Who's Impressing and Who's Not in the Early 2025 Draft Season
Mgbako’s Efficiency and Demin’s Playmaking Lead the Early Standouts
2025 NBA Draft Prospects: Who’s Shining and Who’s Struggling Early?
The college basketball season is already providing plenty of intrigue for NBA scouts as some top prospects have lived up to expectations, while others are off to slower starts. For many players, the first few games are critical for setting the tone, and this year has been no exception.
Several prospects have showcased why they deserve a spot near the top of draft boards, delivering impressive performances that highlight their potential at the next level. On the flip side, others have yet to find their rhythm, struggling to adjust to new roles or live up to preseason hype.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s hot and who’s not after the second weekend of the season.
Mackenzie Mgbako: A Sophomore Surge
Indiana
Sophomore
Combo Forward
6’8” | 195
Age on draft night: 20.5
Mackenzie Mgbako is making an undeniable statement early in his sophomore season, reminding everyone why he was a highly touted 5-star recruit in the class of 2023. Through the first three games, he is averaging 22 points, 7.7 rebounds, and is boasting an extraordinary 71% shooting from the field and 63% from three-point range. These numbers mark a dramatic improvement from his freshman campaign and suggest he's made the highly coveted "sophomore jump."