The men’s collegiate basketball regular season is drawing to a close. Conference tournaments are quickly followed by the NCAA Tournament.
While the Big Dance crowns a winner, NBA executives and scouts are monitoring games across the country to determine who they might pick in the June draft.
Cooper Flagg of Duke is the clear top pick, but he is in a close race with Auburn’s Johni Broome for Player of the Year. Broome’s success this season has positioned him as a potential first-round pick.
Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey stay close behind Flagg in mock selections, but Texas’ Tre Johnson’s scoring surge has elevated him to the top of the list of potential lottery picks. Scouts have also taken note of Michigan State’s Jase Richardson’s poise and shot-making ability.
Here is the latest USA TODAY Sports 2025 NBA mock draft (statistics through Sunday’s games and age listed is age at time of June draft):
2025 NBA mock draft
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
- Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18 years old
- 2024-25 stats: 19.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.1 bpg, 49.2% FG, 37.5% 3PT, 82.8% 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 and is leading Duke to an impressive season.
2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers
- Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 19.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.9% FG, 34.1% 3PT, 74.3% 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.
3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers
- Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 18
- 2024-25 stats: 18.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.2 bpg, 1.0 spg, 46.5% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 68.9% 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.
4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
- Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 35.5% 3PT, 77.3% 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.
5. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
- Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 46% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 83.6% 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.
6. Kon Knueppel, Duke
- Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 13.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 45.9% FG, 39.3% 3PT, 90.8% 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.
7. Tre Johnson, Texas
- Freshman, guard, 6-6, 190, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 20.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.6 apg, 44.6% FG, 39% 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 six weeks, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26.
8. Khaman Maluach, Duke
- Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
- 2024-25 stats: 8.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 71.1% 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: 15.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 55% FG, 30.3% 3PT, 74.5% 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.
10. Egor Demin, BYU
- Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 10.7 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.1 spg, 42% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 65.3% 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.
11. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
- Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 18
- 2024-25 stats: 15.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.6 spg, 43.5% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 83.7% 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.
