Three Duke players in the top 10? Where does the Rutgers duo land? And a Baylor guard moving up? Let's project all 30 picks for the 2025 first round.
Trout vs. Harper in October? No Astros title in 2017? What if every World Series was between No. 1 seeds?Where does Rutgers' Ace Bailey, Baylor's VJ Edgecombe and Duke's Cooper Flagg land in ESPN's first mock draft since June? season is underway and many of the top prospects are showcasing their skills and utilizing their platforms to state their cases ahead of the
We'll get a better read on the evolution of Flagg's ballhandling and perimeter shooting as Duke's schedule gets tougher in the coming weeks, including matchups against four Final Four contenders, but there hasn't been much to nitpick early.NBA's worst point differential NBA teams will want to garner a better understanding of Harper's projection as a lead guard, his scoring in the paint and what caliber of shooter he is. He has a major platform to answer those questions at Rutgers.The Trail Blazers have been up and down early and will likely be picking in the top 10 again competing in the loaded Western Conference.
Knueppel's ability to shoot off screens, pull up off the dribble and spot up from deep vantage points with picture-perfect footwork and mechanics should keep him prominent in draft conversations, especially with the way he has contributed in other areas as well with his physicality, feel for the game and better-than-expected shot creation and defense.
Demin has the NBA's full attention and will be closely scrutinized once BYU's season starts in earnest in late November and in early December with matchups against Ole Miss, Providence and others. Then we'll learn more about his defense, toughness and ability to generate efficient offense against high-major opponents., leaving a thin margin for error as far as their hopes of making the playoffs goes.
McNeeley's defense and lack of length might not be a selling point, but he'll be pushed to make strides. He has the makings of a quality role player, and he looks like he should settle in at the college level, which could fast-track his draft prospects. Powell isn't a dynamic shot creator or consistent perimeter shooter, and his ability to space the floor will be paramount in the long run. We'll see what type of season he puts together on one of college basketball's top teams and whether he can propel himself into the lottery.
The Rockets would surely be disappointed to miss the playoffs, but with only eight Western Conference teams able to qualify, there will be clubs on the outside looking in when the play-in tournament dust settles. Jakucionis has a terrific all-around skill set, gifted as both a scorer and passer with an advanced feel for the game in all facets and good size for a lead guard. The pieces are in place for him to work his way higher than this on draft boards, with league evaluators often placing a premium on playmakers in his mold.Essengue, 17, will be the second-youngest player projected to be drafted in 2025.
There will be concerns from league evaluators about his long-term defensive projection, but he has enough size to compensate provided he makes enough shots. ConsideringMiami will be conveying this pick to Oklahoma City if the Heat make the playoffs, adding to their incredible stockpile of assets., notching 26 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.
One of the youngest prospects in this draft at 18 years old, Ruzic's combination of perimeter shooting, feel for the game and defensive instincts are notable considering how well he played in the ACB and EuroCup last year. Every NBA team is looking for bigs who can stretch the floor, pass and hold their own defensively, and if Ruzic can get back on the floor, he'll remind teams of his talent.
Queen has an intriguing skill level and coordination that will have to compensate for his below-average frame and explosiveness in the long run, and he'll need to develop consistent 3-point shooting. How he fares this season, particularly against physical Big Ten competition, will dictate how eager teams are to take a first-round chance on him.
Freeman is still a ways from contributing at the NBA level, but has the type of length and size at forward that will pique interest from scouts. He has nice upside defensively and should make an impact on that end in college. The Huskies are pushing him to further expand his game this season -- after sending four players to the NBA, they will need to source offense creatively -- and whatever new elements Karaban can flash from a skill perspective will further enhance his prospects. Regardless, the simple and effective pitch stems from his reliability, intangibles and winning history, making him a good fit almost anywhere.
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