As March Madness unfolds, it's the perfect time to refresh The Athletic's 2025 NBA Mock Draft. With scouts and executives traveling across the United States to attend conference tournaments, opportunities abound to evaluate a plethora of promising prospects in one location. The SEC tournament, in particular, attracted a significant number of NBA executives this season due to the conference's impressive talent pool. Several players have significantly improved their draft stock during this critical period.
After a recent ankle injury during the ACC tournament quarterfinals, Cooper Flagg made headlines as Duke wing Kon Knueppel stepped up to earn MVP honors. Nique Clifford from Colorado State has also been on a tear, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the last two months, culminating in his selection as the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP and leading his team to an NCAA Tournament bid. Even Yaxel Lendeborg of UAB made a strong impression in the American Athletic Conference tournament, despite his team not making the NCAA Tournament.
The NCAA Tournament serves as a crucial evaluation ground for NBA prospects, often providing an opportunity for players to enhance their standings in the eyes of executives. A strong performance can leave a lasting impression, especially when leading a team to the Final Four. Conversely, a poor showing might lead to early elimination, reducing the evaluation to a single game. The tournament is pivotal for players looking to boost their draft stock.
This year's draft class is notably exciting at the top, featuring standout talents like Flagg and Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. However, as we move down the list, there are considerable uncertainties. The emergence of several players has the potential to add depth to the draft, yet factors such as revenue sharing and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights may influence whether some players choose to remain in college longer. Sources indicate that elite transfers and returnees may command price tags exceeding $2 million.
In terms of positional depth, the center group in the mid-to-late first round and into the second round is viewed as a potential strength. There is also an intriguing pool of young guards with notable upside. Additionally, this draft class is rich in shooting talent, provided that players continue to develop effectively over the coming years. The race to secure Flagg has intensified, with numerous teams adjusting their lineups to position themselves for a better draft pick.
The following notes clarify the structure of this mock draft: team order is based on records as of March 18, player heights reflect school listings, and team needs are considered, though not heavily weighted. Player ages are noted as of the draft date on June 25, 2025. Due to the lucrative potential many players hold if they choose to stay in college, some projections are based on their expected earnings. For example, J.T. Toppin, the Big 12 Player of the Year, is projected to earn over $1 million in college basketball next season, yet many teams do not currently view him as a first-round pick.
Flagg has emerged as a dominant two-way player this season, surpassing expectations. Over the last 19 games, he averaged 21.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing his versatility. His scoring efficiency is impressive, shooting 54.2% from the field and 45.7% from three-point range. Flagged as a player who excels in transition and half-court settings, his injury in the ACC tournament raises questions about his availability for the NCAA Tournament.
Despite not making the NCAA Tournament, Harper has had an exceptional year, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists. His ability to penetrate the defense is noteworthy, although his pull-up shooting remains an area for improvement. Most NBA executives view him as the clear No. 2 pick in this draft.
Edgecombe’s season has been a roller coaster, but he averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His defensive abilities and explosiveness make him an appealing pick for the Hornets, especially as they look to improve their perimeter defense alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Bailey's performance has varied throughout the season, but his early scoring prowess showcased his potential. Scouts are eager to see if he can demonstrate the consistency needed at the professional level.
Jakučionis started strong but faced challenges as the season progressed. His passing ability is impressive, but teams are keen to see how he performs against top competition in the NCAA Tournament.
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the 2025 NBA Mock Draft landscape is bound to change. Player performances on the big stage will undoubtedly influence their draft stock, making this an exciting time for college basketball and NBA scouting.
