Breakout Prospects Ready to Make Waves in 2025
Jarin Stevenson, Cedric Coward, Hansen Yang, and more: Uncovering the top sleeper prospects ready to shine and elevate their draft status in the upcoming season.
In every NBA Draft, there are a handful of prospects who rise from relative obscurity to become hot commodities. The 2025 NBA Draft will be no different, and these five players are poised to significantly boost their stock in the upcoming season. From seasoned college performers to international standouts, these prospects are ready to make a name for themselves.
Jarin Stevenson: Alabama's Next Breakout Star
Jarin Stevenson is a name that NBA scouts are already familiar with, as the Alabama forward is poised for a breakout season that could catapult him into lottery pick conversations for the 2024 NBA Draft. Stevenson already flashed his immense potential during Alabama’s run to the Elite Eight, where he scored 19 points and knocked down five three-pointers in a statement win over Clemson. Listed at 6’11” with the agility and coordination of a wing, Stevenson has the tools to be a versatile offensive weapon at the next level. His ability to space the floor, face up, and attack off the dribble makes him a modern-day big man tailor-made for today’s NBA.
Originally slated to be part of the 2024 recruiting class, Stevenson reclassified to 2023 and committed to Alabama following the departures of Brandon Miller and Noah Clowney to the NBA. Despite being one of the youngest players in the country last season—starting his freshman year at just 17 years old—Stevenson showcased his immense upside in limited opportunities. He doesn’t turn 19 until the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, meaning his best basketball is still ahead of him.
With a strong basketball pedigree—his mother, Nicole Stevenson, was a three-time ACC Champion at North Carolina, and his father, Jarod Stevenson, played professionally for over a decade—Jarin has the game and the genetics to thrive at the highest level.
Ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 power forward in the 2024 class before reclassifying, he was only able show flashes of his impressive skill set last season. Stevenson shows promise as a three-point shooter and pick-and-pop threat, and he’s capable of taking a rebound coast-to-coast thanks to his advanced ball-handling for a player of his size. Though he may not get many opportunities to showcase his low post game at Alabama, those who have seen him in private workouts know he’s got a soft touch around the rim and the potential to score effectively inside the paint.
However, there are a few areas where Stevenson needs to improve heading into the 2024-25 season. His decision-making is one of them—his turnovers doubled his assists as a freshman, highlighting his youth and inexeperience. Additionally, while he has a modern skill set, Stevenson tends to settle for too many jumpers. Last season, 101 of his 158 shots were three-pointers, despite his ability to finish inside with his size, skill, and athleticism. This tendency to bail out defenders with questionable shot selection also showed up in his final season on the Nike EYBL circuit, where 40% of his attempts were jump shots, even though he shot just 27% on those attempts. Lastly, Stevenson will need to become a better defender to fully realize his potential as an impact player on both ends of the floor.
As Stevenson prepares to take on a bigger role at Alabama this season, the stage is set for him to prove that he’s more than just a highly-touted prospect.
Cedric Coward: The Hidden Gem Ready to Shine
Cedric Coward is rapidly emerging as one of the most intriguing sleeper prospects in college basketball, and NBA teams would be wise to start keeping tabs on his trajectory. After entering and then withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft, Coward made a strategic move by transferring from Eastern Washington to Washington State, where he will look to elevate his game even further under the guidance of Coach David Riley. This move wasn’t just about a change of scenery; it was a calculated step to continue his development with Riley, who recently took over as the head coach at Washington State following Kyle Smith’s departure for Stanford.
Coward’s journey to this point is a testament to his growth, both literally and figuratively. Entering college as a 6’4”, 190-pound freshman at Willamette University, a Division-III school in Oregon, Coward has since sprouted to 6’6” with a reported 7-foot wingspan, transforming into an NBA prototype 3&D wing.
His time at Willamette was nothing short of impressive—he led the Northwest Conference in rebounding and blocked shots, while also ranking third in scoring. During that season, he averaged 19.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, shooting a scorching 60.8% from the field and a sizzling 45.3% from three-point range. These numbers not only highlight his scoring efficiency but also his ability to impact the game on both sides of the floor.
After a modest start at Eastern Washington, where he averaged 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in his first Division I season, he exploded onto the scene as a junior.
Coward’s breakout year saw him earn unanimous First-Team All-Big Sky honors, as he started all 32 games, putting up 15.4 points per game on 56.5% shooting from the field while also knocking down 38.3% of his three-point attempts and an eye-popping 89.5% from the free-throw line.
His scoring extends beyond just outside shooting; He’s a versatile scorer who excels in picking his spots—whether it’s draining threes (he shot 38.5% from deep over two seasons at Eastern Washington), hitting mid-range fadeaways reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard, or using his size to score over smaller defenders the post.
What sets Coward apart is his efficiency and shot selection—traits that fit perfectly into what NBA teams are looking for in a complementary 3&D wing. His ability to score in two dribbles or less is a testament to his skill in getting to his spots on the floor without pounding the ball, making him an ideal fit in a league where spacing and quick decision-making are paramount.
He also brings value on the defensive end with his motor, quick hands, rebounding, weak-side rim protection, along with his length and instincts.
However, as Coward prepares for the 2024-25 season at Washington State, there are a few areas where growth is necessary to solidify his NBA draft stock. While he’s mastered the art of getting to get to his spots on the floor, often in two dribbles or less, but this is also indicative of his struggles against ball pressure. To truly elevate his game and draft potential, it will be crucial for Coward to show improvements as a ball handler, decision-maker, and passer this season. Enhancing these aspects will not only make him more versatile offensively but could also be the key to securing his place in the NBA.
In a league that’s constantly searching for wings who can knock down open shots and defend, Cedric Coward is a name that fans and scouts alike should start getting familiar with.
Hansen Yang: Is He China’s Next NBA Star?
Hansen Yang is a name that’s quickly gaining traction among NBA scouts, and for good reason. The 7’2” Chinese center first turned heads at the U19 World Cup, where he put up good numbers, averaging 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and a tournament-leading five blocks per game. His standout performances, particularly against top prospects like Alex Sarr and Izan Almansa, showcased his ability to compete against high level competition. Yang carried that momentum into his season with the Qingdao Eagles in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he averaged 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game, solidifying his status as one of the most intriguing big men prospects on the international stage.
What makes Yang particularly appealing to NBA teams is his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. Standing at 7’2”, he’s an imposing interior presence with a game that draws comparisons to Nikola Jokić and Alperen Sengun. Like those players, Yang is fluid and coordinated for his size, possessing an advanced post game that features a mix of spin moves, excellent footwork, and a soft touch around the rim. He’s a crafty low post scorer with a deep arsenal of moves—up-and-unders, shoulder fakes, and baby hooks—that allow him to score efficiently against various defenders. Despite his old-school bruiser style, where he uses his size and strength to draw fouls at a high rate, Yang is also a really good playmaker from the low post. His passing instincts and feel for the game are well beyond his years, making him one of the more unique offensive weapons in this class.
There are areas of concern that Yang will need to address to maximize his NBA potential. Defensively, his lack of lateral quickness could be an issue when guarding in space, making him only suited for a role as a drop coverage big. He also struggled with the speed and physicality of the game during the 2024 NBA Summer League, posting just three assists to 14 turnovers—a sign that he’ll need to adapt more quickly to the NBA’s pace. Additionally, while Yang is comfortable scoring on the move and putting the ball on the floor out of short rolls, his offensive game lacks a reliable face-up element, and he’ll need to extend his shooting range to keep defenses honest. There’s also a tendency for Yang to be passive on offense at times, which might be related to his age or cultural background.
In a league that’s always on the lookout for skilled big men who can contribute on both ends of the floor, Hansen Yang is a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
Sergio de Larrea: A Top International Prospect
As Yang continues to solidify his place among the top international prospects, there’s another international player who deserves attention—Sergio de Larrea. With his unique blend of size and playmaking ability, de Larrea is another name to keep an eye on as we look ahead to the 2025 NBA Draft.
I believe de Larrea should be mentioned as one of the top international prospects in the 2025 draft class. I first noticed de Larrea back in 2022 at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia—a competition that featured No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and lottery pick Nikola Topić. Despite the star-studded lineup, it was de Larrea who stole the show with his all-around play, filling the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and assists while dazzling with his flash, flair, and creative passing. Listed at 6’6”, de Larrea possesses excellent size for a point guard, which, combined with his advanced court vision and high-level passing instincts, makes him one of the best young playmakers in Europe.
De Larrea’s game is built on his ability to control the pace of the game and make quick, precise decisions. He’s never in a hurry and can’t be sped up, which allows him to dissect defenses and find open teammates with ease. Whether it’s a live dribble pass, a hook pass, or a pocket bounce pass, de Larrea has a full passing arsenal at his disposal. His ability to pass teammates open and find cutters is elite, making him a dangerous pick-and-roll playmaker and arguably the best passer in this draft class.
He also does a good job of using angles, getting downhill out of ball screens and keeping defenses on their toes with his respectable shooting, which is good enough to keep defenders honest.
I will add that there are areas of concern that de Larrea will need to address to solidify his status as a top draft prospect. His performance at the FIBA U20s World Cup this summer was underwhelming, and he hasn’t consistently put up strong numbers with Spain’s national team over the past few summers. While he’s a respectable shooter, he’s still streaky at best and needs to improve his consistency from beyond the arc.
Additionally, his finishing at the rim in traffic and lack of a reliable mid-range or pull-up jumper are notable weaknesses. Defensively, de Larrea will need to be a solid team defender, as he lacks the physical tools and strength to be a strong point-of-attack defender. His struggles against athleticism and speed were evident when he faced Team USA’s pressure at the U17s, where he seemed overwhelmed and struggled to create separation without the aid of a pick or screen.
Despite these concerns, Sergio de Larrea’s size and playmaking make him a prospect worth monitoring. If he can refine his shooting and improve his ability to handle under pressure, he has the potential to become one of the top international guards in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Arden Conyers: The Deep Sleeper No One's Heard Of
Arden Conyers is a name that NBA scouts might not be familiar with yet, but I believe that’s about to change. After redshirting the 2023-24 season at South Carolina, Conyers is set to make a splash this year, and could be one of the biggest surprises of the season.
South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris has been vocal about Conyers' potential, stating:
Anybody who's following SEC basketball will be saying his name, a lot. You don’t know him if you’re outside of the city of Columbia, certainly outside the state of South Carolina, you’ve probably never heard of this guy.
Paris’s confidence isn’t misplaced—while Conyers may have flown under the radar, his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed.
A three-star recruit and the consensus No. 3 player in South Carolina’s 2023 class, Conyers made the mature decision to redshirt last season, opting to focus on adding strength, gaining weight, and learning from daily practices with the team. This move, which shows his dedication and foresight, has set the stage for what I believe will be a breakout year.
Observing the rise of fellow Columbia area native and freshman teammate Collin Murray-Boyles last season not only benefits Conyers but also serves as a source of inspiration and confidence that he can exceed expectations. Murray-Boyles, who overcame an early-season illness to become one of the top breakout stars in the country, ended his freshman campaign as an SEC All-Freshman Team honoree and a potential first-round NBA Draft pick.
Here’s a revised version with some corrections:
With NBA scouts already planning frequent trips to Columbia to watch Murray-Boyles and highly touted freshman Cam Scott, Conyers is well-positioned to catch their attention as well. At 6’7” and 210 pounds, Conyers has the size and athleticism that NBA teams covet in a 3&D wing. He’s a promising three-point shooter, capable of knocking down shots both in rhythm and off screens. In practices, he has displayed a versatile offensive game, showing the ability to attack closeouts with long strides to the rim and comfortably hit one-dribble pull-ups. Despite his still-developing frame, Conyers isn’t afraid to mix it up inside, demonstrating a willingness to score through contact in the mid or low post with a variety of touch finishes in the paint.
Remember the name Arden Conyers.
Your ability to see, understand and project talent is highly respected and in most cases unmatched. Keep striving Sir