2025 NBA mock draft: Pre-conference tournament edition

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2025 NBA mock draft: Pre-conference tournament edition

Jeff Zillgitt, Lorenzo Reyes and James H. Williams, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Tue, Mar 11, 2025 ·

17 min read

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Duke men's basketball has had multiple lottery picks in the NBA draft in the past four decades. The Blue Devils have had multiple lottery picks in the same draft, including the Nos. 1, 3 and 10 selections (Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, Cam Reddish) in the 2019 draft and the Nos. 1, 11 and 13 picks (Elton Brand, Trajan Landgon, Corey Maggette) in the 1999 draft.

Duke is on track to have three lottery picks this season – Cooper Flagg is the projected No. 1 pick, Kon Knueppel has moved into the top five with his recent play and Khaman Maluach is a top-10 prospect and is slated to go No. 8 in this edition of USA TODAY Sports' 2025 NBA mock draft.

Duke is loaded, on an eight-game winning streak and ranked No. 1 this week for the first time all season . The Blue Devils head into the ACC tournament as the No. 1 seed and are on track to get a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

With the major college basketball conference tournaments starting this week, let's take a look at players who could be in the NBA as soon as next season. The draft is June 25-26:

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2025 NBA mock draft

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18 years old
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 49.4% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 83% FT

The do-it-all young star leads the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who has added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He is leading Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title. He shot 53.9% from the field in the Blue Devils' eight-game winning streak to end the regular season.

2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.7% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 73.8% FT

The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper's best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers' regular-season finale against Minnesota, he had 22 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 bpg, 45.8% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT

Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense.

4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.8% FG, 35.8% 3PT, 77.9% FT

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes to end the season, including 38 in a loss to No. 3 Houston, a game in which Edgecombe had 23 points, five rebounds, three steals, two assists and one block.

5. Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
2024-25 stats: 13.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 47% FG, 39.9% 3PT, 91.4% FT

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, takes care of the ball and is money on free throws. He shot 33-for-58 (56.9%) from the field, including 14-for-27 on 3s, in his final six regular-season games.

6. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 45.5% FG, 33.1% 3PT, 83.2% FT

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. Illinois beat two ranked teams to finish the Big Ten regular season and though he wasn't at his best offensively – 9-for-24 shooting – he had 11 assists.

7. Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 20.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 43.4% FG, 39.5% 3PT, 88.3% FT

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He has three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. However, he was 0-for-14 from the field in a loss to Oklahoma to end the regular season.

8. Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 68.3% FG, 75% FT

Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. Played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

9. Asa Newell, Georgia

Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54% FG, 29.3% 3PT, 74.8% FT

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, the Bulldogs won four consecutive games before the start of the SEC tournament.

10. Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 spg, 41.9% FG, 27.6% 3PT, 67.1% FT

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. BYU ended its regular season with eight consecutive victories. Demin had 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 26 minutes in an 85-74 victory over Utah in the final regular-season game.

11. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 18
2024-25 stats: 16.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.5 spg, 43.3% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 85.1% FT

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri.

12. Liam McNeeley, UConn

Freshman, forward, 6-7, 210, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.5 apg, 39.5% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 86.4% FT

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He has bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year's Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch of the regular season but helped UConn get back on track with four consecutive victories.

13. Derik Queen, Maryland

Freshman, center, 6-10, 246, 20
2024-25 stats: 15.7 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.0 bpg, 52.6% FG, 75.8% FT

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. He had 17 points and 12 rebounds in a big win over ranked Michigan.

14. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
2024-25 stats:10.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 51.8% FG, 23% 3PT, 70.7% FT

The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.

15. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Sophomore, forward, 6-8, 245, 20
2024-25 stats:16.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.4 bpg, 59.4% FG, 25.9% 3PT, 70% FT

Although he's a bit undersized at 6-foot-8 for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas.

16. Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.4 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.1 spg, 46.5% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 70.3% FT

He's just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.

17. Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 11.8 ppg, 4.6 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 27.8% 3PT, 71.8% FT

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He's quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived last month.

18. Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
2024-25 stats: 3.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 41.1% FG, 27.9% 3PT, 74.4% FT

One of Europe's top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He's still raw.

19. Thomas Sorber, Georgetown

Freshman, forward-center, 6-10, 255, 19
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT

The standout freshman will miss the remainder of the season, requiring surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who's just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame.

20. Jase Richardson, Michigan State

Freshman, guard, 6-3, 185, 19
2024-25 stats: 11.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 52.4% FG, 38.8% 3PT, 85.4% FT

The son of former Michigan State player and two-time NBA dunk champion Jason Richardson, Jase Richardson has improved as the season has progressed and has turned into the Spartans' steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. During a seven-game winning streak to end the regular season, including five victories against ranked opponents, Richardson averaged 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and shot 38-for-74 (51.4%) from the field.

21. Kam Jones, Marquette

Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 48.5% FG, 30.6% 3PT, 64.6% FT

Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn't afraid of contact. He has improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a career 37% shooter from deep in his four-year career. Jones had a huge game in a loss against ranked St. John's on March 8: 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

22. Labaron Philon, Alabama

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 177, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.5 rpg, 1.3 spg, 46.3% FG, 30.8% 3PT, 76.4% FT

Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He's a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals. The Crimson Tide finished the regular season with seven games against ranked opponents, going 3-4, and Philon had 15 points in an overtime victory against top-ranked Auburn on March 8.

23. Boogie Fland, Arkansas

Freshman, guard, 6-2, 175, 18
2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.5 spg, 39.1% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 83.9% FT

Fland is an aggressive defender, can hit mid-range shots, makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots and attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass. Fland sustained a a thumb injury Jan. 11 and hasn't played since Jan. 18. He had season-ending surgery on Jan. 22.

24. Carter Bryant, Arizona

Freshman, forward, 6-8, 225, 19
2024-25 stats:6.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.0 bpg, 47.9% FG, 34.9% 3PT, 69.2% FT

The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft.

25. Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League)

Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18
2024-25 stats:4.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 59.9% FG, 58.5% FT

Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn't have a lot of experience but his potential – especially as a rim protector – has made him a first-round prospect.

26. Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)

Forward, 6-8, 225, 20
2024-25 stats:10.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.0 bpg, 44.4% FG, 30.9% 3PT, 72.5% FT

A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets.

27. Danny Wolf, Michigan

Junior, forward-center, 7-0, 250, 21
2024-25 stats:12.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 60% FT

The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf has played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he's played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA.

28. Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's

Junior, forward, 6-9, 240, 20
2024-25 stats: 15.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 1.5 spg, 1.4 apg, 56% FG, 41.8% 3PT, 72.5% FT

Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests.

29. Johni Broome, Auburn

Senior, forward-center, 6-10, 240, 22
2024-25 stats:18.6 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.4 bpg, 50.6% FG, 29.7% 3PT, 61.6% FT

A powerful and physical forward, Broome is a double-double machine in points and rebounds but also has a penchant for assists – 31 points, 14 rebounds against Georgia; 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against Alabama; 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, three blocks against Ohio State. He is in the running for college player of the year, and even though Auburn lost to Alabama on March 8, Broome scored 34 points, grabbed eight rebounds, blocked five shots and generated three steals.

30. Alex Karaban, UConn

Junior, forward, 6-8, 225, 22
2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 bpg, 44% FG, 35.3% 3PT, 83.1% FT

After initially declaring for the 2024 draft, Karaban withdrew and opted to return to UConn. In the NBA, Karaban figures to be more of a complimentary player, with a knack for finding open gaps in a defense. His ability to catch and shoot should translate instantly. He shot the ball well at the end of the regular season, going 27-for-56 from the field and 12-for-26 on 3s in five games before the Big East Conference tournament.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NBA mock draft: Who needs a breakthrough March?

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