Freshman Phenoms: Scouting Reports on the Top 10 2025 NBA Draft Prospects
Early Scouting Reports and a 2024-25 Season Preview of the Freshman Phenoms Set to Dominate the 2025 NBA Draft
Expect freshmen to dominate the first half of the NBA Draft once again.
In 2024, five freshmen—Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Rob Dillingham, Cody Williams, and Bub Carrington—were selected in the lottery. Remarkably, only six of the first fourteen picks in last year’s draft played college basketball.
After the lottery, another five freshmen were selected in the first round, bringing the total of one-and-done players to 10. That number is projected to rise even higher in 2024-25.
This year, I’m projecting anywhere from 9 to 10 college freshmen as likely lottery picks. Unlike recent years where top selections like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and the Thompson twins bypassed college for overseas leagues, the G League, or Overtime Elite, this draft could feature as many as 15-18 freshman first-rounders emerging from the collegiate ranks.
However, history shows that early mock drafts and Big Boards in August are often far from accurate. NBA sources have expressed a strong reluctance to rank the 2025 prospects, particularly freshmen, before getting a chance to see them in action once college practices begin.
There’s still much to be determined, but the early outlook suggests that the top of the 2025 class is significantly stronger than the 2024 draft class.
Overall, this is shaping up to be a particularly strong freshman group.
Every week, I’m rolling out in-depth scouting reports on the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
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Don’t miss out on the detailed analysis of the top 10 freshman prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft!
Here’s a glimpse into what makes these players so special:
Cooper Flagg
Flagg, the crown jewel of Duke’s loaded recruiting class, is an elite athlete and rim protector who can anchor a defense and guard multiple positions on the floor. His offensive game, particularly his outside shooting, is rapidly improving, making him the early favorite for the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg’s high-wire athleticism, motor, and versatility have already made him one of the most talked-about prospects in years.
Ace Bailey
Bailey is a versatile wing who combines scoring, ball handling, shot-making, and size in a way that draws comparisons to Brandon Miller. His potential as a three-level scorer and pick-and-roll threat makes him a top pick contender. Scouts are excited about his potential to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Dylan Harper
The son of NBA legend Ron Harper, Dylan brings a powerful blend of size, strength, and skill as a combo guard. His ability to score in a variety of ways, make plays for others and defend multiple positions makes him an exciting prospect projected to be selected in the Top 5.
VJ Edgecombe
Edgecombe is an explosive athlete known for his acrobatic finishes and relentless motor. He thrives in transition and has the potential to be a defensive stopper with his toughness and competitive fire. His ability to impact games on both ends makes him one of the top prospects in this class.
Khaman Malauch
Maluach is a 7'2" big man with tremendous upside as a rim protector and floor spacer. Though raw, his combination of size, athleticism, and emerging skills make him a tantalizing prospect. If he continues to develop his strength and polish his game, he could be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
Drake Powell
Powell is a dynamic scorer with an explosive first step and the ability to create separation with his shifty handle. His competitive nature and defensive potential make him one of the best two-way prospects in college basketball.
Egor Demin
Hailing from Russia, Demin is a 6'9" wing/ball handler with a smooth shooting stroke and advanced playmaking ability. His size and skill set fit the modern NBA perfectly, and while he’s still refining his consistency, his potential as a jumbo wing connector is undeniable. Scouts are particularly excited about his promise as a pick-and-roll playmaker.
Jalil Bathea
Bethea, Miami’s highest-rated recruit ever, is an uber-confident scorer with deep range and the ability to light up the scoreboard. He’s a gifted offensive player who can shoot off the catch or dribble and has the potential to average 20 points per game as a freshman.
Tre Johnson
Johnson is a lethal scorer with the ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the floor. Known for his mid range game and crafty handles, Johnson has the potential to develop into a dynamic three-level scorer who can also make plays for others.
Liam McNeeley
McNeely is an elite shooter with a high basketball IQ, making him a perfect plug-and-play option in any system. He’s comfortable in a complementary role and has the passing instincts and defensive versatility, providing to be more than just a great shooter.