Who’s Shocked the Scouts?
The 2025 NBA Draft Surprises That Scouts and Agents Didn’t See Coming
The 2024-25 college basketball season has been full of twists and turns, and several players have already emerged as surprises—some in ways that have elevated their draft stock, and others in ways that have left evaluators scratching their heads. A few of these players entered the season with high expectations and have exceeded even those lofty projections, forcing scouts and agents alike to rethink their ceilings.
Meanwhile, there are players who have surprised with inconsistencies or unexpected developments in their skill sets—both positive and negative—that have made them difficult to project. These surprises reflect the volatility of prospect evaluation, where progress isn’t always linear and surprises can come from both steady improvement and unforeseen struggles.
Here’s a closer look at the players who’ve caught the attention of NBA scouts and agents, standing out—whether for their dominance, underwhelming moments, or unpredictable growth—as the most surprising storylines of this draft cycle.
Derik Queen’s Rise: Shattering Expectations and Forcing NBA Teams to Take Notice
Derik Queen
Maryland
Freshman
Post
6’10” | 245
Age on draft night: 19.9
One of the most talked-about risers, Derik Queen has turned heads with his unexpected leap into one-and-done territory. His combination of skill and improved conditioning has forced scouts and agents to rethink his draft trajectory, with many now viewing him as a top-20 prospect.
Agent Perspective (not affiliated with Queen):
He’s helped himself the most from any kid. Six months ago, nobody thought he was one-and-done. Now, I don’t think a team in the lottery will take him—not because his game isn’t deserving—but optically, he’s probably not going to test well and might carry some body fat. I can see him posting a 24-inch vertical and a 12-13% body fat percentage, and it will scare teams. These NBA teams have a track record of overthinking guys. Not saying he’s Draymond [Green] or Joker [Nikola Jokić], but those guys fell to the second round because of optics and being pudgy.