Duke Blue Devils’ freshman standout Cooper Flagg had a remarkable performance, setting an ACC freshman record with 42 points against Notre Dame. He shot an impressive 11-for-14 from the field and 16-for-17 from the free-throw line, while also contributing seven assists and six rebounds. Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ freshman guard Dylan Harper showcased his scoring prowess in his first 12 college games, scoring at least 20 points in 10 of them. His teammate, freshman Ace Bailey, impressed with a 39-point game against Indiana and has recorded four double-doubles in points and rebounds. These three freshmen are not only standout players in the nation but are also projected to be the top three picks in the 2025 NBA draft.
Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis is gaining attention for his scoring, passing, and rebounding abilities, moving up in draft rankings. As college basketball teams enter conference play, here is the latest USA TODAY Sports 2025 NBA mock draft:
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers
3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers
4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
5. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
These talented freshmen are making waves in the college basketball scene and are poised for success in the NBA.
1. Egor Demin, BYU
Freshman Forward | 6-9, 192 lbs
2024-25 Stats: 11.1 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 43.1% FG, 29.1% 3PT, 67.6% FT
Demin, a skilled playmaker from Russia, excels in making quick decisions and setting up teammates. Despite his size, he possesses guard-like skills and uses his length effectively on defense to disrupt passing lanes. Concerns exist around his shooting efficiency.
2. Kon Knueppel, Duke
Freshman Guard-Forward | 6-7, 217 lbs
2024-25 Stats: 12.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 43% FG, 35.4% 3PT, 91.4% FT
Knueppel is a versatile offensive threat who can spark his team with his sharp 3-point shooting and a smooth shooting motion. He is reliable in mid-range scoring and showcases good ball-handling skills while being mindful of turnovers.
3. Liam McNeeley, UConn
Freshman Forward | 6-7, 210 lbs
2024-25 Stats: 13.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 41.1% FG, 35.3% 3PT, 81.6% FT
McNeeley, although lacking in fluid athleticism, compensates with his natural shooting ability and quick release. He demonstrates a wide shooting range and was finding his rhythm before an ankle injury sidelined him. Expected to make a significant impact once he returns.
4. Tre Johnson, Texas
Freshman Guard | 6-6, 190 lbs
2024-25 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 47.5% FG, 41.1% 3PT, 85% FT
Johnson, a sharpshooter and skilled scorer, thrives on the move but needs to improve his playmaking and physicality. While effective at scoring, he must enhance his ability to create for teammates and work on finishing at the basket with more authority.
5. Khaman Maluach, Duke
Freshman Center | 7-2, 250 lbs
2024-25 Stats: 8.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 79.1% FG, 77.3% FT
Maluach, a mobile big man, excels in pick-and-roll situations and shows promise as a rim protector and shot-blocker. His offensive rebounding and touch around the basket are notable, with potential for further development in strength and basketball
Newell defies expectations with his speed and agility despite his size, making him a formidable threat in pick-and-roll situations. He led the Bulldogs to an upset victory over No. 6 Kentucky, marking Georgia’s first win against a top-10 team in five years.
Noa Essengue, a forward standing at 6-10 and weighing 198 pounds, showcases elite finishing skills emerging from France. While viewed as a developmental prospect, his size, instincts near the rim, and strong defensive abilities hint at his potential to shine if he adds muscle.
Drake Powell, a freshman guard-forward at North Carolina, brings energy on both offense and defense. Known for his shot-blocking prowess, physicality, and versatility, Powell excels at running the court and launching catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.
Derik Queen, a freshman center at Maryland, impresses with his scoring and rebounding prowess. With a soft touch around the rim, power game, and excellent ball-handling skills for a big man, Queen is a potential first-round pick with the ability to stretch the floor.
Collin Murray-Boyles, a sophomore forward at South Carolina, may be slightly undersized for his position but compensates with relentless effort and strength. A dominant rebounder and scorer, Murray-Boyles catches the eye of NBA coaches with his determination.
Boogie Fland, a freshman guard for Arkansas, stands out for his aggressive defense and scoring abilities. Capable of hitting mid-range shots and 3-pointers, Fland is a dynamic player who excels at reading defenses and creating opportunities for his teammates.
Labaron Philon, a freshman guard at Alabama, showcases speed and finishing ability in transition. While proficient at catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, he has room to grow in that area. Philon’s defensive prowess and knack for creating turnovers make him a valuable asset on the court.
Will Riley, a freshman forward at Illinois, possesses size and shooting skills but needs to refine his game further. Known for his rebounding and passing abilities, Riley shows promise but must improve his scoring efficiency in challenging conference matchups.
Hugo Gonzalez, a guard-forward for Real Madrid in Spain, is considered one of Europe’s top young NBA prospects. Versatile in scoring and defensive play, Gonzalez can handle the ball, distribute passes, and surprise opponents with his shot-blocking abilities.
Alex Karaban, a junior forward at UConn, excels in scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. With a strong shooting percentage from the field and beyond the arc, Karaban is a promising player who contributes across various aspects of the game.
Declaring for the 2024 draft, Karaban initially intended to pursue a professional career but ultimately decided to withdraw and return to UConn for another season. Back with the Huskies, he has emerged as a leading scorer, showcasing his skills on the court. While his NBA future may see him as more of a complementary player, Karaban possesses a keen sense for exploiting gaps in opposing defenses. His sharpshooting abilities, particularly his knack for catching and shooting, are expected to seamlessly translate to the professional level.
Next in the spotlight is Adou Thiero, a junior forward from Arkansas standing at 6-8 and weighing in at 220 pounds. In the 2024-25 season, Thiero has been a standout performer for his team, averaging 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. With an impressive field goal percentage of 60.8%, Thiero’s agility and athleticism make him a force to be reckoned with on the court. His proficiency in running the floor for fast break opportunities, coupled with his ability to drive to the basket, sets him apart as a dynamic player. Despite his strengths, Thiero is aware of the need to enhance his outside shooting skills to further elevate his game.
Moving on to Dink Pate of the Mexico City Capitanes in the G League, this 6-8 guard has displayed promising potential in his second season. A versatile player, Pate contributes an average of 10.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting at respectable percentages. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Pate excels in transition play and has shown steady improvement in his shooting accuracy. His ability to score from various areas on the court positions him as a valuable asset for his team.
Ian Jackson, a freshman guard hailing from North Carolina, has also made a name for himself with impressive performances in the 2024-25 season. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 190 pounds, Jackson boasts an average of 15.4 points per game while shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. His athletic prowess, combined with a polished jump shot and quick decision-making, allows him to penetrate defenses and finish plays at the rim. Jackson’s tenacity and agility make him a formidable presence on the court, especially in fast-paced situations.
Switching gears to Derrion Reid, a freshman forward from Alabama, this 6-8 player has shown promise with his aggressive style of play. With averages of 8.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, Reid demonstrates a willingness to battle for position and score effectively. As he continues to refine his skills as a wing player, Reid has the potential to become a standout performer in his class.
Michael Ruzic, currently playing for Joventut in Spain, is a forward with NBA aspirations. Standing
