The biggest names reportedly on the fence were Arizona’s Koa Peat and Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou, both of whom I had projected as first-round picks in my Mock Draft 3.0 released shortly after the NBA Lottery. Peat ultimately decided to stay in the draft following a strong freshman season despite a rough showing at the NBA Combine and during Klutch Sports’ pro day, where he really struggled with his outside shooting.

Yessoufou, meanwhile, not only withdrew from the draft but also committed to St. John’s after the deadline passed. Alabama’s Amari Allen, whom I had given a first-round grade, also chose to return to school, while Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. — another player I viewed as a late first-round talent for much of the season — elected to do the same.

Santa Clara’s Allen Graves was another notable name reportedly weighing his options, but after a breakout season seemingly out of nowhere, he decided to keep his name in the draft.

Other notable prospects withdrawing and returning to college basketball include Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Arkansas’ Billy Richmond III, and Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic, who has yet to announce where he’ll play next season.

With those decisions now finalized, the outlook for the remainder of the first round has become much clearer. Before diving into the updated back half of the first round, be sure to check out my Mock Draft 4.0 lottery projections, which were released earlier this week and featured picks 1-14 along with several post-combine risers and fallers.

15. Morez Johnson Jr.

Illinois
Sophomore
Big
6’9” | 250
Age on draft night: 20.4

Mock Draft 3.0 Rank: 15

“SLAP.” That’s the acronym Bryson Graham used to describe the type of players he wants: size, length, athleticism and physicality. Morez Johnson embodies all of it.

Read more

The draft is set for June 23 and will take center stage following the completion of the Conference Finals and NBA Finals, which will feature the New York Knicks and the winner of the San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series, currently tied 2-2.

As the draft approaches, the deadline for NCAA prospects to withdraw from this year’s class also looms. Players have until May 27 to remove their names from the draft and return to school.

While none of the prospects currently projected in my first round have withdrawn yet, there are still several key names weighing their options. Once those decisions become official, I’ll release the updated remainder of the first round and break down how the draft board could shift heading into June 23.

1. AJ Dybantsa

BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9.” | 217
Age on draft night: 19.3

Mock Draft 3.0 Rank: 1

AJ Dybantsa feels like the likely choice for the Wizards at No. 1 overall, and in a draft this deep, it’s hard to argue against it. Washington should listen to offers, but Dybantsa may simply be too talented to pass up, even with prospects like Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer in the mix. He dominated all season, leading Division I in scoring at 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting while showcasing a polished, versatile offensive game. Whether operating as a lead ball handler, creating from the mid-post, or attacking downhill, Dybantsa proved he can score at all three levels. His physical tools only added to the intrigue, measuring nearly 6’9” barefoot with a 42-inch vertical.

The Wizards are already trending upward after adding veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and Dybantsa would immediately become the primary scorer alongside a promising young core featuring Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tre Johnson. His offensive firepower paired with Washington’s length and defensive versatility could make them a legitimate playoff contender as soon as next season. The roster construction also helps cover weaknesses: the young wings can help insulate Trae Young defensively, while the team has enough depth to withstand the games Anthony Davis is likely to miss. A projected lineup of Young, Dybantsa, George, Sarr, and Davis offers size, scoring, and versatility across the board. If Dybantsa fully buys in defensively, Washington could become a tough matchup every night.

2. Cameron Boozer

Duke
Freshman
Big
6’9” | 253
Age on draft night: 18.9

Mock Draft 3.0 Rank: 2

Cameron Boozer makes a ton of sense for Utah if the Jazz stay put instead of attempting to move up for AJ Dybantsa. There’s understandable intrigue surrounding Dybantsa and even Darryn Peterson, but Boozer may be the cleanest fit for what Utah is trying to build. The first thing Boozer should probably do when he lands in Salt Lake City is buy No. 5 from Cody Williams, considering his father, Carlos Boozer, wore the number during his six-year run with the Jazz.

Boozer proved at Duke that he’s one of the safest and most productive players in the class, averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists while leading the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight. He’s a high-level competitor who impacts winning and can score in multiple ways, whether dominating inside or stretching the floor from the perimeter. At nearly 6’9” barefoot with a 7’1” wingspan, Boozer has the size and versatility to play both frontcourt spots, though slimming down 10-15 pounds could help maximize his defensive mobility long-term.

What makes the fit especially intriguing is the potential frontcourt combination of Lauri Markkanen, Boozer, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Boozer and Markkanen help compensate for JJJ’s rebounding shortcomings, while Jackson’s elite rim protection and defensive versatility can cover for some of Boozer’s expected defensive lapses early in his career. Offensively, Utah could roll out an enormous five-out lineup featuring Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Markkanen, Boozer, and Jackson, giving them elite size and spacing across the floor. There are still questions about how that group handles dominant interior forces like Nikola Jokic, but the offensive upside is undeniable.

Boozer’s arrival could also make Walker Kessler expendable, allowing Utah to potentially flip him for additional assets. At the same time, the organization still has major roster decisions looming, including Keyonte George becoming extension-eligible this summer. Still, if Utah keeps the pick, Boozer feels like the type of foundational talent who fits both the roster and timeline perfectly.

3. Darryn Peterson

Kansas
Freshman
Guard
6’5” | 199
Age on draft night: 19.4

Mock Draft 3.0 Rank: 4

I’ve been on record saying Darryn Peterson is the best guard prospect we’ve seen in a very long time, and despite some uneven moments at Kansas, I still believe he has the talent to become a multiple-time All-Star. Peterson averaged 20 points per game while shooting 38% from three on seven attempts per game, showcasing significant growth as a perimeter shooter. While he looked more like a pure scoring guard under Bill Self than the downhill attacker we saw at Prolific Prep, the flashes of both versions are what make him so intriguing. If Peterson can combine his elite driving ability with the improved jumper he displayed in Lawrence, you’re talking about a player talented enough to go No. 1 overall and potentially become the best player in the draft.

Read more

Beyond the draft order itself, this class could also represent the end of an era. Lottery reform is expected to pass later this month, with a proposed system designed to punish the NBA’s three worst teams while flattening the odds for the remaining non-playoff teams, making this potentially the last draft cycle heavily shaped by tanking.

With the order now finalized, this mock draft is less about predicting what teams will do and more about what I would do, focusing on the prospects I believe best fit each organization’s timeline, roster construction and long term direction.

1. AJ Dybantsa

BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9” | 210
Age on draft night: 19.3

Mock Draft 2.0 Rank: 1

The Wizards have an interesting choice here at No. 1, and I’m not sure there’s a wrong answer considering how deep this draft is. I’ve wrestled with this, but ultimately I think Dybantsa is their guy. The Wizards already have a ton of young talent in Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson. Dybantsa immediately emerges as the go-to scorer of the group while also learning how to play off established veterans in Trae Young and Anthony Davis. All of a sudden, the Wizards look like a team capable of competing for a playoff spot next season.

Dybantsa led all of Division I in scoring, averaging 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. AJ is a polished scorer who can get buckets in a variety of ways, whether as the lead ball handler or operating in the mid-post. I envision the Wizards starting Young, Dybantsa, George, Sarr and Davis next season. If Dybantsa buys in defensively, Washington could be a tough out every night, especially if Anthony Davis is able to play the majority of the season.

2. Cameron Boozer

Duke
Freshman
Big
6’9” | 250
Age on draft night: 18.9

Mock Draft 2.0 Rank: 2

The first thing Cameron Boozer should do when he lands in Salt Lake City is buy the No. 5 jersey off Cody Williams. Cameron’s dad, Carlos, wore No. 5 during his six year stint with the Jazz. I like Boozer here for several reasons, the obvious one being that he’s as good as any player in the draft.

Boozer averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game while leading Duke to the Elite Eight. He’s the ultimate winner who can either dominate in the post or knock down shots on the perimeter. I think the Jazz can play Lauri Markkanen, Boozer and Jaren Jackson Jr. together while potentially moving on from unrestricted free agent Walker Kessler without taking too much of a hit.

Hear me out: Boozer cleans up Triple J’s rebounding woes, while Jackson makes up for Boozer defensively. Sure, you still need a plan for dealing with Nikola Jokic, but offensively the Jazz could play five out basketball with outstanding length across the floor if they start Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Markkanen, Boozer and Jackson together.

3. Caleb Wilson

North Carolina
Freshman
Big
6’10” | 215
Age on draft night: 19.9

Mock Draft 2.0 Rank: 4

What a way to start the rebuild by landing Caleb Wilson. Wilson should become a fan favorite in Memphis and restore some of the “Grit N Grind” era vibes. His upside could be Kevin Garnett-like, especially if the jump shot progresses. Wilson replaces Jaren Jackson Jr. while immediately giving you energy on the glass and defensive end of the floor.

Read more

The tanking got so blatant that Adam Silver has already proposed potential reforms that could reshape how teams approach losing moving forward. And with that context in mind, this is my latest Big Board, where I rank my top 30 prospects. As always, my board is going to look a little different than others.

If you’ve been following along on the NBA Draft Junkies YouTube channel, I’ve also started a video scouting report series breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of these prospects as we get closer to the draft in June. This board gives you a deeper look into my thought process and how I’m stacking this class.

There’s a lot to get into — so let’s get started.

1. AJ Dybantsa

BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9” | 210

Age on draft night: 19.3

Before I get too far into the analysis, I feel like this draft has four guys who could potentially be the number one pick. With Dybantsa, he has a great combination of scoring and size that is coveted at the wing position. He has grown as a playmaker but was already a lot to deal with in isolation. Dybantsa has All-NBA talent but will need to improve on the defensive side of the ball, though he does possess the tools to become a plus defender. BYU asked him to handle the ball a lot, so I’d like to see him incorporate more off-ball scoring into his already deep offensive bag.

2. Cameron Boozer

Duke
Freshman
Big
6’9” | 250

Age on draft night: 18.9

Fresh off winning National Player of the Year and ACC Player of the Year, Boozer is firmly in the conversation for the number one pick. All of the advanced numbers suggest he’s the most impactful player in the draft, but some still question how his game translates to the NBA. Boozer is a great rebounder who plays with a mix of bully-ball and finesse. He has all the makings of a multi-time All-Star while being the model of consistency. The concerns lie in his defense at times and how well he adjusts to scoring as a roll man in pick-and-roll action and in mid-post isolation.

3. Darryn Peterson

Kansas
Freshman
Guard
6’5” | 205

Age on draft night: 19.4

I’m a big believer that if we get some combination of Peterson’s ability to get to the rim from his prep days along with the improved outside shooting we saw at Kansas, then he could be the best prospect in the draft. The question is whether his decreased rim pressure was due to the jump in competition or lingering leg injuries. Is he a slashing combo guard or more of a pure shooting guard? Either way, the defensive upside is still there, and he remains one of the more intriguing prospects in a loaded class.

Read more

Just like in Part 1, I’ve mocked each player to a team and, following in the footsteps of my brother Rafael, added my own twist on how each prospect could realistically fit with the franchise I paired them with. The top 14 may grab the headlines, but there’s real value — and real intrigue — in picks 15 through 30.

15. Brayden Burries

Arizona
Freshman
Guard
6’4” | 205
Age on draft night: 20.7

Mock Draft 1.0 Rank: NR

Burries’ freshman season started slow, but he turned the corner in game six and reminded everyone why he was a top high school player. The former McDonald’s All-American is averaging 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists for an Arizona team that remains among the best in the country.

Read more

The process of positioning for a top lottery pick has started earlier than expected, with plenty of “tank-influenced” moves happening before the February trade deadline. We’ve seen the league hand out fines to the Pacers and the Jazz. We’ve seen social and traditional media alike weigh in on the idea of tanking. Some understand the process; others think it messes with the integrity of the game.

Me? I think you do what you need to do to improve your team. If that means taking a longer look at backend rotation guys a little earlier, why not?

So is this draft class worth tanking for?

YES.

Even in this exercise of putting together a mock, I honestly feel like there are three guys who would be first-round picks in most drafts. Picks four through six could also have All-Star upside, and there are a ton of rotation pieces scattered throughout the class.

Like last time, I went to Tankathon and hit “sim” on the draft lottery. My apologies if your team didn’t land where you wanted them to, but here we go.

Part 2 drops tomorrow, covering picks 15–30 and the rest of the first round.

1. AJ Dybantsa

BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9” | 210
Age on draft night: 19.3

Mock Draft 1.0 Rank: 2

In what has largely been a three-man race, Dybantsa comes in as the number one player in the draft. The combination of scoring, athleticism, and improved playmaking is too much to ignore. Dybantsa is the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring since Trae Young did it in 2017.

Read more

And this is when I put together my first mock draft. My philosophy when building a mock is to account for roster construction and salary situations while keeping a pulse on what’s happening in real time. For this particular mock, I used the Tankathon Lottery Simulator to generate the draft order.

So without further suspense, the results are in.

THE BROOKLYN NETS ARE ON THE CLOCK.

1. Darryn Peterson

Kansas
Freshman
Guard
6’5” | 205
Age on draft night: 19.4

Number one on my big board and number one on this mock draft. Peterson has a rare combination of shot-making, defense, and athleticism. He’s been lights out from three this season for Kansas, even in limited minutes. Assuming he’s healthy, he has the tools to eventually become Brooklyn’s number one option in the half court. The Nets get their star through the draft.

Read more

This range is where teams often uncover long-term starters, late bloomers, and upside swings who can outperform their draft slot.

There’s real talent here, and several of these guys have the potential to rise as the season progresses.

15. Bennett Stirtz

Iowa
Senior
Point Guard
6’4” | 190
Age on draft night: 22.7

Stirtz is an analytical darling anchoring the Iowa offense. This is his second year at the Division I level after starring at Drake, and he’s looking to replicate last season’s breakout.

The Big Ten will give him a different challenge, but he’s equipped to handle it. Stirtz is one of the better pick and roll point guards in the country and is a very good decision maker. He uses his size to post up smaller guards and has become deadly on off the dribble threes.

He’ll be 22 on draft night, so teams will question his upside. He’s also not the best athlete, and his self created rim attempts are limited. His style reminds me a lot of Ty Jerome.

Read more

This class hits differently. Depending on who you talk to, you’ll hear a different name at the top. Some evaluators see Darryn Peterson as the best bet to go first. Others will tell you AJ Dybantsa has the biggest upside. And plenty will make the case that Cameron Boozer is the most polished, dependable prospect in the draft.

What we do know is this: the talent at the top is real. Multiple guys in this group project as potential tier-one, superstar-level prospects. There’s even been online chatter suggesting Flagg wouldn’t be a lock to go No. 1 if he were in this class.

That’s how strongly people feel about this group. It’s a stark contrast to the projected 2027 draft, which many already view as a class without a true franchise anchor.

1. Darryn Peterson

Kansas
Freshman
Guard
6’5” | 205
Age on draft night: 19.4

Unfortunately, we’ve only been able to see Peterson twice this season, three times if we count the exhibition game against Louisville, due to a hamstring injury. Still, Peterson remains number one on my big board. He has all the tools of a franchise player: offensive creativity, competitive fire, and defensive playmaking.

In just two games, Peterson is averaging 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Against North Carolina, Peterson flashed his skillset, scoring 22 points in only 28 minutes. The sample size is extremely small, but he’s upped his three-point attempt rate from the prep level. He looks like every bit of an offensive engine, and hopefully we see him at full strength sooner rather than later.

2. AJ Dybantsa

BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9” | 210
Age on draft night: 19.3

Even with the production advantage leaning toward Boozer, I still think Dybantsa is in play for the first or second pick. He has a ton of scoring upside in a unique playing style. Dybantsa is very comfortable operating out of the mid-post but has also shown the ability to be effective in pick-and-roll actions.

One of the more impressive aspects of Dybantsa’s game is how well he rebounds from relatively poor first halves and adjusts to whatever the opposing defense throws at him. What could keep him from being the 1st or 2nd pick will likely come down to his outside shooting and whether he stays fully engaged on defense.

3. Cameron Boozer

Duke
Freshman
Big
6’9” | 250
Age on draft night: 18.9

Boozer has been ultra productive this season and had arguably the best game of any freshman with his monster 35-point performance against Arkansas. I thought Boozer would have the opportunity to win National Player of the Year, and it looks like that proclamation could be true.

Boozer is a glass cleaner with an advanced inside-out game for his age. He simply plays winning basketball. Outside of the Arkansas game, Boozer has struggled against length and athleticism, so his half-court rim efficiency will be something to monitor since he doesn’t have the deepest bag on the block nor elite athleticism. Is he someone you can give the ball to late in the clock?

Still, Boozer looks like a great foundational piece for whichever team lands in the top three.

Read more

We’ve already had a flurry of trades shake up the board in the last seven days—and I’d bet we’re not done. This mock is my best guess based on the latest intel, some educated speculation, and what I’m hearing from league sources. But let’s be clear: nobody truly knows what’s going to happen. We could see major movement in the lottery and chaos in the 20s, where teams with multiple picks are dangling them to either climb the board or trade out entirely for future assets. The appetite to deal is real on both ends—teams looking to get in, and teams trying to get out.

One thing’s for sure: tonight’s going to be crazy.

Read more

So with that being said, I’m ready for the drama. I’ll be in attendance in Brooklyn to experience it live. And with that, here’s my updated first-round mock draft. This is just my personal opinion—how the draft would unfold if every decision were up to me. And in true Rafael fashion, there are going to be some big swings, some bold calls, and several players I’m higher or lower on than consensus. I give my brief breakdown of each prospect and explain how I think they could fit with each team.

Here we go.

Read more

After a long day of travel that started with me arriving at the airport around 4 a.m. and spending nearly 10 hours stuck there, I finally made it to Chicago on Monday evening—just in time for the announcement that the Dallas Mavericks had won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and earned the right to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick next month. The Mavericks came in with just a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick and somehow climbed 10 spots to pull it off. As soon as the pick was announced, my phone started buzzing—friends and family texting me wild conspiracy theories, asking how Dallas pulled it off, and tossing out everything from cold envelopes to rigged algorithms.

And to make things even more interesting, while I was stuck at the airport waiting on standby, I ran into a few Mavericks front office execs at DFW—Nico Harrison and Michael Finley. We had brief conversations while they were en route to Chicago. Little did I know—and little did they know—that just a few hours later, some of the pressure and volatility aimed at the Mavericks front office would suddenly come to a screeching halt. The Luka Dončić era may be over, but with Cooper Flagg on the way, Mavs fans have reason to feel very optimistic about what’s next.

But that wasn’t the only headline. Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo is open to exploring opportunities outside of Milwaukee. So yes—you will hear Giannis’ name come up a couple times in this mock draft.

This is my personal 2025 NBA Mock Draft, based on how I would approach each pick. There are going to be players I’m higher on than consensus. There are going to be guys I’m lower on.

I’ve updated the height and weight measurements based on the official NBA Combine numbers, and this version will focus solely on the lottery.

Stay tuned—I’ll be dropping my full first-round mock later this week and sharing live reactions from the NBA Combine here in Chicago.

Read more

With only 106 players filing as early entry candidates—the lowest total in recent years—it’s clear the rise of NIL and the financial incentives to stay in college are reshaping the draft process. I also believe it’ll have a significant impact on how this year’s draft plays out in June.

This class is unusually heavy on freshmen and seniors, with far fewer sophomores and juniors in the mix unless they’re locked-in first-rounders.

And I expect several prospects will ultimately return to school if they’re not satisfied with their draft range.

With that in mind, here are my top 70 prospects heading into Chicago—based purely on my personal evaluations. As always, there are players I’m much higher on than the consensus… and a few I’m notably lower on.

Read more

Earlier this week, the NBA released its early entry list, and the number of players who declared for the draft is the lowest it’s been in years—just 106 names. NIL is changing the game. Several agents and scouts told me the same thing: for many players, returning to college simply pays more than a late first-round deal. Some prospects didn’t even test the waters. I personally know of players who’d need to be drafted in the lottery just to match what they’re being offered to come back to school.

But for those who are in? The evaluation process is officially on. In this post, I’m revealing the top 14 players on my Big Board 3.0—my projected lottery. There are some risers. Some surprises. And yes, a few names you won’t find on consensus mocks. This is based on my film, my intel, and a whole lot of time asking myself, “Am I sure this guy’s better than the player ranked behind him?”

This is just the lottery tier—my full Top 65 will be out next week, so keep an eye out.

Let’s get into it.

Read more

My top three remains unchanged, with Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ freshman duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey leading the way. However, in my eyes, the real intrigue begins at pick No. 4. In this article, I’ll be fully transparent, sharing my thoughts on what I like and what concerns me about each prospect—whether minor or significant.

This is my honest, no-fluff evaluation based on updated statistics as of February 25th and where things currently stand in the ever-changing 2025 draft landscape.

1. Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Big Board 2.0 Rank: 1

Cooper Flagg has been as good as advertised—but to be honest, he’s been even better than I expected. He currently leads Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, and you can see the steady improvements he’s made to his offensive game throughout the season. Flagg has consistently shown up in big games, delivering on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s been dominant, but it’s his offensive versatility, competitive fire, athleticism, and skill set that have truly stood out. The fact that he came into the season with immense hype and has not only met but exceeded expectations—while leading Duke to a 24-3 record—is a testament to just how good he actually is.

One of the most impressive things about Flagg is his toughness. Even with defenses entirely geared to stop him, he finds ways to impact the game and impose his will. He’s also a really good passer—comfortable making plays out of ball screens, the short roll, and double teams. He can find shooters and make interior passes in tight spaces, which makes him even more dangerous as a lead option.

There’s not much to criticize without overanalyzing. He’s now shooting 37% from three, which has exceeded my expectations, and he continues to show growth as a shooter. If you’re looking for areas to improve, you could point to his handle needing some tightening or the fact that he’s converting just 51% of his non-dunk finishes around the rim. But at that point, you’re digging deep.

Right now, there’s no real debate—Cooper Flagg has clearly separated himself from the rest of the pack, and in my eyes, he’s a 100% lock to be the first player taken in the 2025 NBA Draft.

2. Dylan Harper

Rutgers
Freshman
Combo Guard
6’6” | 215
Age on draft night: 19.3

Big Board 2.0 Rank: 2

Dylan Harper remains locked in at No. 2 and is finally back to looking like himself after dealing with illness and injuries. Over his last two games, he’s been outstanding—dropping 34 points against Washington on 9-of-18 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three, while getting to the line 14 times and converting 12. He also added five rebounds and three assists in that performance. Then on Sunday, he followed it up with 25 points, nine assists, and six steals on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting, once again going 4-of-8 from deep. Harper has now made eight of his last 16 threes and is 18-of-31 from the floor in that span, further solidifying the gap between him and his Rutgers teammate, Ace Bailey, at No. 3.

Read more

While I remain fascinated by the depth of talent and upside in this class, I’ve started to notice a wide range of variance among prospects. This draft has several tier-one talents who could shape the NBA for years to come, but it’s also filled with players whose tantalizing potential comes with significant flaws and boom-or-bust risk.

My rankings reflect my personal assessment, with a few notable omissions and prospects I’m higher on than consensus, as I continue to embrace the complexity of this class.

Cooper Flagg is locked in as the top prospect, while Dylan Harper’s flu-shortened stretch has been one of the few things to slow him down. Ace Bailey’s high ceiling as a scorer keeps him at number three, though his inconsistent play makes it unlikely he’ll challenge Harper or Flagg for the top spot.

With many prospects competing in the historically strong SEC, a standout stretch in conference play could dramatically alter the landscape of this draft.

Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Cooper Flagg remains firmly atop my 2025 NBA Mock Draft, and the Swiss Army knife has largely lived up to the hype. Leading Duke in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, Flagg’s all-around impact has been undeniable.

Flagg has strung together three consecutive standout performances in conference play, further solidifying his status as the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. He posted back-to-back 24-point games against SMU and Virginia Tech. Most recently, in Duke’s game against Pitt, Flagg left no doubt about his dominance. Scoring 14 of his 19 points in the second half, he delivered a series of highlight plays, including one of the best dunks in college basketball this season.

Flagg’s athleticism, toughness, and competitive fire were on full display, as he overwhelmed the opposition on both ends of the floor and intimidated defensively. While his jump shot remains a work in progress, there’s reason for optimism—he’s now shooting 30.8% from three but has connected on five of his last eight attempts, signaling real growth in his perimeter game.

Flagg’s dominance in ACC play should only continue, especially in a down year for the conference, with the SEC and Big Ten establishing themselves as the top leagues in college basketball.

Still, Flagg’s elite two-way impact solidifies him as the premier prospect in this class. If the Washington Wizards land him, pairing him with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly would give them a versatile, defensive-minded young frontcourt capable of switching across positions while also providing elite rim protection and athleticism.

A trio of Flagg, Sarr, and Coulibaly would represent a massive step forward for the Wizards’ rebuild, offering immense upside on both ends of the floor.

Read more

Part two, which will cover the remainder of the first round, will drop later this week. With all that being said, here are my top 14 prospects as we kick off 2025.

Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Cooper Flagg remains firmly atop my 2025 NBA Mock Draft, and the Swiss Army knife has largely lived up to the hype. Leading Duke in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game, Flagg’s all-around impact has been undeniable. He’s coming off back-to-back 24-point outings against SMU and Virginia Tech, showing signs of improved shooting by connecting on four of his last six three-point attempts and hitting his last 12 free throws.

While his jump shot remains a work in progress—he’s currently shooting just 29% on jumpers overall—the recent stretch is an encouraging sign of growth. Flagg’s dominance in ACC play should only continue, especially in a down year for the conference, with the SEC and Big Ten establishing themselves as the top leagues in college basketball.

Still, Flagg’s elite two-way impact solidifies him as the premier prospect in this class. If the Washington Wizards land him, pairing him with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly would give them a versatile, defensive-minded young frontcourt capable of switching across positions while also providing elite rim protection and athleticism.

A trio of Flagg, Sarr, and Coulibaly would represent a massive step forward for the Wizards’ rebuild, offering immense upside on both ends of the floor.

Read more

With new performances and emerging talent, this updated ranking reflects where I currently stand on the next wave of NBA prospects.

15. Will Riley

Illinois
Freshman
Wing
6’8” | 180
Age on draft night: 19.4

Big Board 1.0 Rank: NR

Read more

The list is fluid and will continue to evolve as the season progresses, with the remaining version of Big Board 2.0 set to be released in the coming days. For now, here’s where I stand on the draft’s most intriguing talents, from Cooper Flagg maintaining his hold on the top spot to Dylan Harper making a serious case to challenge him.

1. Cooper Flagg

Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5

Big Board 1.0 Rank: 1

Cooper Flagg remains the top prospect on my Big Board 2.0, but his lead is no longer as secure as it once seemed. He’s led Duke to an 8-2 record while leading the team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, which speaks volumes about his productivity. He’s also stepped up in some big games against Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas, Auburn, and Louisville.

Read more

While it’s still early in the season, this class has already proven difficult to evaluate. Some players are off to unsustainable hot starts, while others—particularly highly touted freshmen with first-round buzz—are struggling to earn consistent minutes in their rotations. However, I expect many of those freshmen to gain their coaches’ trust as the season progresses.

Adding to the intrigue is an interesting mix of international prospects, some of whom could make noise in the 2025 NBA Draft. The draft order for this mock is based on Friday’s standings, and with multiple college basketball tournaments happening this week, there’s no shortage of high-level matchups featuring NBA talent. For some prospects, these tournaments represent their first real test against Power 5 or elite competition, which could have a significant impact on their draft stock moving forward.

Rasheer Fleming

St. Joseph’s
Junior
Forward-Center
6’9” | 230
Age on draft night: 20.9

Fleming is one of the toughest prospects to leave outside my top 30, and I fully expect him to receive first-round consideration as the season progresses. Through six games, Fleming has been a force, averaging 14.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game. He’s been efficient offensively, shooting 40.9% from three on 3.7 attempts per game, adding versatility to his profile as a big man.

Read more