2025 NBA Draft Big Board: Cooper Flagg at the Top as Season Nears

NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock unveils his first 2025 NBA Draft Big Board, highlighting prospects poised to shape this year's draft class.

With the 2024-2025 season just around the corner, the buzz surrounding the projected 2025 NBA Draft class is already building. This year's group features a diverse mix of young talent poised to make an imminent mark in college basketball and the international stage. Duke's incoming freshman, Cooper Flagg, leads that group and has captured national attention despite having yet to play in a single college game. Right behind him are other freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, both heading to Rutgers, along with VJ Edgecombe at Baylor, rounding out what looks to be a strong group of prospects possessing star potential.

Across the water, France's Nolan Traore and Spain's Hugo Gonzalez are making waves, catching the eye of scouts worldwide. With the NBA's continual shift toward a more positionless, spread-out, and fast-paced style of play, this draft class is packed with versatile players capable of providing a wide array of skills. 

It's that time of year again, folks: NBA hopefuls are hungry to prove themselves and secure their spots in the 2025 NBA Draft. And I'm excited to kick off this year's scouting initiatives to assess how each prospect fits into the ultra-competitive professional basketball ecosystem.

As a starting point for this year's scouting journey, here's the first version of my 2025 NBA Draft Big Board:

Top 10

1. Cooper Flagg – F, Duke: 

The top prospect, Flagg possesses elite athleticism and a versatile two-way game, making him the favorite to become the No. 1 pick. Cameron Crazies are in for a treat.

2. Ace Bailey – F, Rutgers:

A dynamic athlete, standing 6-foot-10, Bailey possesses raw talent and versatility and has the potential to develop into a star player resembling Paul George.

3. Dylan Harper – G, Rutgers: 

Harper is a smart combo guard known for his high basketball IQ and playmaking ability. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his father is former NBA player Ron Harper.

4. VJ Edgecombe – G, Baylor: 

The Bahamian guard is seemingly poised to become Baylor’s next one-and-done prospect. His explosive scoring and exceptional athleticism highlight his star potential.

5. Nolan Traore – G, Saint Quentin: 

Traore is a tough, quick, and dynamic on-ball creator who keeps opposing defenses on their heels, making him arguably the top prospect playing overseas this season.

6. Tre Johnson – G/F, Texas: 

A big two-guard, Johnson excels in scoring at all levels, with smooth shooting and an alpha mentality that mark him as a standout prospect. Everything’s bigger in Texas? Yes.

7. Asa Newell – F/C, Georgia: 

Newell's fluidity, explosiveness, and potential to stretch the floor make him a strong candidate for success as a modern NBA big man with a high ceiling.

8. Hugo Gonzalez – G/F, Real Madrid: 

This versatile guard combines size, versatility, and feel for the game with a well-rounded skill set, making him one of the premier international prospects this season.

9. Khaman Maluach – C, Duke: 

Maluach’s impressive size, at 7-foot-2, and shot-blocking ability are complemented by a developing offensive game, including the potential to shoot from outside.

10. Egor Demin – G/F, BYU: 

The smooth, athletic creator from Russia combines size and guard skills, establishing himself as a top prospect with primary creator potential at 6-foot-9.

11-20

11. Drake Powell – G/F, North Carolina: 

Powell is a competitive, high-motor wing who thrives on defense, is effective as a slasher, and finishes well in transition. He has the tools to make an impact on both ends.

12. Jalil Bethea – G, Miami: 

Bethea is a dynamic shot-maker with a wiry build and notable athleticism. He still has room to mature and improve his shot selection as he develops, but his upside is high.

13. Liam McNeeley – F, UConn: 

McNeeley is one of this year’s top shooters. His high basketball IQ and toughness elevate his stock, and his winning mentality should fit seamlessly at UConn.

14. Boogie Fland – G, Arkansas: 

A quick and dynamic guard, Boogie Fland shines with his creation, shooting, and scoring abilities. He thrives on and off the ball.

15. Donnie Freeman – F, Syracuse: 

Freeman is a versatile forward with athleticism and a balanced but developing skill set, providing a strong foundation for a promising future.

16. Carter Bryant – F, Arizona: 

Bryant blends power-forward physical tools with guard-like skills, making him an intriguing prospect with significant upside. 

17. Isaiah Evans – G/F, Duke: 

With a lean frame and impressive scoring ability, Evans draws comparisons to Brandon Ingram, making his emotional play and talent worth monitoring closely.

18. Ian Jackson – G, North Carolina: 

Jackson’s dynamic, attacking style and effectiveness in transition make him an exciting prospect. Improving his shooting and overall guard skills could elevate his game further.

19. Noa Essengue – F, Ratiopharm Ulm: 

This high-motor forward combines athleticism with defensive versatility and his steadily improving offensive game hints at significant potential.

20. Kasparas Jakucionis – G, Illinois: 

At 6-foot-6, Jakucionis, a guard from Lithuania, is a skilled playmaker with excellent vision. I’m excited to see what he brings in a Fighting Illini uniform.

21-30

21. Karter Knox – F, Arkansas: 

Knox is an explosive wing who effectively utilizes his sturdy frame to finish at the rim. He is also an effective outside shooter, which highlights his scoring promise.

22. Kon Knueppel – G/F, Duke: 

Despite some limitations, this sharpshooter excels in catch-and-shoot situations, bringing a high basketball IQ and a strong feel for the game.

23. Rocco Zikarsky – C, Brisbane Bullets: 

Standing 7-foot-2, Zikarsky’s shot-blocking, rebounding, and finishing abilities make him an intriguing prospect and the likely next Aussie to be selected.

24. Will Riley – F, Illinois: 

Riley is a versatile forward with positional size and capable of scoring and facilitating in various ways, presenting a multifaceted offensive threat.

25. Derrion Reid – F, Alabama: 

Reid is an athletic forward who guards multiple positions and scores efficiently around the rim. His offensive skills are improving, but he contributes to winning most importantly.

26. Michael Ruzic – F/C, Joventut Badalona: 

Ruzic is a versatile big man capable of stretching the floor, with a strong basketball IQ and fluid offensive game making him an intriguing prospect.

27. Aaron Bradshaw – C, Ohio State: 

An athletic and mobile 7-footer, Bradshaw offers plenty of upside. After an underwhelming freshman year at Kentucky, he has an opportunity for a fresh start at Ohio State.

28. Hunter Sallis – G, Wake Forest: 

After struggling at Gonzaga, Sallis excelled at Wake Forest last season, showcasing athleticism, scoring, and versatility. I’m looking for him to build on that momentum.

29. Collin Murray-Boyles – F, South Carolina: 

A strong, physical forward, Murray-Boyles excels in low post scoring and rebounding, though his translation to the modern NBA raises questions.

30. Dink Pate – G/F, Mexico City Capitanes: 

Pate, a 6'8" on-ball creator with a versatile skillset, aims to further develop with the Mexico City Capitanes after playing for the G League Ignite last season.

31-40

31. Joson Sanon – G, Arizona State

32. Jaland Lowe – G, Pittsburgh

33. Kwame Evans Jr. – F, Oregon

34. KJ Lewis – G/F, Arizona

35. DJ Wagner – G, Arkansas

36. Johni Broome – F/C, Auburn

37. Adou Thiero – F, Arkansas

38. JT Toppin – F, Texas Tech

39. Alex Karaban – F, UConn

40. Izan Almansa – F/C, Perth Wildcats

41-58

41. Baye Ndongo – F/C, Georgia Tech

42. Kylan Boswell – G, Illinois

43. Tyrese Proctor – G, Duke

44. Milan Momcilovic – F, Iowa State

45. Zvonimir Ivisic – C, Arkansas

46. Ryan Kalkbrenner – C, Creighton

47. Jamir Watkins – G/F, Florida State

48. Jarin Stevenson – F/C, Alabama

49. Kam Jones – G/F, Marquette

50. Coleman Hawkins – F/C, Kansas State

51. Baba Miller – F, Florida Atlantic

52. Caleb Love – G, Arizona

53. Darrion Williams – F, Texas Tech

54. Payton Sandfort – F, Iowa

55. AJ Storr – G/F, Kansas

56. Michael Ajayi – F, Gonzaga

57. Alex Toohey – G/F, Sydney Kings

58. Nique Clifford – G/F, Colorado State