As the calendar flips to 2025, the attention paid to college basketball increases from fans and scouts alike, with eyes on which top players could develop into future NBA Draft picks. The new year also provides a new look at how those prospects stack up.
The NBA mock draft will shift throughout the year leading up to June, when Adam Silver announces the first pick. Not only will players change their stock on the court, but NBA standings and trades will shift the order before the lottery sets things in stone.
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Long considered the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft class, Cooper Flagg has not solidified himself as the de-facto answer yet. However, he is well on his way while developing skills which promise to translate quickly across levels.
2. Washington Wizards: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
Dylan Harper has surpassed his college teammates over the past months due to his consistency and ability to make plays for himself and others offensively. This race is far from finished, not just between the Rutgers players, but among the Top Six prospects.
3. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers
While his flaws have come on display early at Rutgers, it is hard to pass up the pure shooting Ace Bailey offers from all levels of the court. He also features all the tools needed to unlock growth across his game.
4. Utah Jazz: Egor Demin, BYU
Egor Demin has seen his draft stock rise since arriving to play college basketball. His ability to continue shooting well will ultimately determine whether he can burst into the conversation for the top pick.
5. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
After coming to Illinois from overseas, Kasparas Jakucionis has proven why the NBA has interest in drafting him early by impacting every aspect of the game in his freshman season with a Top 25 program.
6. Portland Trail Blazers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
VJ Edgecombe entered the year with plenty momentum but struggled to find consistency in the non-conference schedule at Baylor. A recent run which has featured improved shooting opens the door for him to rush back into the conversation atop the draft class.
7. Brooklyn Nets: Tre Johnson, Texas
Tre Johnson broke into college basketball with high expectations, delivering with big performance on the offensive end. With room to round out his game, he is another player capable of climbing a tier during conference play.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder*: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
While is not the flashiest player in the 2025 NBA Draft class, Collin Murray-Boyles is one of the most well-rounded contributors in college basketball and leads South Carolina in many categories. The development of a 3-point shot stands between him and a bigger rise.
