The 2025 NBA draft class has been hyped up as one of the better draft classes in recent times. Particularly at the top, many teams look to be at the top of the draft in hopes of drafting the very best of this class. With many talented prospects in this draft cycle, let’s dig into the first big board of the 2025 NBA Draft. Ages listed are as of June 25, 2025, the day of the draft.
2025 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0
1) Cooper Flagg, Duke, 18 years old, SF/PF
Standing at six-foot-nine, Cooper Flagg is undoubtedly the crown jewel of this year’s draft. Flagg has had a phenomenal season at Duke so far and has demonstrated continued improvement as the season has gone on. The Duke forward has an incredibly versatile skill set that makes him an excellent two-way player. He is already an elite defensive player and possesses great athleticism. As long as he continues to improve offensively, he can be one of the top two-way players in the league. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Flagg is the top dog of this class and is likely to go first in the draft.
2) Dylan Harper, Rutgers, 19 years old, PG/SG
Dylan Harper, the son of former NBA champion Ron Harper, is one of the best guard prospects in this draft cycle. Harper has certainly had an impressive rookie season despite Rutgers having a poor season overall. Standing at six-foot-six, Harper possesses solid athleticism and a strong frame. Additionally, Harper has a crafty handle and great court vision. Offensively, Harper can generate many good looks for himself and his teammates. He has great touch around the rim and can knock down shots in the mid-range. Defensively, Harper has shown himself to be a versatile defender. Unquestionably, the Rutgers guard has shown that he can be a high-level initiator with star potential.
3) Ace Bailey, Rutgers, 18 years old, SF
Harper’s partner-in-crime at Rutgers is the six-foot-ten Ace Bailey. Bailey is a flat-out scorer who can really put the ball in the basket. Bailey is capable of scoring on all three levels. Particularly, he loves taking and making tough shots in the mid-range. Additionally, Bailey is a good athlete who can shoot over his opponents. While Bailey can struggle defensively and isn’t much of a passer, it’s hard to deny the scoring talent.
4) VJ Edgecombe, Baylor, 19 years old, SG
Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe is an extremely athletic guard who stands at six-foot-five. He channels his athleticism on both ends of the floor. Undoubtedly, Edgecombe is an explosive force when getting to the basket. While his jumper isn’t the most consistent, Edgecombe has improved throughout the season. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Furthermore, Edgecombe has the skill to lock down any perimeter player. Edgecombe has the potential to be an excellent two-way player for any team that drafts him.
5) Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois, 19 years old, PG/SG
Kasparas Jakucionis is a six-foot-six guard who plays for Illinois and possesses great upside. Jakucionis has shown himself to be an amazing shot-creator for himself and others. He has a crafty handle that he uses to break down defenses. Jakucionis can effectively score on all three levels. Additionally, Jakucionis has excellent passing vision and skill, making him a great playmaker. Overall, Jakucionis is a smart and skilled basketball player who can generate offense.
6) Khaman Maluach, Duke, 18 years old, C
Khaman Maluach is another player from Duke on this board. Standing at seven-foot-two, Maluach is one of the most athletic centers in the draft this year. While still very raw as a prospect, Maluach has shown amazing potential as a defensive big and rim finisher. He has been an effective shot-blocker for Duke and he projects to be a defensive anchor at the next level. Malauch’s overall game has gotten better as the season has gone on. He has all the potential in the world to be a truly impactful center in the future.
7) Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina, 20 years old, PF
Collin Murray-Boyles, the six-foot-seven forward playing for South Carolina, has had an extremely productive season so far. While he had some draft hype last year, his draft stock skyrocketed in his sophomore season. He has risen on big boards for the 2025 NBA Draft due to his incredible two-way play and athleticism. Murray-Boyles is an excellent finisher at the rim and loves to grab offensive rebounds. Additionally, he has shown playmaking skills, making him a greater threat offensively. Defensively, Murray-Boyles can lock down opposing forwards and guard multiple positions. His polished skills on both ends will draw interest from lottery teams.
8) Liam McNeeley, UConn, 19 years old, SF
UConn forward Liam McNeeley is a six-foot-seven wing who has impressed with his 3-and-D skill set. McNeeley is capable of scoring on all three levels. Specifically from three, McNeeley can shoot the ball in various ways including catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble. Also, McNeeley has shown that he can move the ball to the right person and attack closeouts. On the defensive end, McNeeley has potential as a versatile wing defender, though he still has room to improve. Nevertheless, McNeeley will have suitors due to his skill set.
9) Kon Knueppel, Duke, 19 years old, SF
Kon Knueppel is the third Duke player on this board, and he has been impressive this season. While not an extremely athletic player, the six-foot-seven Knueppel has found ways to be an impactful player on both ends. He can score on all three levels and handle the ball to a degree. Knueppel is a big threat from beyond the arc and has range on his shot. Additionally, Knueppel has solid passing vision and can move the ball. Defensively, Knueppel has a solid frame that he uses to guard against bigger players. His versatile skill set lands him at ninth on this board.
10) Tre Johnson, Texas, 19 years old, SG
Texas guard Tre Johnson ends up tenth on this 2025 NBA Draft Big Board due to his scoring abilities. Scoring is the name of the game for Johnson and is what he hangs his hat on. He can efficiently score on all three levels and is an extremely dangerous threat on the perimeter. Johnson is an elite shooter who can knock down threes in various ways. To be fair, Johnson is not much of a defender or playmaker but he has shown flashes of potential in those areas. Regardless, his scoring talent alone makes him a top-ten player on this board.
11) Asa Newell, Georgia, 19 years old, PF/C
Asa Newell is a six-foot-eleven forward who plays for Georgia. Newell has had a productive season with the Bulldogs and has demonstrated his abilities there. He possesses good size and athleticism, which he utilizes well on the defensive end. He can guard multiple positions and serves as a rim protector. Newell uses his length well, blocking shots or bothering passes. Offensively, Newell has a good touch around the rim and the potential to be a shooter. However, Newell is still raw on the offensive end.
12) Jase Richardson, Michigan State, 19 years old, PG/SG
Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson, has dramatically risen up draft boards as the season has progressed. Despite a lack of playing time for much of the season, Richardson has been an excellent player almost every time he stepped out on the court. He is capable of efficiently scoring on all three levels and has passing chops. Richardson is a solid defender who can keep up defensively along the perimeter. Given his talent, it’s hard to place him outside of the top echelon of players in this draft.
13) Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm, 19 years old, PG/SG
Ben Saraf is a six-foot-five guard playing for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. Saraf is a guard who excels at scoring the ball using his craftiness when getting to the rim. He operates well in the pick-and-roll, where he has the court vision and passing talent to find open teammates. Saraf can also knock down shots in the mid-range. He must get better as a three-point shooter and defender, but his other skills are extremely impressive.
14) Derik Queen, Maryland, 20 years old, PF/C
Maryland big Derik Queen stands at six-foot-ten and has shown himself to be an exciting offensive option in the paint. He has a great touch around the rim and can dominate matchups in the post. Additionally, Queen can knock down shots in the mid-range and has some potential to extend his range beyond the arc. Another component of his offensive game is his passing abilities. He has great passing vision and can read defenses. He leverages his scoring ability to manipulate defenses and create open shots. Queen struggles on the defensive end, but his offensive talent is hard to ignore.
15) Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s, 20 years old, PF/SF
Standing at six-foot-nine, Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming has been one of the best upperclassmen this season. He possesses great size and athleticism at the forward position. Fleming can score well in the paint and has developed into a deadly three-point shooter. He is a strong rebounder on both ends of the floor. On defense, Fleming has shown that he can serve as a shot-blocker. He can also defend across multiple positions. Given his talent on both ends and his athleticism, he will go high in the draft.
16) Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin, 19 years old, PG
Nolan Traore is a six-foot-four guard playing for Saint-Quentin in France. Traore has the potential to be a starting point guard at the next level. He excels at going downhill towards the basket using his speed. Additionally, Traore has great playmaking abilities, using his court vision and passing talent to find open teammates. While his hype has cooled down since the preseason, Traore is still a fantastic talent who can be an impactful player in the future.
17) Noah Penda, Le Mans Sarthe, 20 years old, SF/PF
Standing at six-foot-six, Noah Penda is another French player on this board. Penda is an athletic forward who can be a versatile defender and decent shooter. Penda can guard across multiple positions and has the strength to handle bigger players. He has excellent basketball IQ, and it shows defensively. On the offensive end, Penda has shown the potential to shoot threes, which is important for raising his ceiling.
18) Thomas Sorber, Georgetown, 19 years old, PF/C
Thomas Sorber is a six-foot-ten big playing for the Georgetown Hoyas this season. Sorber is an athletic big who can be a force on both ends of the floor. Sorber knows how to use his length to bother or block shots at the rim. Furthermore, he has active hands and uses them to pick off balls. Sorber can move his feet well and occasionally switch out on the perimeter. Offensively, Sorber finishes well at the basket and has the potential to shoot the ball. However, his biggest draw is his passing ability. Sorber is excellent at making quick reads and zipping passes to the right person. If he can get the shooting down, the sky is the limit for Sorber.
19) Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm, 18 years old, SF/PF
Standing at six-foot-ten, Ulm wing Noa Essengue lands 19th on this 2025 NBA Draft big board. The biggest draw for Essengue is his athleticism and defensive potential. Essengue has great size, length, and mobility on the wing. He has shown flashes of being a versatile wing defender who can switch out on the perimeter. His offense is still a work-in-progress but he has high upside as a player.
20) Johni Broome, Auburn, 22 years old, PF/C
Johni Broome is a six-foot-ten big playing for Auburn and he has been one of the best players in college basketball this season. Broome plays a versatile style of basketball, where he is impactful on both ends. He is capable of scoring at all three levels, though he does most of his work in the post. Broome also has good passing vision and can move the ball. Defensively, Broome has been a great rim protector and rebounder. He is great at utilizing his length to block shots. Broome will be one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft.
21) Nique Clifford, Colorado State, 23 years old, SG/SF
Another upperclassman goes in the top-30 of this big board is Nique Clifford who lands at #21. Clifford is an extremely athletic two-way wing who can play both on and off the ball. He can score on all three levels, though he can still improve as a shooter. Due to his athleticism, Clifford is a big threat in transition or going downhill in the half-court. Additionally, Clifford is a capable passer as well. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions and provide hard-nosed defense. If he can improve further as a shooter, he will be an elite role player in the future.
22) Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid, 19 years old, SF
Hugo Gonzalez is a six-foot-seven wing playing for Real Madrid that has the potential to be an impactful 3-and-D wing. Despite a lack of playing time for most of his season, Gonzalez has shown great flashes in the time that he does play. Gonzalez has the size and athleticism to guard positions one through three. He is a force in transition and can handle the ball as well. He is still developing as a three-point shooter and it’s necessary for him to be a good shooter at the next level.
23) Miles Byrd, San Diego State, 22 years old, SG/SF
San Diego State wing Miles Byrd has impressed this season with his ability to play defense at a high level and shoot the ball. He has solid size and athleticism to play the wing. Not only that, but he also possesses great basketball IQ. Using those attributes, Byrd has become a top-tier defensive wing. He is great at racking up steals and blocks as well as being an elite defender. His shooting is inconsistent, but he has the potential to be a good shooter in the future.
24) Kam Jones, Marquette, 23 years old, SG/SF
Kam Jones is another upperclassman in the top 30 of this big board. Offense is his calling card as a prospect and he’s shown this season that he can play both on and off the ball. He loves getting in the paint, and he finishes well there. Jones can score on all three levels and generate shots for himself. Not just that, as he can play in an off-ball role as well. He has developed into a capable ball-handler and playmaker, though there is still room for improvement.
25) Carter Bryant, Arizona, 19 years old, SF
Despite not getting minutes early in the season, Carter Bryant has really shown out in conference play recently. Standing at six-foot-eight, Bryant has shown himself to be an excellent wing defender who can clamp down perimeter players. Additionally, Bryant has been a solid shooter and passer. If he can replicate that in the NBA and continue to improve, Bryant can truly be an impactful player in the league.
26) Egor Demin, BYU, 19 years old, PG/SF
Egor Demin is a six-foot-nine guard playing for BYU this season. While much of his hype early in the college season has faded, there are aspects to his game that are impressive. In particular, Demin has excellent passing skills and vision. He is great at swinging the ball to open teammates and finding gaps in the defense to make passes. He also has size and interesting physical tools to work with. However, Demin must work on the other parts of his game.
27) Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma, 18 years old, PG
Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears has lost a lot of his hype, especially since the start of conference play. Nevertheless, the six-foot-four guard still has many aspects that make him an intriguing prospect. Fears is great at utilizing his speed to get into the paint and finish. His best aspect as a player is the amount of pressure he puts on the rim. He can knock down shots in the mid-range and make some interesting passing reads. However, he still leaves much to be desired as a shooter and defender.
28) Labaron Philon, Alabama, 19 years old, PG
Alabama guard Labaron Philon is another player who has struggled in conference play. Regardless, Philon has many positive aspects that make him a good prospect. Standing at six-foot-four, Philon has excelled as a defensive, playmaking guard who has a crafty handle. He has a great touch around the rim and can knock down floaters. If he can improve as a three-point shooter, Philon will take his game to the next level.
29) Danny Wolf, Michigan, 21 years old, C
Michigan big man Danny Wolf has had a breakout season so far with Michigan. Wolf has showcased a diverse offensive arsenal throughout the season. He can efficiently score on all three levels, both on and off the ball. Additionally, Wolf has great playmaking instincts and passing skills. Wolf is also a strong rebounder and a capable shot-blocker. His offensive abilities set him apart from the other bigs in the class.
30) Adou Thiero, Arkansas, 21 years old, SF/PF
Arkansas forward Adou Thiero has been a bright spot in a lackluster Arkansas season. He is an athletic wing who thrives in the paint and on defense. The six-foot-six wing knows how to utilize his athleticism and strong frame to bully his way into the paint. Thiero uses that same strength to be a bulldog defensively. He can guard multiple positions and players bigger than him. Most importantly, Thiero plays with amazing motor and energy. Thiero can be an amazing role player in the future if he can become a solid threat from three.
Photo credit: © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
