There are many impressive point guard prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft and that extends to the shooting guards of the class. With the college season in full swing, here are the top shooting guard prospects to watch for in the 2025 NBA Draft.
2025 NBA Draft: Top Shooting Guard Prospects To Watch For
VJ Edgecombe
Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe is one of the most athletically gifted guards in the draft and could be a potential top-five pick. In his high school tape and during his time with the Bahamian national team, Edgecombe has shown elite athleticism that allows him to fly up and down the court, making highlight plays. He can easily cut through the defense with his speed when attacking the basket. Not only does Edgecombe possess a great first step, but he is also adept at changing speeds to throw off defenders.
As a scorer, he has the potential to be an elite three-level scorer. He has a great touch around the rim and can finish through contact. Highlight dunks are always in play for Edgecombe, as he has excellent bounce and great hangtime in the air. Furthermore, his touch in the mid-range cannot be underestimated as he can easily score using his pull-up or a floater in the lane. Additionally, he can knock down threes, though his shooting beyond the arc needs more improvement. Another area for improvement, but one where Edgecombe has shown promise, is his playmaking. Specifically, he flashed his upside as a playmaker with the Bahamian national team.
On top of his talents as a scorer, Edgecombe plays defense with effort and intensity. He fully utilizes his athleticism to be a disruptive force along the perimeter. He has quick hands that he uses to force turnovers, allowing him to create transition opportunities. Additionally, Edgecombe can get an occasional weakside block due to his bounce. It should also be noted that Edgecombe is an adept rebounder on both sides of the floor for his size. It has been a slow start to the season for Edgecombe, however, it would be no great surprise for him to turn it around.
Tre Johnson
Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson has had one of the most impressive starts to this college season. His abilities as a scorer put him among the top prospects in this year’s draft, and they have manifested early in the season. Johnson can easily score on all three levels. Furthermore, shot-making is the name of the game for him, as he can take and make tough shots. He has a smooth mid-range jump shot in his arsenal that he can knock down, even when contested. Not only that, but he can take smaller players into the post and hit fadeaways over them. Aside from mid-range scoring, Johnson is adept at finishing at the rim and shooting from beyond the arc. He can create space using his dribbling and he isn’t afraid of taking contact when finishing. As a shooter, Johnson can hit threes in various ways, including pull-ups and catch-and-shoots.
Defensively, he has the tools to be a positive on that end. He loves getting steals in order to get into transition. His passing still needs improvement, but he has flashed upside in that regard. Nevertheless, Johnson has impressed many with his scoring. If this keeps up and other areas in his game improve, the top five isn’t out of the question for him.
Hugo Gonzalez Pena
Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez Pena is one of the more focused on international prospects in the draft this year. As a player, Gonzalez stands out due to his size at six-foot-six and athleticism. Not only that, but Gonzalez possesses a high basketball IQ and a good feel for the game. He plays with energy and effort on both sides of the ball. He has a good mind for cutting to the basket for the flush.
Additionally, he is a strong slasher in his own right who can finish through contact. He has a good handle and has good court vision. He knows how to be a playmaker and get the ball to the right person. Gonzalez isn’t the best shooter, but he has a nice form and good free throw numbers, so there is hope for improvement.
As a defender, Gonzalez constantly makes winning plays. He is always looking to chase after boards or get steals. Gonzalez has shown great awareness and feel when disrupting passing lanes, and he has shown great upside as a shot blocker. It should also be noted that Gonzalez is willing to lay his body on the line and take charges. If Gonzalez can improve his shooting and pair it will his winning skill set, he would be an extremely valuable role player in the league.
Drake Powell
UNC guard Drake Powell is one of the better defensive prospects in the draft this year. He has good size at six-foot-six and athleticism that he uses to contain opponents. Furthermore, Powell is quick, has a good basketball IQ, and plays with energy. Given his size, Powell has the upside of becoming a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. However, the most stand-out feature of his defense is his motor as he is always engaged on that end of the floor. Powell is raw on the offensive end but does have upside in certain areas. He is a smart cutter and can play above the rim. The most important area that Powell must work on is his shooting. If he can improve there, he will fly up draft boards.
Ben Saraf
Israeli combo guard Ben Saraf plays the game with craft and feel that could push high in the lottery. Saraf loves getting to the rim using his crafty dribble moves and changing his speed to throw off defenders. He can score on all three levels and has good touch in the paint. His jumper does need some work, but he has shown potential in that area. Saraf loves getting his teammates involved, and he can make some impressive passes.
Defensively, Saraf uses his high basketball IQ to read passing lanes and force turnovers. He loves disrupting passes to get out in transition. Additionally, Saraf does have the versatility to guard multiple positions, despite not being the best athlete. If he can iron out his jumper, there will be no doubt that he will go high in the draft.
Honorable Mentions: Hunter Sallis, Jalil Bethea, Dink Pate, Ian Jackson
