While freshmen prospects like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper get all the media attention, the upperclassmen in this year’s draft also deserve recognition. They have shown they can be incredibly productive and more experienced than their fellow prospects. More importantly, they each have shown skills conducive to being an impactful player in the league. Given their talents and abilities, these upperclassmen each have a strong case for first-round consideration in the 2025 NBA Draft. Let’s discuss the top upperclassmen prospects in college basketball who are likely to be in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
2025 NBA Draft: Top Upperclassmen Prospects To Watch For
Johni Broome
Auburn big man Johni Broome has been flat-out one of the best players in college basketball. His incredibly productive season has Broome’s name in conversations for the National Player of the Year award. As a player, the fifth-year senior has demonstrated himself to be an extremely versatile big who plays hard on both ends of the floor. Offensively, the six-foot-ten Broome knows how to utilize his size and strength to overwhelm defenders in the post. Additionally, he has excellent basketball IQ, which he shows through his cutting and rebounding abilities. Furthermore, Broome has shown some passing skill and shooting potential.
Defensively, Broome has certainly been impactful when protecting the rim. Undoubtedly, Broome uses his length to bother or block shots at the rim. Broome’s size and strength also help when defending against taller players in the paint. Overall, Broome has shown himself to be an incredibly smart and talented player on both ends. Despite being an older player, Broome will draw interest from numerous teams.
Nique Clifford
Colorado State wing Nique Clifford has had an impressively productive season and has been one of the better wing prospects in the draft. Specifically, Clifford has shown talent on both ends of the floor along with amazing athleticism. His athleticism is apparent on both offense and defense. Offensively, his athleticism allows Clifford to be a devastating force in transition and when attacking the rim. Additionally, Clifford has shown some ability as a shooter, though he must continue to improve from distance. Clifford has a nose for getting rebounds and he can leap high for them. Defensively, Clifford provides hard-nosed defense against anyone he’s assigned to. He has the versatility to guard across multiple positions. The six-foot-six wing will be on the minds of teams who need a high-level wing.
Kam Jones
Marquette guard Kam Jones has come into his own as the primary offensive option for his team. The offensive end is where Jones operates the best at. He can score the ball on all three levels. In particular, Jones can consistently get to the rim and finish. He has an excellent touch around the basket. As a shooter, Jones can knock down shots in the mid-range and from three. He can be a bit streaky from beyond the arc, but he is not someone the defense can ignore. As the main ball-handler, Jones can operate in the pick-and-roll and generally set his teammates up for easy shots. He isn’t much of a defender, but his offensive capabilities will give him consideration for the first round.
Rasheer Fleming
One of the best upperclassmen forwards this season has been Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming. Fleming has impressed this season due to his combination of shooting, rebounding, defensive potential, and athleticism. Fleming knows how to use his powerful frame to body opponents on both ends of the court. He has great touch around the rim and has developed into a threat from beyond the arc. Additionally, Fleming knows exactly when to cut or roll to the rim. On the defensive end, Fleming has the versatility to guard multiple positions. He knows how to use his length to bother or block shots at the basket. Furthermore, he also uses his length to pick off passing lanes. Above all, Fleming plays the game with relentless motor and energy. Despite being an upperclassman, Fleming has been an amazing player this season and has risen up NBA draft boards for a reason.
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