2025 NBA Draft Big Board: Top 50 Prospects Before March Madness
With Selection Sunday set for March 16 and the 2025 NCAA tournament first round tipping off Thursday, we've reached the final in-season showcase for NBA prospects to boost their draft stock.
This Big Board ranks the top 50 overall draft prospects based on talent and potential, with some looking to solidify their status and others hoping for a breakout tournament run.
Stay tuned to the B/R app, where we'll drop our pre-tournament mock draft on Tuesday ahead of the First Four. For now, here's how the 2025 draft class stacks up before the madness begins.
50. Brice Williams (Nebraska, SG/SF)
1 of 50
Size: 6'7", 214 lbs
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Johnny Juzang
Brice Williams could fall under the value-pick category for teams more interested in adding immediate shotmaking over searching for upside.
Making 1.8 threes, shooting 43.8 percent on pull-ups, 53.1 percent on shots after handoffs and 61.6 percent at the rim, he's been an efficient three-level scorer playing on and off the ball.
49. Xaivian Lee (Princeton, PG/SG)
2 of 50
Size: 6'4", 180 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: Canada
Pro Comparison: Scotty Pippen Jr.
A second triple-double (23 points, 12 assists, 10 boards vs. UPenn) helped highlight Xaivian Lee's improved playmaking and confident shotmaking.
NBA teams should value his ability to create, generate gravity and put pressure on defenses. He's been relentless with his handle and desire to get downhill or put defenses on their heels.
Lee will just have more riding on his NBA combine showing than most, as scouts will want him to prove himself in scrimmages on a floor full of first- and second-round prospects.
48. Labaron Philon (Alabama, PG)
3 of 50
Size: 6'4", 177 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Kobe Bufkin
The ability to create and get to spots makes Labaron Philon interesting. He capitalizes on his elusiveness with an effective combination of body control, deceleration, floater touch and passing vision.
He has converted an incredible 24-of-38 runners, a shot that helps make up for a limited pull-up jumper. He'd be easier to buy with more perimeter shotmaking firepower. The three-point arc seems a little out of his range right now.
47. Chaz Lanier (Tennessee, SG)
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Size: 6'4", 199 lbs
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Seth Curry, Alec Burks
Shotmaking performances like the one Chaz Lanier delivered against Texas A&M (30 points, 8-13 3PT) will have teams picturing a specialist and second-round value.
The ones that could use more offensive firepower will look past age and lack of versatility for such advanced spot-up, movement and pull-up shooting.
46. Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton, C)
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Size: 7'1", 220 lbs
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Colin Castleton
The upside with Ryan Kalkbrenner isn't overly exciting unless the three-point shot becomes a more regular weapon. But 7'1" size, a refined post game and interior defensive presence create a high floor that's attractive for a likely second-round pick.
45. Adou Thiero (Arkansas, SF/PF)
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Size: 6'8", 220 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Keldon Johnson
Adou Thiero continues to miss games with a knee injury, though the scouting report has seemingly mostly been written.
His shooting remains problematic, but he's improved his ability to create for himself inside the arc, a needed development that has turned him into a more versatile scoring threat in the half court.
Between the open-floor athleticism for transition offense, the play-finishing, defensive playmaking and now the tougher driving ability, teams could start to talk themselves into an outlier, non-shooting wing or combo forward.
44. JT Toppin (Texas Tech, PF)
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Size: 6'9", 225 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Precious Achiuwa
JT Toppin is interesting because of how highly productive he is using a skill set that isn't conducive to serious NBA scoring.
There should still be a role for a high-energy, 6'9", 225-pound forward who has great touch around the paint, tough finishing ability and a motor under the boards.
His value and use obviously change if his shooting ever takes off. His 14 threes show capability, but it's not a reliable or sure-fire skill right now.
43. Wesley Yates (USC, SG)
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Size: 6'4", 219 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: USA
Pro comparisons: Collin Sexton
Despite USC's up-and-down year, the growth of Wesley Yates' scoring has caught scouts' attention. It's also carried over into the Big Ten tournament. He gave Rutgers 24 points off a one-two punch of perimeter shotmaking and downhill driving with that powerful, 219-pound frame.
He isn't much of a playmaker, but defenses continue to have trouble containing his three-level scoring, with the 20-year-old making 44.1 percent of his threes and 44.4 percent of his mid-range jumpers.
42. Jamir Watkins (Florida State, SG/SF)
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Size: 6'7", 210 lbs
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Caris LeVert
Shooting will continue to be viewed as a swing skill for Jamir Watkins, but given how effective he can be at 6'7", 210 pounds handling the ball, scoring in the lane, passing and defending, this year's 1.7 threes made per game could be seen as a positive, in spite of the 32.1 percentage.
Regardless, there's something appealing about the versatility of a 6'7" wing who can run pick-and-rolls, pressure the rim and guard multiple positions.
41. Ian Jackson (North Carolina, SG)
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Size: 6'4", 190 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Malik Beasley
The margin for error is small with 2-guards who don't provide any playmaking. Ian Jackson will be auditioning for a scoring-specialist role with his ability to get downhill and hit jumpers from on and off the ball. His shotmaking and self-creation could be effective enough to warrant a full-time role if he's paired alongside a point guard who can set the table.
40. Bogoljub Markovic (Mega, PF)
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Size: 6'11", 195 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: Serbia
Pro Comparison: Aleksej Pokusevski
Bogoljub Markovic went for a season-high 27 points on Sunday, creating more highlights of shotmaking and transition ball-handling at 6'11". He's now up to 41.7 percent shooting from three, but he's also scoring in a variety of other ways, both as a self-creator and driver.
Markovic doesn't block many shots, but his inside-out offensive production and passing are becoming more consistent and tempting.
39. Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB, SF/PF)
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Size: 6'9", 240 lbs
Age: 22
Nationality: USA
Pro comparisons: Jalen Slawson, Enrique Freeman
At 6'9", 240 pounds, Yaxel Lendeborg's versatility to attack, finish plays, pass, get second-chance points and make plays defensively should lower the bar when it comes to his shooting.
He's impacting games in a Swiss Army knife role at both ends, and it's still not out of the question that he can develop into a capable catch-and-shoot threat (19 3ptM).
38. Drake Powell (North Carolina, SG/SF)
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Size: 6'6", 195 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Will Barton
Depending on Drake Powell's urgency to start his pro journey, it may make more sense to return for a bigger role and NIL money.
He's played a whopping 50.0 percent of his possessions this year just spotting up, after flashing some ball-handling and playmaking potential as a high school senior. And yet he'd still receive first-round looks if he declared this June.
Even in an off-ball role, Powell has been efficient with his three-point shooting (39.2 percent) and cutting. And long-term, there is plenty to like about his defensive tools.
37. Alex Toohey (Sydney, SF)
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Size: 6'9", 223 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: Australia
Pro Comparison: Bojan Bogdanović
A lot is riding on Alex Toohey's shooting development, but the eye test detects plenty of shotmaking skill. Otherwise he uses his body, footwork and coordination well finishing plays inside the arc. He could work as as spot-up and transition scorer in the NBA if he starts knocking down threes more consistently.
36. Alex Condon (Florida, PF/C)
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Size: 6'11", 230 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: Australia
Pro Comparison: Jakob Poeltl
Intrigue around Alex Condon has been gradually growing, particularly after his 27-point, 10-rebound game against Alabama.
Good things seem to happen when he's on the floor. He ranks No. 6 in the nation in box plus-minus. And the idea of a 6'11", above-the-rim finisher who can defend inside and out, rack up assists and occasionally make threes is clearly enticing.
But at this stage, he's still mostly an idea, although it's reasonable to think a team could reach in the first round if it's willing to buy his shooting.
35. Bennett Stirtz (Drake, PG)
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Size: 6'4", 180 lbs
Age: 21
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Tyler Kolek
The analytic models love Bennett Stirtz.
And while the eye test may be skeptical over his athletic limitations and frame, his skill level and feel behind the 19.1 points, 5.7 assists and 30 wins are obvious. They show in ball-screen situations with his pacing, command, passing reads and pull-up/float game.
And despite questions about his physical tools and explosion, Stirtz excels around the basket and forces a ton of turnovers with a 3.6 steal percentage.
34. Joan Beringer (Cedevita, C)
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Size: 6'11"
Age: 18
Nationality: France
Pro Comparison: Jericho Sims
Joan Beringer's shot-blocking rate and defensive movement have earned him a regular role and NBA attention. Even without any real ball-handling, passing or shooting skill, NBA teams are still interesting in the finisher-rim protector archetype. And he has the right physical tools and athletic ability for that role.
33. Johni Broome (Auburn, PF/C)
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Size: 6'10", 240 lbs
Age: 22
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Trayce Jackson-Davis
Johni Broome will undoubtedly get a chance to carve out an NBA role with his post skill, passing and defensive toughness. The flashes of shooting every year should also earn him a green light to pick-and-pop and attempt threes.
Teams that would rather swing for upside and wait on the development of a younger prospect with a more valued archetype should probably look elsewhere. Teams looking to fill out their 2025-26 depth charts and get rookie-contract value will consider Broome, who's a good bet to provide interior offense, rebounding and a defensive presence inside.
32. Will Riley (Illinois, SF)
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Size: 6'8", 180 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: Canada
Pro Comparison: Kyshawn George
Will Riley has looked more confident over the last month in terms of self-creation, shotmaking and use of his dribble to make plays for teammates. Weak explosion and a negative wingspan are concerning from a translatability standpoint, and he doesn't offer much versatility for games when his jump shot isn't falling.
Some teams will see upside in a 6'8" scoring wing. Others may see a lengthy NBA-ready timetable and bust potential.
31. Danny Wolf (Michigan, PF/C)
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Size: 7'0", 250 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: USA/Israel
Pro comparison: Hedo Turkoglu
NBA teams covet bigs who can handle, and Danny Wolf's transfer to Michigan has given him the chance to showcase surprising playmaking IQ/skill. He should be able to create advantages at 7'0" with how he's able to drive and pass in ball-screen situations or attack closeouts.
His shooting development figures to play a key role in his trajectory, and the lack of three-point volume and poor free-throw numbers are worth taking into account.
For what it's worth, Wolf has been better pulling up from three (than spotting up), a sign he could be more valuable when used as a jumbo playmaker than a stretch big.
30. Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida, PG/SG)
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Size: 6'3", 195 lbs
Age: 22
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Fred VanVleet
There's a level of confidence and toughness in Walter Clayton Jr. that makes his shotmaking and driving very persuasive.
Ideally, at 6'3", he'd be more of a playmaker. But Clayton has still shown he can make basic point-guard passing reads, and at 195 pounds with a comfortable catch-and-shoot game and lots of success with dribble handoffs, he should be equipped to play possessions off the ball alongside another ball-handler.
29. Miles Byrd (San Diego State, SG/SF)
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Size: 6'7", 190 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Patrick McCaw
Miles Byrd quickly caught my attention this year with his shotmaking confidence, pick-and-roll play and obvious defensive instincts. Inconsistent shooting and problems finishing in the paint raise questions about his scoring potential. But the combination of shooting, ball-screen passing and defensive activity creates an enticing archetype and possible enough to find an NBA role.
28. Maxime Raynaud (Stanford, C)
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Size: 7'1", 250 lbs
Age: 21
Nationality: France
Pro Comparison: Alex Len
Maxime Raynaud's highlight tape shows persuasive fluidity handling the ball, creating from the post and shooting jumpers. The lowlights show problems separating or converting after contact and too many off-balance shots caused by physicality.
Regardless, his skill level, footwork and high-level shotmaking from different spots are still different from most 7'1" prospects.
27. Isaiah Evans (Duke, SF)
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Size: 6'6", 175 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: AJ Griffin, Brandon Boston
Scouts have been hoping to see Isaiah Evans receive more consistent minutes. Going back to high school, there is plenty of evidence of high-level shotmaking, and he's shown that when given extended minutes at Duke.
Evans isn't likely to offer much else, but a 6'6" wing and movement shooter should find a role scoring from off the ball.
26. Egor Demin (BYU, PG/SG)
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Size: 6'9", 190 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: Russia
Pro Comparison: Josh Giddey
Certain teams could get more use than others from Egor Demin's ball-handling and playmaking at 6'9". That combo represents his moneymaker—the ability to set up teammates in transition and ball-screen situations.
He has had a tough time creating easy separation aside from when driving open lanes. He's struggled to make outside shots, and he's way too casual on a lot of passes that result in turnovers.
It would be a huge plus if he's able to start knocking down more contested pull-ups and rhythm threes. Otherwise, he should still be able to provide value with his playmaking and pick-and-roll rim pressure.
25. Thomas Sorber (Georgetown, C)
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Size: 6'10", 255 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Onyeka Okongwu
Through 24 games before a season-ending foot injury, Thomas Sorber made an impression with his post skill, passing flashes and disruptive defense.
He gets a lot of production out of his 6'10" size and length around the basket. But what makes him interesting is his ability to facilitate for teammates and potentially hit jumpers.
A lot has to go right for Sorber to become a legitimate shooting threat, but it was encouraging to see him attempt 37 threes.
24. Boogie Fland (Arkansas, PG)
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Size: 6'2", 175 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Kemba Walker, Rob Dillingham
With Boogie Fland out for the season after thumb surgery, the question is whether he showed enough creation, shotmaking and playmaking for NBA teams to look past the concerns tied to his size, athleticism and finishing.
He shot just 36.0 percent on layups with zero dunks attempts, which are alarming numbers. Regardless, his spot-up shooting efficiency, pull-up potency, floater touch and excellent assist-to-turnover ratio should at least have front offices picturing an instant-offense bench spark who can create for teammates.
23. Hugo Gonzalez (Real Madrid, SF)
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Size: 6'7", weight unlisted
Age: 19
Nationality: Spain
Pro Comparison: Jonathan Kuminga
It's been a difficult season for both Hugo Gonzalez and scouts who have to evaluate him in 10.5 minutes per game.
Thankfully there's a lot of tape on the 19-year-old who's been with Real Madrid's youth teams and Spain's FIBA team since 2022. He's made plays that should remind scouts about his athleticism around the basket, defensive motor and shotmaking potential. And prior to the season, he did start to show more signs of improved creativity and shooting off the dribble.
There will just be more guesswork behind Gonzalez's development than most prospects. Depending on who's selecting, he could appear too far away from offering anything reliable offensively to take with a top-20 pick
22. Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph's, PF)
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Size: 6'9", 240 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Taylor Hendricks
Rasheer Fleming's three-point shot hasn't slowed down, a key reason he's more believable as an NBA prospect.
He's the only player in college hoops with over 50 dunks and 50 threes. We've seen forwards struggle if they can't put the ball down and make plays, but the mix of 6'9" size, rim finishing, shooting, 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals is worth thinking about for a stretch-4 role.
21. Noah Penda (Le Mans, SF/PF)
30 of 50
Size: 6'8", 225 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: France
Pro Comparison: Nicolas Batum
The set of boxes Noah Penda checks creates an attractive type of versatility. A 6'8", 225-pound forward who finishes, passes, can hit threes and makes defensive plays at a high rates figures to draw a lot of interest.
Still, while a valuable skill set is in place, each individual skill need to improve, particularly his handle and shooting consistency. Buying Penda means valuing the archetype and betting on his development.
20. Kam Jones (Marquette, PG/SG)
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Size: 6'5", 205 lbs
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Malik Monk
The departure of Tyler Kolek helped unlock Kam Jones' playmaking, a key development for a 6'5" guard that has 300-plus career threes and high-level finishing efficiency every season.
Concerns about age or upside possibilities should become less alarming late outside the 20s. Teams just looking for another ball-handler or additional firepower should start to consider Jones once the younger, flashier names are off the board.
19. Carter Bryant (Arizona, SF)
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Size: 6'8", 220 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Marcus Morris
Carter Bryant has always popped with a 6'8", 220-pound frame, athletic finishing ability, confident shooting and defensive playmaking flashes. There's a strong three-and-D foundation to build off here.
We just haven't seen any creation. He's recorded one driving field goal all season. Bryant has the skill set and tools for a supporting role that calls for shotmaking, cutting and transition play, which could be enough to warrant mid-to-late first-round consideration.
18. Nique Clifford (Colorado State, SF/PF)
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Size: 6'6", 200 lbs
Age: 23
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Cody Martin
Nique Clifford put together one of the more impressive displays of scoring versatility this cycle with 36 points against Boise State. It was a direct reflection of his improved self-creation and expanding shotmaking versatility off the dribble and from the post.
Clifford had come off as a prospect to watch this year based on his ability to play a Swiss Army knife role by finishing plays, passing, defending different spots and making enough open threes. But he's suddenly turned into a top-option skill player who can get a bucket against a set defense.
17. Nolan Traore (Saint Quentin, PG)
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Size: 6'4", 184 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: France
Pro Comparison: Lonzo Ball
There is a professional presence about Nolan Traore, who's outstanding 43.1 assist percentage has earned him regular starts at 18 years old in Pro A.
However, his struggles with touch and finishing have become worrisome, particularly since he's made limited progress with his shooting.
Traore is ultimately too young to print his weaknesses in permanent ink. And despite the percentages he has shown he can make threes when set and floaters when under control. And he has the speed to attack lanes and beat rim protectors to the spot.
16. Liam McNeeley (Connecticut, SF/PF)
35 of 50
Size: 6'7", 210 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Keegan Murray
There should be a clear picture for Liam McNeeley's role and fit at the next level. His spot-up shooting, off-screen scoring and transition finishing should translate first and get the most use.
But he should eventually provide some ball-screen handling with the ability to attack downhill and making passing reads.
The athletic and defensive limitations just make it difficult to envision star-caliber upside, and he'll need to grow his pull-up game to pose more of a threat offensively. A 43.9 two-point percentage is relatively concerning if we're talking about a lottery pick.
15. Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm, PF/C)
36 of 50
Size: 6'9", 198 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: France
Pro Comparisons: Jabari Walker, Precious Achiuwa
Noa Essengue hasn't demonstrated any advanced individual skill. And yet, at 18 years old, he's consistently found ways to score by running the floor, timing his cuts, putting back misses and attacking defenders in space.
The right physical profile and mobility suggest he has promising defensive potential as well.
Without much of a handle, no pull-up game and a 23.0 three-point percentage, it's difficult to predict offensive upside. The safest projection is to picture an off-ball play-finisher and two-way energizer, though at his age, there is obviously room to improve his range.
14. Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm, PG/SG)
37 of 50
Size: 6'5", 201 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: Israel
Pro Comparison: Manu Ginobili
Watching Ben Saraf having the same success with Ulm—attacking, playmaking, shotmaking—as he did with Israel's U19 team over the summer has been reassuring.
The 6'5", 201-pound size, ball-handling, constant change of speed and driving reads should be effective enough for him to continue slicing through defenses at the NBA level.
Possessing clear passing IQ to enhance the creativity should be good for sure-fire playmaking as well.
There are questions about Saraf's three-point range, explosion around the basket and defense, but he's also a 42.7 percent mid-range shotmaker with crafty finishing ability and the competitiveness to force turnovers.
13. Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois, PG/SG)
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Size: 6'6", 200 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: Lithuania
Pro comparison: Chauncey Billups
Without ideal quickness or explosion, Kasparas Jakucionis uses positional size, change of speed, timing, shotmaking and finishing craft. He's a skilled, high-feel guard, capable of both scoring 20 or quarterbacking offense as a setup passer.
I have some doubts about how well or consistently he'll be able to create easy looks for himself. And opposing NBA guards are going to attack his defense.
Offensively, however, Jakucionis has the type of skill versatility and clever improvisation to overcome athletic limitations.
12. Asa Newell (Georgia, PF/C)
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Size: 6'11", 220 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Jalen Smith, Brandon Clarke, Jonathan Isaac
Asa Newell should draw widespread interest, given the appeal to a 6'11" big with shooting potential, defensive switchability and outstanding touch around the key.
He's also established a knack for picking up easy baskets by timing his cuts, sealing off defenders and using every inch of length and ounce of touch around the basket.
But it's really the shooting flashes and defensive versatility that could create a different level of upside for Newell to potentially hit. Becoming a regular three-point threat won't happen overnight, but he clearly has shotmaking skill and range (23 3ptM), which showed in high school as well. And his movement at 6'11" seems more than likely to translate well on defense.
11. Kon Knueppel (Duke, SF)
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Size: 6'6", 217 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Kevin Huerter, Corey Kispert, Saddiq Bey
Watching Kon Knueppel drain quick-release threes, attack closeouts and finish plays in transition in recent weeks makes it easy to picture his fit and value at the next level.
His shotmaking has been easy to buy, based on his balance and accuracy in every shooting situation.
Teams may have a tough time buying a shot-creator, which limits possibilities when it comes to upside. He figures to wind up with a team that's looking to fill a need or hole with shooting, high-IQ play and instant results.
10. Khaman Maluach (Duke, C)
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Size: 7'2", 250 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: South Sudan
Pro Comparison: Mark Williams
Khaman Maluach has played his role and used his physical tools well, racking up 57 dunks and finishing 77.6 percent of his shots around the basket. His 7'2" size, 7'6" wingspan and mobility all point to a sure-fire roll-man, dunker's spot and offensive rebounding weapon.
The pre-Duke flashes of shotmaking didn't carry over, however. It's also odd to see sure underwhelming defensive numbers, including a 5.9 block percentage and 3.4 DBPM.
Still, Maluach possesses scary defensive measurements and movement, and at the least, he should have the tools to continue being an easy-basket target.
9. Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina, PF)
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Size: 6'7", 245 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Julius Randle, Anthony Mason
With outlier strength/quickness and unteachable finishing tools/instincts, Collin Murray-Boyles has become such a tough cover inside the arc that the lack of perimeter shooting isn't a red flag.
Even without a reliable jump shot, he's converted an incredible 24-of-35 attempts out of isolation, mostly facing up defenders, driving past or through them and having the ability to convert with either hand around the basket.
We already knew coming into the year that his physicality, footwork and hands were highly effective from the post. His passing is another big plus, as offense at South Carolina often ran through Murray-Boyles' playmaking. He's demonstrated promising defensive foot speed.
Adding shooting would be a bonus that could unlock a whole new level of upside, but the numbers suggest he's still far away.
8. Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma, PG)
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Size: 6'4", 182 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: American
Pro Comparisons: Jaden Ivey, Scoot Henderson
The immediate draw to Jeremiah Fears stems from his ability to create. He moves differently with the ball, changing speeds, shaking defenders with his dribble and exploding through the lane.
Shooting will obviously be a key swing skill, and his turnover rate has been high. But he has made 43.8 percent of mid-range jumpers and 85.1 percent of his free throws. And some of the forced plays and bad passes can be chalked up to an 18-year-old ball-handler with a high usage and limited surrounding talent.
Fears just reaching league average from three could be huge, assuming he remains threatening shooting off the dribble inside the arc and that speed, burst and shiftiness translate to rim pressure, paint scoring and playmaking.
7. Derik Queen (Maryland, PF/C)
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Size: 6'10", 246 lbs
Age: 20
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparison: Alperen Sengun
Derik Queen's ball-handling, nimble footwork and passing IQ create a path to upside that other traditional, non-shooting, post-up bigs don't have. He's still going to use his one-two punch of strength and soft hands for back-to-the-basket offense and putbacks at the next level.
But he has found other ways to score by initiating fast breaks, attacking closeouts and isolating one-on-one from outside the paint. An admirable portion of his 38 dunks have been self-created.
Queen ultimately seems advanced enough offensively to help offset the defensive limitations. And though his 2-of-24 mark from three can be tough to swallow, the mechanics and confidence he showed stepping into jumpers remains encouraging.
6. Tre Johnson (Texas, SG)
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Size: 6'6", 190 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Tyler Herro
Tre Johnson falls under the "safe" category with 6'6" size and highly advanced shotmaking.
He's never going to be a playmaker, but he has shown he can make the right passing reads and leverage his gravity to set up teammates.
Despite the impressive 20.2 points per game, it's tough to see a top option at the next level who doesn't get to the rim or free-throw line much. But we're nitpicking here with Johnson after the first five picks.
5. Ace Bailey (Rutgers, SF)
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Size: 6'10", 200 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Brandon Miller, Michael Porter Jr., Rashard Lewis
It's easy to see translatability in Ace Bailey's 6'10" size and shotmaking skill/diversity. He doesn't need any fancy moves to create separation with such a high release that requires little from his lower body.
He's impressed me with his floater touch and defensive playmaking as well.
At this stage, he'll likely be used more as an off-ball scorer/shooter, unless he's able to develop more creation or ways to attack through set defenses. An 8.1 assist percentage reflects tunnel vision and limited use of his dribble, while a .243 free-throw rate underscores just how much more confidence he seems to have in his jump shot than his drives. A 49.3 percent mark on layups is considered well below average.
4. Jase Richardson (Michigan State, SG)
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Size: 6'3", 185 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro comparison: Reed Sheppard
A spot-up heavy role masked Jase Richardson's shiftiness off the dribble for a portion of of the season. His handle and creation started to come alive, though, and I ultimately see enough creativity, pull-up shooting, feel/athletic pop around the basket and passing IQ for him to burst through a ceiling that some see as capped due to size and playmaking limitations.
Regardless, he's been ultra-efficient off the ball, converting 50.0 percent of his attempts between 125 combined spot-up and off-screen possessions. He's an excellent shooter off the catch who excels at identifying and capitalizing on open driving lanes.
Richardson was also the top finisher (73.7 percent) among guards in my top 50.
3. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor, SG/SF)
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Size: 6'5", 180 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: Bahamas
Pro comparisons: Andrew Wiggins, Victor Oladipo, Iman Shumpert
The combination of extreme explosiveness, spot-up shooting and floater touch has been behind VJ Edgecombe's 15.0 points per game. Even without a point or combo guard's handle by NBA standards, he was still able to create advantages off the dribble with signature turbo burst and bounce around the paint.
It's very obvious he will be one of the league's premier transition weapons with how he's able to elevate with such speed and force. Meanwhile, a 3.9 steal percentage reflects ultra-quickness and defensive playmaking ability.
Of his 48 threes, 42 have come off the catch. Stiff mechanics made it tough for Edgecombe to connect on pull-ups, though the ability to penetrate, slow down and use touch on runners helped compensate.
Good decision-making and willing ball-moving has led to a 19.9 assist percentage.
Edgecombe's strengths all point to a very safe pick. The biggest questions ask about his scoring upside, based on his handle, limited shooting off the dribble and struggles finishing below the rim through length/physicality.
2. Dylan Harper (Rutgers, PG/SG)
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Size: 6'6", 215 lbs
Age: 19
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Coby White, De'Aaron Fox, Jalen Brunson
At 6'6", 215 pounds, Dylan Harper's ability to create advantages with ball-handling, gear changes, long strides and long extensions is what stands out the most. It's difficult to imagine a world where he's not able to continue penetrating and earning himself buckets at the rim and free-throw attempts at the next level.
Making 63.8 percent of his layups, he's a special finisher using his body, dexterity and instincts.
He possesses plenty of shotmaking skill as well, and though he's better off the catch right now (39.7 percent), the 42 pull-up makes still show enough shooting ability and confidence to remain optimistic about Harper's isolation and three-level scoring potential.
Playmaking clearly comes second, and depending what team he lands on, that might be OK if he's paired with a more natural point guard. Regardless, he's shown enough shiftiness and passing to provide adequate playmaking for a lead guard with top-option scoring capabilities.
1. Cooper Flagg (Duke, PF)
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Size: 6'9", 205 lbs
Age: 18
Nationality: USA
Pro Comparisons: Franz Wagner, Jalen Johnson
Cooper Flagg's open-floor athleticism, passing IQ and defensive court coverage have looked every bit as advertised. His shotmaking may have exceeded expectations, with the 19-year-old up to 43 threes through 31 games, shooting 38.5 percent off the catch and 39.5 percent off the dribble. His 83.0 free-throw percentage and 41.7 percent mark on floaters are just more indicators of touch.
His ball-handling and creation continue to evolve as well, with Flagg having tremendous success attacking ball screens or separating into mid-range jumpers or fallaways.
The nation's leader in box plus-minus, he doubles as an off-ball finisher/energizer and Duke's No. 1 option.
Of all the things Flagg does well, though, figuring out how to get better, adjust and improve is the one that can take him to special heights.
