2 days Ago By Jonathan Wasserman
The preseason hype over the 2025 NBA draft class remains high after a few weeks of college basketball. Some of the projected one-and-done first-rounders look even better than expected this early. BYU's Egor Demin and Texas' Tre Johnson have been obvious standouts, while Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey continue to look like the top picks we've been projecting them to be for the past year .
Others are still waiting for more responsibility. A number of freshmen have been limited, mostly due to the transfer portal and teams adding veteran starters. Otherwise, we've started to see a few breakout candidates whose early production and improvements look real enough to warrant spots/mentions in this year's draft discussion.
Arkansas' Adou Thiero, Colorado's Nique Clifford and Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner have made the first big jumps up the board. *Team order reflects team records and standings entering games on Monday, Nov. 18.
Toronto Raptors record: 2-10 Team : Duke Position : PF Size : 6'9", 205 lbs Age : 17 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Andrei Kirilenko (defensive), Jalen Johnson Cooper Flagg's 26 points, 12 rebounds, defensive plays and clutch second-half buckets against Kentucky were enough to outweigh both turnovers on Duke's final two possessions. Even with veteran Tyrese Proctor and sophomore guard Caleb Foster, coach Jon Scheyer tasked the 17-year-old with initiating offense on almost every late-game possession. And while that responsibility illuminated Flagg's areas that need improvement, specifically his handle when pressured and execution off self-creation, he still still managed to carry Duke's offense and deliver some promising flashes of iso shotmaking and driving.
Scouts all knew about the athleticism for open-floor finishing, shot-blocking instincts, passing IQ and competitiveness that leads to hard-earned baskets. It's all deemed translatable to the NBA. He's going to miss plenty of threes and lose the ball if his usage continues to be this high.
But at his age, with the amount of other ways he can impact games, Flagg already seems ahead of the expected curve when it comes to generating his own offense in the half court off ball-handling moves, pull-ups and post-ups. Washington Wizards record: 2-10 Team : Rutgers Position : SF Size : 6'10", 200 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Brandon Miller After missing Rutgers' first two games, Ace Bailey looked as advertised during his debut Friday against Monmouth. He opened the game with a relocation corner three and proceeded to hit a pair of tough, two-point jumpers—a pull-up and fallaway—that highlighted his self-creation and ridiculous shotmaking skill.
Tight defense just isn't enough to disrupt a 6'10" wing who can separate, release and connect from any spot on the floor. It's a blessing and a curse, as Bailey does become vulnerable to settling on low-percentage, highlight jumpers. But he's also too good at hitting them to nitpick an 18-year-old with his tools and athleticism.
Bailey figures to be locked into the top-three discussion all season, and while NBA teams like the Washington Wizards or Utah Jazz may be motivated to finally find a point guard of the future, front offices often feel an extra level of comfort drafting big wings who create and shoot. Philadelphia 76ers record: 2-10 Team : Rutgers Position : PG/SG Size : 6'6", 215 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Coby White, Jalen Brunson (bigger), James Harden Dylan Harper's scoring ability has carried right over from high school. He's generating offense using both his off-the-dribble craft and 6'6", 215-pound size to shake and finish around the basket.
He's flashed the improved shotmaking skill with some expected trouble from three. He was able to carry Rutgers in the second half of a tight game against St. Peters, which is exactly what NBA believers will be banking on him to do during his prime years as a pro.
Harper is strong and shifty with unteachable instincts and the ability to convert various shots in different ways. There is no debate over the fact that he is wired to score first and pass second, but between his gravity and elusiveness, he should be able to showcase enough playmaking by season's end for scouts to envision a lead guard at the next level. Utah Jazz record: 3-10 Team : BYU Position : SG/SF Size : 6'9" Age : 18 Nationality : Russia Pro Comparisons: Jalen Rose While the Cooper Flagg hype came built in after years of coverage and NBA accessibility, no player has generated more NBA buzz on his own so far than Egor Demin.
BYU coach Kevin Young has given the freshman an ideal role to showcase his on-ball upside, and the Russian has capitalized, looking like a legitimate 6'9" initiator creating advantages and setting up teammates with his handle, size and passing IQ. So far, he's looked fluid and convincing enough for scouts to start feeling confident in his ability to continue playmaking at a high level in the NBA. He also looks substantially further ahead as a shooter than previous jumbo playmakers like Josh Giddey, Anthony Black or even Scottie Barnes.
Demin made 11 threes over his first four games. And even if the accuracy falls off, his early start and track record overseas point to clear shotmaking confidence and shooting becoming a regular part of his scoring attack. Looking ahead, scouts will be eager to assess Demin against power-conference opponents, specifically his ability to create separation and finish inside the arc.
New Orleans Pelicans record: 4-10 Team : Baylor Position : SG Size : 6'5", 180 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : Bahamas Pro Comparisons: Andrew Wiggins, Shaedon Sharpe, Victor Oladipo It's been a mixed start for VJ Edgecombe, though the negatives aren't setting off any alarms. It already looks like he's on track to be tagged the draft class' top athlete. He picked up five dunks in the first three games by tapping into his open-floor speed and wild bounce around the rim.
Superhero burst has also helped him explode through defenses and create easy finishing opportunities. His three-point shot has been off, and there may be some questions about his mechanics, but there is pre-Baylor evidence of improved shotmaking. And he's also flashed bonus passing with 15 assists, with some of them highlighting promising processing and willingness to look for teammates despite owning the reputation as a scorer.
Still, part of Edgecombe's top-five pitch preseason included the idea that he continued to show growth as a ball-handler and shooter. Scouts will eventually want to see more jump shots fall and flashes of half-court creation. Milwaukee Bucks record: 4-9 Team : Texas Position : SG Size : 6'6", 190 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Cam Thomas The scouting report on Tre Johnson looks the same as it did over the summer, only he is executing at an incredible rate with highly convincing fluidity and skill.
He's 14-of-24 from three through three games, decisively drilling jumpers off screens and self-created pull-ups. Between the shotmaking diversity, deep range and accuracy we've seen over the years, he is oozing with the type of perimeter scoring ability that allows guards/wings to take over games. He's also flashed some encouraging secondary playmaking and willing passing vision.
Johnson's reliance on outside shots is evident and will influence certain scouts differently. Regardless, he'll look too polished and productive (with 6'6" size) to nitpick after the draft's first handful of picks. Chicago Bulls record: 5-9 Team : Duke Position : SF Size : 6'6", 217 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : American Pro Comparison: Wally Szczerbiak There is enough evidence of Kon Knueppel's elite shooting for scouts to look past the off night he had from deep against Kentucky.
He was still able to show self-creation, driving and tough defense, areas or skills scouts were less confident in due to athletic limitations. There is already firm belief that he will be in the discussion with the top shotmakers for the 2025 draft class. But the flashes of ball-screen offense, passing IQ, mid-range scoring and competitiveness will sway teams to see more than a shooter.
Knueppel is on track to look like one of the class' higher-floor prospects with a coveted, signature strength and the type of polished game and approach that scream "NBA professional." Brooklyn Nets record: 5-9 Team : Duke Position : C Size : 7'2", 250 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : South Sudan Pro Comparison: Alex Sarr Regardless of what scouts think about Khaman Maluach's flashes of skill at previous lower levels, his 7'2" size, massive reach and mobility will remain heavily coveted for translatable finishing and shot-blocking. He gave Duke five easy baskets and rim protection against Kentucky just by rolling off screens, being near the hoop for tip-ins and extending his arms on defense.
Duke has a handful of ball-handlers and shotmakers, so Maluach won't receive regular opportunities to make plays with the ball himself. But over the course of a long season, we're bound to see flashes of shooting touch and miscellaneous skill plays that hint at more scoring versatility for an NBA team to unlock long-term. Charlotte Hornets record: 5-8 Team : Saint-Quentin Position : PG Size : 6'4", 184 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : France Pro Comparisons: Lonzo Ball Nolan Traore continues the pattern of mixing productive and off games; with the effective performances highlighting his speed, craftiness, passing IQ and improving shotmaking, and the inefficient showings shining a light on his lack of finishing explosion and shooting consistency.
The highs outweigh the lows for an 18-year-old averaging 12.0 points and 5.1 assists in Pro A and Basketball Champions League.
And we continue to see more NBA point guards succeeding without plus athletic traits, instead tapping into things like footwork, timing, IQ and touch. Traore clearly has a unique understanding for how to run offense, set the table and freeze defenses. San Antonio Spurs record: 6-8 Team : Connecticut Position : SF Size : 6'7", 210 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Keegan Murray Liam McNeeley is giving Connecticut exactly what he gave Montverde: Movement and transition shooting, line-driving and good decision-making.
He has a simple, off-ball game that fits any lineup, giving his sharp catch-and-shoot game, IQ for when to attack and body and ball control finishing line drives. McNeeley hasn't shown much creation, and NBA teams will quickly acknowledge that he'll never be a high-usage player who offense runs through. But his skill set should appear translatable, his fit easy and contributions/intangibles valuable in a supporting role.
Portland Trail Blazers record: 6-8 Team : Ratiopharm Ulm Position : SF/PF Size : 6'9", 198 lbs Age : 17 Nationality : France Pro Comparison: Jabari Walker, Precious Achiuwa Even at 17 years old without a singular polished skill, Noa Essengue has been able to give Ulm some type of contribution and production on a regular basis. He uses every inch of size and length to finish off plays around the basket. He frequently puts himself in position to get an easy bucket by timing his cuts or grabbing offensive boards.
In spite of underwhelming three-point and free-throw percentages, his shot looks relatively fluid for a big his age. He made three threes in an important, well-scouted exhibition game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Essengue hasn't converted a post-up or pull-up jump shot this season.
It does feel safe to assume he won't ever be a player who initiates offense. He does have the potential to interest a lot of teams that still value the two-way versatility archetype, which his physical profile and complementary skill set create. Los Angeles Clippers record: 7-7 Team : South Carolina Position : PF Size : 6'7", 245 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Julius Randle Collin Murray-Boyles appears to have taken that next step toward impacting games at a different level.
Even without a jump shot, he could be one of college basketball's toughest covers with his signature strength, quickness, scoring instincts and soft hands. There are bound to be skeptics turned off by a 6'7" power forward who doesn't shoot. But inside 15 feet, he has the potential to reach a level of expertise that can allow him to succeed as an outlier back-to-the-basket scorer, cutter and offensive rebounder.
Murray-Boyles has developed the ability to consistently earn himself high-percentage looks, while the passing and defensive foot speed just help paint him as a more complete player. Dallas Mavericks record: 7-7 T eam : Arkansas Position : PG Size : 6'2", 175 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Darius Garland The early scouting on Boogie Fland detects clear creation and shotmaking skill. He gets to spots and shakes defenses off balance with his handle and shifty change of speed and direction.
His 17 assists through three games highlight effective feel and vision for setting up teammates off of his own creativity. He's also ultra-confident in his pull-up game, despite mixed results early. He looks comfortable separating into jumpers and shooting off the dribble in different ways from the mid-to-long range.
However, question marks over his size and athleticism will result in some skepticism if his struggles around the rim continue. Sacramento Kings record: 8-6 Team : Georgia Position : PF/C Size : 6'11", 220 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Jalen Smith Asa Newell has been eating around the rim, finishing plays moving from the dunker's spot and crashing the offensive glass. His length, mobility and motor have translated to easy baskets and disruptive defense.
NBA teams eventually interested in him will value the interior activity and productivity he'll bring from off the ball. He hasn't been able to connect from three yet, and it does seem like consistent shooting will be more of a long-term goal to bet on. But he shot well at Montverde and clearly has confidence based on the early attempts and green light.
There will be a lot more interested suitors in an energetic big and versatile defender if there is belief he can eventually stretch the floor regularly. Miami Heat record: 5-7 Team : North Carolina Position : SG Size : 6'6", 195 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Herbert Jones The draw to Drake Powell revolves around versatility and defense. Without an established, polished skill right now in terms of creation or shooting, he's going to struggle and take time in a North Carolina offense that's giving big minutes to RJ Davis, Seth Trimble and Elliot Cadeau.
The realistic vision for Powell should be off-ball scorer, glue guy, energizer and stopper. It just looks like he'll require more patience, though he can be the type of role player who can impact games without needing to make shots. Atlanta Hawks record: 6-8 Team : Ratiopharm Ulm Position : PG/SG Size : 6'5", 201 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : Israel Pro Comparison: Manu Ginobili The scouting report on Ben Saraf feels well-defined after 14 games into the German season and his MVP performance at the U18 European Championships.
The debate right now is over translation questions regarding his high usage, potential to separate and finishing issues. With good size for a ball-handler at 6'5", he's crafty with his dribble and change of speed for getting to spots. Once there, he's a threat to pull up in the mid-range or toss in a runner.
He's demonstrated strong passing and playmaking IQ for setting up teammates, though he can also be overly ambitious with his turnovers. So far, he's looked capable from three, averaging one make per game shooting off the catch and dribble. Saraf isn't explosive, and that forces him into contested layups.
And he's not lethal enough around the perimeter to consistently rely on his jump shot for offense. But he also has confident, combo skills that have been effective and lead to impressive production for an 18-year-old in Germany's top league. Indiana Pacers record: 6-7 Team : Real Madrid Position : SF Size : 6'7", weight unlisted Age : 18 Nationality : Spain Pro Comparison: Jonathan Kuminga Hugo González hasn't scored in three games or logged double-digit minutes in three games.
Things can and will likely change during Real Madrid's long season, but at this stage, scouts will only get to see him play an off-ball line-driver and finisher role. Over the years, he's built a strong reputation over his athletic scoring plays and defensive competitiveness. Last season and summer, he started to deliver more flashes of self-creation and shotmaking.
González's stock will likely be all over the place, depending on teams' willingness to put more stock into the FIBA, junior-level and ANGT tape. Detroit Pistons record: 7-8 Team : Arkansas Position : SF/PF Size : 6'8", 220 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: OG Anunoby Adou Thiero has been one the nation's breakout prospects with his bigger role at Arkansas. He's always been useful and intriguing for his athletic plays at both ends and energy.
But this year, his shot looks more confident and fluid, he's shown controlled touch in the lane, and he's making more plays and decisions off the dribble. The finishing, defense and off-ball activity hint at a high floor for a potential energizer role. However, the early flashes of improved perimeter skill have looked convincing and capable of helping scouts picture a more functional offensive wing.
New York Knicks record: 7-6 Team : Miami Position : SF Size : 6'5", 190 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Anfernee Simons First impressions on Jalil Bethea met expectations. He's wired to score, equipped with quick ball-handling moves and footwork to create separation and enough confidence in pull-ups to take and make contested shots. He's going to look like a pro in his highlights with how fluidly he's able to shake free and drive, knock down dribble jumpers and shoot with range.
He possesses enough size and the skill set/level to bury good defense and take over stretches of a game. The lowlights will have scouts questioning his potential to stay efficient on his particular shot diet. But he also looks sharp enough to pull it off, at least for an instant-offense bench role.
Showcasing regular playmaking would help ease scouts concerns, though it's unlikely anyone mistakes Bethea for a point guard. Memphis Grizzlies record: 8-6 Team : Colorado State Position : SF/PF Size : 6'6", 200 lbs Age : 22 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Landry Fields After last year's big game against Virginia in the NCAA tournament and an NBA combine appearance, Nique Clifford should have been highlighted on returning prospect lists. He seemingly added to his game during the offseason based on the early results, which include a 31-point, 13-rebound effort against Tennessee State.
He's playing different roles and scoring out of every set for Colorado State. He looks more confident in his shooting range, sharper creating off the dribble, comfortable making shots in the mid-range and active off the ball. The scoring versatility (at 6'6") suggests he has an adaptable game, especially if he continues to hit threes at a convincing clip.
Minnesota Timberwolves record: 8-6 Team : Illinois Position : SF Size : 6'10", 200 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : Lithuania Pro Comparisons: Spencer Dinwiddie There's been a lot of anticipation building for Kasparas Jokucionis' college debut after such a productive U18 European Championship. Early on, the playmaking has translated first. He racked up 13 assists in his second game.
He processes quickly. The anticipation and vision are there, as evidenced by him knowing where teammates are before he makes his move to draw defenders. He's already making some outstanding passes threading the needle in ball-screen situations.
On the flip side, he has only been able to attempt 10 shots in 88 minutes. He's taken just two two-point field goals, partly because he's struggled to break free and penetrate the first line of defense. Jokucionis' lack of burst is concerning, but he has also demonstrated plenty of shotmaking skill over the years, and his signature playmaking looks like it will come with him to every level and setting.
Orlando Magic record: 8-6 Team : Illinois Position : SG/SF Size : 6'8", 180 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : Canada Pro Comparison: Kelly Oubre Jr., Kyshawn George A good way to draw NBA attention is by debuting with 31 points in 25 minutes off the bench. Will Riley came in on watch lists after blowing up on the EYBL circuit.
He's raised the level of intrigue early with how smooth he looks around the perimeter drilling threes off deep spot-ups, movement and transition. He's shown some touch in the lane on drives as well. He'll need it, as he lacks the explosiveness to get all the rim way to the rim or finish over rim protection.
Riley will ultimately be very reliant on tough shotmaking, but the early effortlessness and fluidity suggests he's capable of being consistent. Orlando Magic record: 8-6 Team : Le Mans Sarthe Basket Position : SF/PF Size : 6'8", 225lbs Age : 19 Nationality : France Pro Comparison: Nicolas Batum Coming off gold with France's U20 team over the summer, Noah Penda has been productive in Pro A with his consistent shooting and live-dribble passing. The interest in him will gradually rise from here if he continues to hit threes at a consistent rate after he made 9-of-16 at the European Championships.
He has a connector-type skill set that could sway scouts to buy role-player potential. Cleveland Cavaliers record: 15-0 Team : Alabama Position : PG Size : 6'4", 177lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparisons: Ayo Dosunmu , De'Anthony Melton Labaron Philon validated a strong start versus three lower-level opponents by going for 18 points, four assists against Purdue on Friday night. Though athleticism or quickness don't jump off the screen, the 18-year-old point guard is producing early off footwork, feel, touch and good use of his 6'4" frame.
He checks that "knows how to play" box, which can be deemed more important for a point guard. He made three three-pointers against Purdue and continues to use his floater and vision inside the arc. It's still a small sample size of games, but Philon was similarly effective at Link Academy, and this type of production in spite of Alabama's crowded backcourt should start generating more buzz.
Los Angeles Lakers record: 9-4 Team : Arizona Position : SF/PF Size : 6'8", 220 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Marcus Morris At 6'8", 220 pounds with perimeter shotmaking skill, athletic finishing and defensive quickness, Carter Bryant clearly has the talent and look of an NBA forward. He's going to go through quiet stretches this season for a veteran Arizona team. He may not give the lineup a singular, polished skill, but the physical tools and scoring versatility should keep scouts patient.
Houston Rockets record: 10-4 Team : Brisbane Position : C Size : 7'2", 227 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : Australia Pro Comparisons: Walker Kessler, Donovan Clingan Anticipation had been building for Rocco Zikarsky's NBA draft eligibility. There's been significant hype over his 7'2" size, defensive impact and flashes of skill at 16-17 years old. Now 18, he's been stuck on the bench early on for Brisbane.
He has a total of three field goals in the team's last five games. There is no teaching Zikarsky's physical profile or movement, which should keep interest alive, even if he continues to remain quiet. But if he's going to follow recent giants such as Donovan Clingan, Zach Edey and Dereck Lively II into the lottery, scouts will want to see an uptick in shot-blocking production, easy finishes and highlights from the post.
OKC Thunder record: 11-3 Team : North Carolina Position : SG Size : 6'4", 190 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Lonnie Walker IV It's going to be difficult for Ian Jackson to consistently produce playing behind RJ Davis, Elliot Cadeau and Seth Trimble. But he and his three-level scoring bag had been visible in a handful of different high school settings before arriving at North Carolina. He was able to contribute 10 points on a pair of threes in 15 minutes of a heavily scouted game against Kansas.
Jackson can get a bucket in a variety of ways with his driving, pull-up game and range, though the idea of a 6'4" guard who doesn't offer too much playmaking may curb scouts' level of interest. Boston Celtics record: 3-4 Team : BYU Position : SF Size : 6'9" Age : 19, weight unlisted Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Ziaire Williams Kanon Catchings' wing size, shotmaking and defensive tools should earn him a mention in the first-round discussion throughout the year. His limitations just may keep him from climbing the board, as he looks overly reliant on catch-and-shoot looks and uncontested finishes.
Regardless, there is going to be NBA interest in a 6'9" forward who can drill threes, play above the rim and defend the perimeter with advantageous length. Catchings won't have too much margin for error with his shot, though, given the lack of ball-handling or execution off self-creation we've seen so far. Golden State Warriors record: 10-2 Team : Creighton Position : C Size : 7'1", 220lbs Age : 22 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Colin Castleton Even if Creighton hasn't faced an opponent with a starter over 6'8", Ryan Kalkbrenner's 49-point game and 35-of-38 start from the field should mean something He looks ready to dominate games in the paint with such good use of his footwork, length, touch and defensive tools.
But after making 16 threes last season and converting his first three of 2024-25, his shooting development should have scouts' attention. Phoenix Suns record : 9-5 Team : Connecticut Position : SF/PF Size : 6'8", 225 lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Georges Niang It's looked easy for Alex Karaban early against weaker opponents. He's scoring just by drilling his catch-and-shoot threes, filling lanes and decisively attacking space.
Meanwhile, through three games, he has 13 assists and 12 blocks, a unique mix of statistics that highlight unteachable IQ and defensive instincts. Scouts will ultimately be waiting to confidently evaluate him until he faces stiffer competition. He did struggle at the NBA combine, looking behind athletically and restricted by that lack of quickness and explosion.
However, there is likely enough in his shotmaking and intangibles to project an NBA fit and future role player or reserve. Phoenix Suns Record: 6-1 Team : Mexico City Capitanes Position : PG/SG Size : 6'8", 210 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Shaun Livingston Dink Pate was expected to be a focal point of G League Ignite in 2024-25. Now that the program has shut down, he's with Mexico City, playing behind former pros like Trey Burke, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Davon Reed and other veterans who are fighting for another chance at the NBA.
At this exact moment, it's not an ideal situation for building confidence, improving quickly and selling scouts. However, we've already seen some impressive flashes from Pate at 17 years old last season, and he's still likely be the G League's youngest player in 2024-25. Scouts will certainly be patient and willing to wait on the development of a 6'8" ball-handler who can create and score in various ways.
It's just difficult to project a big draft riser until he's given a more consistent opportunity to make plays and more outside shots. Team : Joventut Position : C Size : 6'10", 220 lbs Age : 18 Nationality : Croatia Pro Comparison: Moritz Wagner Michael Ruzic remains out with a thumb injury, a tough blow for the 18-year-old who wasn't getting any more minutes than he got last year with Joventut. He did have a pair of double-digit scoring efforts midway through October.
He earned a spot on preseason watch lists, particularly after an outstanding Adidas Eurocamp performance that illuminated his growing perimeter skill set. Team : Maryland Position : C Size : 6'10", 246 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Day'Ron Sharpe Derik Queen's fit at the NBA level has been talked about since midway through his high school career. There are going to be front offices that just aren't interested in a 6'10", 246-pound center who doesn't offer much perimeter skill or defensive upside.
However, there could be teams that value his inside presence, activity around the basket and excellent passing skill. Maryland has also played Queen a decent amount around the arc, and though he's missed all six of his three-point attempts, it's good to see him take them early. And we have seen a few encouraging flashes of ball-handling to attack closeouts and drive.
Team : Saint Joseph's Position : PF Size : 6'9", 240 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Chris Boucher Rasheer Fleming put together some eye-opening tape last year with his three-point shooting flashes, coordinated, athletic play-finishing and incredible defensive length. Another jump in production should lead to NBA interest in 2025, given the obvious appeal to a 6'9" forward who could stretch the floor, disrupt shots inside and out and consistently give guards an easy-bucket target. With limited usage, Fleming racked up 34 threes, 35 dunks and 53 blocks playing 26.
8 minutes per game. He's on breakout watch on a team returning exciting guards Erik Reynolds II and Xzayvier Brown. Team : Florida State Position : SF Size : 6'7", 210 lbs Age: 23 years old Pro Comparison: Caris LeVert After putting up his first 30-plus point game in last year's ACC tournament, Jamir Watkins already went for 30 in first week as a senior.
He got to the free-throw line 22 times against Rice. Power, 6'7" size and ball-handling skill form a tough combination for attacking and scoring. Getting up more threes will be easiest way to draw more NBA interest, but there should still be plenty in a physical wing without the versatility to also pass and defend multiple archetypes.
Team : Sydney Kings Position : SF Size : 6'7", 223 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : Australia Pro Comparison: Saddiq Bey, Gradey Dick While Alex Toohey has cooled off from three, the eye test still detects projectable shooting. And he's finding other ways to score, using his size and body control on drives/transition and moving without the ball to earn catch-and-finish buckets. He doesn't offer too much versatility outside of off-ball scoring, but scouts should picture a fit and plug-and-play wing, assuming his clean stroke eventually yields more consistent results from outside.
Team : Duke Position : PG/SG Size : 6'6", 183 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : Australian Pro Comparison: Killian Hayes Tyrese Proctor's game against Kentucky summed him up pretty accurately. In the first half, we saw the self-creation, confident shotmaking and poise of a point guard. In the second half, he couldn't connect from outside or find other ways to score.
Proctor can get his own shot, catch fire shooting and play the role of facilitator, but gaining confidence from scouts will come down to more consistency and few disappearing acts. Team : Arizona Position : SG/SF Size : 6'4", 205 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Jae'Sean Tate, Luguentz Dort The scouting report on KJ Lewis doesn't look like it's changed much since last year. He's going to use athleticism and physicality to score downhill offensively.
His strength, length and quick leaping apply pressure and disrupt defensively. He can pass and deliver ball-assists. And his off-the-dribble game and shooting still need work for him to become a bigger scoring threat in the half court.
Team : Arizona State Position : PG/SG Size : 6'5 Age : 18 Nationality : USA Pro comparison: Cole Anthony Joson Sanon has been lethal from outside early, validating the high school scouting report. He played more on the ball in the past than he has at Arizona State, and it's limiting his ability to gain confidence as a driving scorer and playmaker. The idea of a 6'5" combo who can create would be more appealing to scouts than a 6'5", off-ball shotmaker.
But he happens to be extremely sharp with his pull-up and movement shooting, and some ball-handling and passing skills are being masked in an offense being run through seniors Alston Mason, BJ Freeman and Basheer Jihad. Team : Texas Tech Position : PF/C Size : 6'9", 225 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Precious Achiuwa Rolling/popping off screens and feasting in the post, JT Toppin has been one of the nation's most productive players early with a more featured role at Texas Tech. He doesn't have the flashiest game, but it's highly effective with the type of size that could allow him to continue converting jump hooks and earning second-chance points at the next level.
He's going to have to make threes to flip scouts who just don't see enough upside in a back-to-the-basket big who doesn't pass. Toppin has made two triples early, though, after opening some eyes with his range at the NBA combine last May. Team : Oregon Position : PF Size : 6'9", 220 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: JT Thor It's too early to take anything away from Kwame Evans Jr.
's mixed start. Scouts have talked about needing to be more convinced by his shooting, though his capable range, finishing and defensive versatility will keep scouts coming back to Oregon. Team : Indiana Position : SF Size : 6'9", 222lbs Age : 19 Nationality : Nigeria Pro Comparisons: Saddiq Bey Mackenzie Mgbako got off to a hot start that's showcased his shotmaking and potentially improved mobility.
He should be able to win back supporters with more consistent shooting and better use of his frame and energy for finishing plays inside the arc and rebounding. Team : Arkansas Position : C Size : 7'2", 245lbs Age : 21 Nationality : Croatia Pro Comparison: Andrea Bargnani A rare, valued mix of 7'2" size, shooting potential and defensive length should help scouts look past Zvonimir Ivisic's lack of quickness and explosion. Against Troy on Wednesday, he became the only NCAA player on record to record six threes, five blocks and three steals in a game.
Team : Gonzaga Position : SF/PF Size : 6'7", 228 lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Rui Hachimura Jumping from Pepperdine to Gonzaga, Michael Ajayi has seen his minutes and scoring opportunities diminish. But he earned an NBA combine invite last May for a reason, as scouts have become interested in his combination of wing size and three-level shotmaking. As long as he continues to score efficiently and gobble up rebounds, he should find himself in the second-round discussion again this year, regardless of how many points he averages or times he's able to carry the team offensively.
Team : Kentucky Position : SG/SF Size : 6'7", 215 lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Duncan Robinson, Landry Shamet The nation's most efficient three-point shooter last year, Koby Brea has started off 12-of-16. He's reaching levels of accuracy that can allow scouts to look past his other limitations as a ball-handler or defender. Regardless of his non-existent versatility, NBA teams will give thought to a 6'7" wing with his elite track record converting jumpers off movement and pull-ups.
Team : UAB Position : PF Size : 6'9", 240lbs Age : 20 Nationality : USA Pro comparison: Jalen Slawson With three consecutive 20-point games to start the year, Yaxel Lendeborg has popped early, driving at 6'9", passing, hitting threes, eating up rebounds and making plays defensively. Though not the most creative scorer, at 6'9", he possesses ball-handling fluidity to attack like a wing, big-man finishing ability and shooting potential that looks further along so far. But it's still assists and defensive versatility that could help scouts better picture a more well-rounded, role player prospect.
Team : Marquette Position : SG Size : 6'5", 205 lbs Age : 22 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Malik Monk Marquette hasn't been tested, but the eye test on Kam Jones' 68 points through three games suggests he's going to put up big scoring outputs all year. A bigger development could be the improved playmaking, which we've seen on 19 assists early on. Regardless, outstanding shotmaking and strong, efficient finishing should keep his name on scouting lists.
Team : Duke Position : PG/SG Size : 6'5", 202 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : American Pro Comparison: Jaden Springer Caleb Foster's jump shot wouldn't fall against Kentucky, but he shot 40.8 percent from last year, and he continues to look threatening off the dribble and tough scoring off two feet in the lane. Whether he's able to strengthen his NBA case to scouts will come down to making more pull-ups and finishes.
Foster's lack of explosion puts pressure on his ability to shoot off the dribble and adjust around the basket. Team : West Virginia Position : SF Size : 6'7", 210 lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Baylor Scheierman NBA teams will be looking at Tucker DeVries for his shotmaking, but last year he received 171 ball-screen reps and was able to showcase more of a handle, mid-range scoring and playmaking skill. He carried Drake to the NCAA tournament last year with 27 points and five assists in the MVC Tournament championship game over Indiana State.
Repeating last year's offensive success with West Virginia in the Big 12 should help win over scouts who've been on the fence about his athletic limitations and defensive outlook. Team : Florida Position : PG Size : 6'3", 195lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Fred VanFleet Limited size, athleticism and playmaking have kept scouts from buying into Walter Clayton Jr., despite his consistent scoring production, shooting and career 88.
5 free-throw percentage. Through four games this season, he's 16-of-19 inside the arc, and continuing to finish plays at a more efficient clip could help scouts put more stock into his craftiness/skill over the lack of explosion. Team : Wake Forest Position : SG Size : 6'5", 185 lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Malaki Branham The early tape suggests Hunter Sallis is putting more of an emphasis on passing after presumably receiving feedback during the 2024 NBA draft process.
He developed into a sharp, three-level scorer last year, but at 185 pounds, scouts want to see more combo guard play and playmaking. Team : Iowa State Position : SF Size : 6'8", 225 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Rodney Hood Milan Momcilovic has quickly shown off the high-level shotmaking skill that earned him looks last season. Some of the off-balance jumpers he's able to make rank high on the difficulty scale.
He does show some self-creation and improvisation inside the arc, though NBA teams will be mostly focused on his shooting versatility and accuracy. Team : Texas Tech Position : SG Size : 6'6", 225 lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Seth Lundy Darrion Williams has 20 assists through three games, making it easier to digest a two-of-eight start from three. His shooting figures to come around, while the impressive passing remains encouraging.
He can score from the post, but his path to an NBA role is offering the combination of shotmaking, smart ball-moving and wing defense. Team : Princeton Position : PG Size : 6'4", 180 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : Canada Pro Comparison: After a breakout sophomore year at Princeton, Xaivian Lee opened this season by scoring 27 points and taking over in the second half against Iona. While he's struggled to finish plays the past few games, he has developed into one of the nation's most creative ball-handlers for getting separation and making plays for teammates.
And through five games, he's upped his assist rate while continuing to show confidence in his three-point shooting. Team : Xavier Position : SF Size : 6'8", 220 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Naji Marshall Even if Dailyn Swain doesn't improve his shot much this season, he may be good enough at creating defensive events and capitalizing as a scorer in space to interest NBA scouts. His athleticism comes alive in the open floor, and he's quick to jump opponents' moves or passes.
His handle has also shown signs of creation and change-of-direction into drives. Team : Illinois Position : PF Size : 6'9", 220 lbs Age : 22 Nationality : American Pro Comparison: Ben Humrichous made a name for himself last year at Evansville with 41.4 percent three-point shooting and face-up scoring highlights as a 6'9" forward.
So far with Illinois, he's been mostly a spot-up weapon, but his size, three-ball (9-of-20 so far) and IQ (two turnovers) may be enough for a potential specialist role at the next level. Team : USC Position : SF Size : 6'7", 235 lbs Age : 21 Nationality : USA Pro Comparison: Dillon Jones Saint Thomas' usage has dropped dramatically at USC after North Colorado's offense ran through him. It's still easy to detect high-level passing, an interesting skill for a 6'7", 235-pound forward who made 65 threes last season.
Team : Santa Clara Position : SF Size : 6'7", 200 lbs Age : 20 Nationality : France Pro Comparison: Amir Coffey Adama-Alpha Bal broke out with Santa Clara last year after transferring from Arizona. He took advantage of a featured role, showing scouts both shotmaking and playmaking ability at 6'7". He wasn't able to do enough at last year's G League Elite Camp to make a strong 2024 draft case.
Athleticism is a big question mark in terms of whether he can separate and finish at the next level. Still, it's worth monitoring his shooting, based on his 24 three-point attempts in his first three games. He's looked confident from outside early.
In the second round, scouts may be willing to ignore the athletic concerns if he's able to sell them on sure-fire shotmaking and passing. Team : Mega Position : PF Size : 6'11", 195 lbs Age : 19 Nationality : Serbia Pro Comparison: After a standout showing at Adidas Eurocamp in June, Bogoljub Markovic is off to a strong with Mega, shooting 51.9 percent, 45.
0 percent from three and 87.9 percent from the free-throw line. Though not an overwhelming athlete or physical big, he's stood out with his touch and fluidity handling the ball in the open floor and pushing the break off the defensive glass.
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