2025 NBA Draft Prospects
The 2025 NBA Draft features a promising lineup of talent in the lottery picks. Cooper Flag stands out as a top contender for the No. 1 overall selection, with Dylan Harper also making a strong case. Other notable names like Hamanmaruach, Jeremiah’s Fear, and Derrick Queen are contributing to what could be a draft filled with future stars.
As the excitement builds towards the first round, the draft landscape is shifting. Several players, including Bennett Stilltz from Iowa, Yaksel Lendeborg from Michigan, and Miles Bird from San Diego, have decided to return to college in pursuit of better opportunities. This move has significantly enhanced the depth of this draft class.
For teams picking beyond the top 20, strategizing is key. There are some intriguing sleeper candidates worth considering.
If you’re interested in more draft insights, there’s an article discussing three prospects who might not meet expectations compared to the consensus rankings. You can also find a comprehensive list of the top 60 players and keep up with mock drafts leading up to the big day. Celebrate draft day with potential hidden treasures!
Cam Jones, G, Marquette
Rank: 25
Jones has entered the NBA draft this year alongside former teammates Tyler Korek and Oso Igodaro. He thrived at Marquette, evolving into one of the country’s top playmakers. After focusing heavily on off-ball shooting early in his college career, he stepped into a more prominent role, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities and develop impressive passing vision. Notably, despite not previously playing in college basketball, he improved to a 38% assist rate with an admirable 3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio. While he began his career as a consistent shooter, his shooting percentage dipped to 31.1% this past season. Jones seems like a capable backup guard who can play effectively both with and without the ball.
However, there are concerns. Standing just 6’3″ without shoes, he’s considered small for a guard, especially with a 6’6″ wingspan. His defensive skills need refinement, and his shooting isn’t varied enough, particularly lacking the ability to create his own shot. He will need to improve his shooting consistency to maximize his chances in the league.
Ryan Calbrenner, C, Creighton
Rank: 21
Calbrenner is an imposing center at 7’1″ with a 7’6″ wingspan. Over his five-year college career, he demonstrated elite shot-blocking skills and consistent scoring. He was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year three times and had an impressive 7.5% block rate. This season, he recorded the most dunks in his class, with a notable 79.5% conversion rate at the rim. His senior year saw him extend his shooting range, making 61 three-pointers at a 34.4% rate. Despite a late shooting release, his free-throw shooting showed promise. If he continues to improve his shooting, he could serve as a valuable backup center, using his size and shot-blocking ability to impact games positively.
Yet, some issues loom. Calbrenner lacks the elite athleticism generally expected from top prospects. He might struggle against more physically dominant players in the NBA, particularly if they can bully him in the paint. His rebounding has been average for a player of his size, suggesting he would benefit from playing alongside a more physical forward. While his shot-blocking is a standout trait, he needs to develop other aspects of his game to secure substantial playing time.
Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
Rank: 23
Thiero offers an exciting blend of explosiveness and length typical of an NBA wing. He can swiftly navigate past defenders, using his impressive jumping ability near the basket. His 7-foot wingspan aids him in both offensive plays and defensive contests. Thiero plays with high energy, whether finishing at the rim or drawing fouls in transition. If he can enhance his jump shot, he could become a valuable energetic contributor off the bench.
On the downside, Thiero struggles as a shooter, with a three-point percentage of just 28.4% and a free throw percentage of 71% throughout college. It’s uncertain whether NBA defenses will respect his shooting ability, as he didn’t face particularly strong defense in the SEC. Additionally, being a 21-year-old rookie might raise questions about his long-term shooting potential.
