On Thursday night, the 2025 NBA Draft witnessed the dreams of 29 more players come true during its second round at the iconic Barclays Center in New York City. The second round showcased a strong lineup of veteran college players, as numerous former NCAA stars had their names called, opening the door to professional basketball careers.
Among the standout selections were three players who were recognized as CBS Sports All-Americans in 2025. Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner was picked at No. 34 by the Charlotte Hornets, closely followed by Auburn's Johni Broome at No. 35 to the Philadelphia 76ers, and Kam Jones at No. 38 to the Indiana Pacers. Other notable picks included Duke's Sion James (No. 33 to Charlotte), Arkansas' Adou Thiero (No. 36 to the Lakers), and Tennessee's Chaz Lanier (No. 37 to Detroit).
The second round also took on a distinct international flavor with selections from picks 45-59, as franchises opted for lesser-known names with potential long-term upside. While the first round garners most of the attention, the second round has historically been a treasure trove for finding hidden gems. For instance, the Grizzlies chose Jaylen Wells from Washington State at No. 39 last season, who later earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Similarly, Kyle Filipowski made an impact at Utah after being picked at No. 32, suggesting that this year’s second round may also yield productive players.
In a remarkable achievement, Florida completed a trifecta as its trio of star guards, instrumental in leading the Gators to a national championship, were all selected. The Final Four Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr. was picked at No. 18 by the Utah Jazz, while Alijah Martin and Will Richard followed, going at No. 39 to Toronto and No. 56 to Golden State, respectively. This marks the second time in Florida's history that three players have been drafted in the same year, the first being in 2007 after their back-to-back national titles.
In a notable shift, this draft marked the first instance since 2009 where Kentucky did not produce a first-round pick. However, the Wildcats still had a presence in the second round, with the Phoenix Suns selecting sharpshooter Koby Brea at No. 41 and the Boston Celtics picking center Amari Williams at No. 46. Additionally, former Kentucky forward Adou Thiero was chosen at No. 36 after transferring to Arkansas. Under coach Mark Pope, Kentucky has embraced a new strategy by utilizing the transfer portal to build its roster.
Despite the excitement of the draft, several prominent players from college basketball were not selected. High-profile names like Mark Sears from Alabama, Caleb Love from Arizona, and RJ Luis Jr. from St. John's went undrafted. Reports suggest that Love is expected to sign a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. These players, along with others, are anticipated to compete in the summer league in hopes of securing a roster spot or two-way deal.
As the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft continued, several final selections were made, showcasing a mix of talent from various schools and regions. Notable picks included:
Jamai Mashack, G, Tennessee to Memphis Grizzlies at No. 59 Saliou Niang, F, Senegal to Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 58 Max Shulga, G, VCU to Boston Celtics at No. 57 Will Richard, G, Florida to Golden State Warriors at No. 56The 2025 NBA Draft has set the stage for these aspiring players to embark on their professional journeys, with many eyes now on how they will adapt and contribute to their respective teams in the upcoming season.
