Clayton Jr. TEAM: Florida POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 22.3 During the NCAA men's basketball tournament, we wrote about whether or not Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. had done enough to earn first-round consideration. As we wrote then: The archetype of undersized players who are a bit older relative to the other players in their draft class are typically not early draft picks. Clayton, however, could provide a legitimate exception to this rule after winning NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. It makes a lot of sense for the Magic to find someone who can get a bucket as easily as Clayton. More: Is Walter Clayton Jr. an NBA Draft first-round pick after his incredible March Madness? 26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK): Jase Richardson TEAM: Michigan St. POSITION: Guard HEIGHT: 6-3 DRAFT AGE: 19.7 Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors after a solid collegiate campaign. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 42.0 percent on 3-pointers after moving into the starting lineup for Michigan State. However, he measured small for a traditional two-guard and may not have the playmaking skills as a floor general to run point. 27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU): Alex Toohey TEAM: Sydney (Australia) POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-7 DRAFT AGE: 21.2 Australia's Alex Toohey is a fascinating prospect who contributes well on both sides of the floor. He is a legitimately strong wing defender whose Defensive Statistical Impact (DSI) ranks as the best among those who have played more than one game in Australia's NBL this season, per Cerebro Sports. He measured just short of 6-foot-8 barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine with a wingspan nearly 6-foot-11 and played well during five-on-five scrimmages. 28. Boston Celtics: Rasheer Fleming TEAM: Saint Joseph's POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 6-9 DRAFT AGE: 21.0 One of the most pleasantly surprising prospects in this class is Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, who has great positional size and shooting feel. He was the only player in college basketball to record at least 40 dunks and 50 shots from beyond the arc, per Bart Torvik. He measured with a wingspan above 7-foot-5 and a standing reach above 9-foot-1 at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. 29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE): Drake Powell TEAM: North Carolina POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 19.8 North Carolina freshman Drake Powell was one of the biggest winners at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, measuring with a 43-inch max vertical and a standing vertical four inches higher than any other prospect. Although he had a relatively limited role during his time in the NCAA, you're betting on upside by selecting Powell in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. 30. L.A. Clippers (via OKC): Adou Thiero TEAM: Arkansas POSITION: Wing HEIGHT: 6-6 DRAFT AGE: 21.1 After transferring from Kentucky last season, Arkansas junior Adou Thiero had a well-rounded season in which he averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds with 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. While his 3-pointer was inefficient at just 25.6 percent, he missed time due to a knee injury in February and that factored into why he stopped getting as much buzz as the season progressed. However, he still showed enough to decide to stay in the 2025 NBA Draft.
