2025 NBA Draft Big Board: Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe on Top
- Matt Babcock
- Mar 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Explore the latest 2025 NBA Draft Big Board from Babcock Hoops, highlighting standout prospects and key updates shaping this year's draft landscape.
The excitement surrounding the projected 2025 NBA Draft class continues to build. This year’s group features a diverse mix of young talent making an impact in college basketball and on the international stage. Duke freshman Cooper Flagg is leading the charge and is widely considered the front-runner for the first pick. Close behind are fellow freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, who play for Rutgers, and VJ Edgecombe at Baylor, rounding out a promising group of prospects with star potential.
Internationally, names like Nolan Traore, Joan Beringer, Noa Essengue, Ben Saraf, and Hugo Gonzalez are making waves as players to watch. As the NBA continues to evolve toward a positionless, fast-paced style of play, this draft class is loaded with versatile talents capable of contributing to multiple facets of the game.
It’s that time of year again, folks: NBA hopefuls are hungry to prove themselves and secure their spots in the 2025 NBA Draft. And I’m locked in on the scouting trail, analyzing how each prospect fits into the ultra-competitive professional basketball ecosystem.
As we continue to dive deep into this year’s scouting journey, here’s my updated 2025 NBA Draft Big Board:
Top 10
1. Cooper Flagg – F, Duke:
Flagg started the season as the top prospect, and nothing has changed. He possesses elite athleticism and a versatile two-way game. He is the favorite to become the No. 1 pick. We probably shouldn't overanalyze this one.
2. Dylan Harper – G, Rutgers:
Harper is a savvy combo guard known for his scoring and playmaking ability as a 6'6" on-ball creator—a play style that should translate well to the NBA. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as he is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper.
3. Ace Bailey – F, Rutgers:
A terrific athlete, standing 6-foot-10, Bailey possesses raw talent and dynamic and tough shot-making ability that screams upside. His star potential is off the hook.
4. VJ Edgecombe – G, Baylor:
Although he started the season slowly, he's gone from teasing with potential to producing at a high level. His explosive scoring and exceptional athleticism highlight his star potential.
5. Tre Johnson – G, Texas:
A big two-guard, Johnson excels in scoring at all levels. His smooth shooting and alpha mentality make him a standout prospect. He can flat-out score, and that's valuable.
6. Jeremiah Fears – G, Oklahoma:
A tough, well-rounded scoring lead guard, Fears has been impressive. He's hard to guard, constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses, especially in the pick-and-roll. He possesses an NBA-type game.
7. Derik Queen – C, Maryland:
Derik Queen is a polished and versatile big man. His impressive overall skill set makes him a multifaceted, big-bodied center, and he may just be scratching the surface of his potential.
8. Kon Knueppel – G/F, Duke:
Knueppel, a sharpshooter with a high basketball IQ, excels as a shooter but has shown there's more to his game. He may never be the focal point of an offense, but shooting comes at a premium and translates well to the next level.
9. Khaman Maluach – C, Duke:
Maluach’s impressive 7-foot-2 frame and defensive impact complement his developing offensive game. While his skill set remains simple, it’s easy to envision a seamless pathway to success at the next level.
10. Asa Newell – F/C, Georgia:
Newell's fluidity, explosiveness, and offensive potential make him a strong candidate for success as a modern NBA big man with a high ceiling. If he can improve his outside shooting, his value will skyrocket.
11-20
11. Nolan Traore – G, Saint Quentin:
Traore is a tough, quick, and dynamic on-ball creator who keeps opposing defenses on their heels. He is arguably the top prospect playing overseas this season.
12. Kasparas Jakucionis – G, Illinois:
At 6'6", Jakucionis, a big on-ball guard from Lithuania, is a skilled playmaker and floor general with excellent vision and a great feel for the game.
13. Egor Demin – G/F, BYU:
Few players possess Demin's vision and playmaking ability, especially at 6'9". Although his season has been up and down, his potential is sky-high—he’s a unique prospect.
14. Joan Beringer – F/C, KK Cedevita:
At 6'11", Beringer is an exciting long-term prospect. His physical profile, athleticism, and high motor stand out. His potential is significant, especially considering he just turned 18 in November.
15. Noa Essengue – F, Ratiopharm Ulm:
This high-motor forward combines athleticism with defensive versatility, and his steadily improving offensive game hints at significant potential. He just turned 18 in December.
16. Liam McNeeley – F, UConn:
McNeeley is one of this year’s top shooters. His high basketball IQ and toughness elevate his stock. His winning mentality and the intangibles he brings should allow him to fill valuable complementary roles for years.
17. Collin Murray-Boyles – F, South Carolina:
A strong, physical forward with defensive versatility, Murray-Boyles excels in low-post scoring and rebounding. If he develops his outside shooting, it will open things up a lot for him.
18. Danny Wolf – F/C, Michigan:
At 7'0", Wolf plays like a guard, shooting threes, creating off the dribble, and facilitating. He's a unique prospect who has risen on draft boards in recent months for good reason.
19. Thomas Sorber – F/C, Georgetown:
Sorber is a smooth and skilled big man. He had an impressive freshman season at Georgetown and played himself into the mix and the classification as one of the top big-man prospects.
20. Will Riley – F, Illinois:
The NBA loves 6'8" versatile wings, and Riley’s ability to handle the ball and score in multiple ways at his size aligns perfectly with what teams are looking for. While he still needs to develop his body and refine his game, his upside is substantial.
21-30
21. Rasheer Fleming – F, Saint Joseph's:
Fleming has been terrific for Saint Joseph’s this season, showing versatility and impact on both ends. He checks many boxes, and the scouting world has noticed.
22. Jase Richardson – G, Michigan State:
Richardson’s impact as a true freshman on one of the best teams in the country can’t be ignored. He plays the right way, contributes to winning, and makes a tangible difference on the court.
23. Carter Bryant – F, Arizona:
Bryant possesses the size, athleticism, and well-rounded skill set that NBA teams covet in today’s game. His potential and upside are significant.
24. Boogie Fland – G, Arkansas:
A quick and dynamic guard, Boogie Fland shines with his creation, shooting, and scoring abilities. Although his season was cut short due to a hand injury, he displayed enough talent to be considered a highly regarded prospect.
25. Ian Jackson – G, North Carolina:
Jackson’s dynamic, attacking style, and effectiveness in transition make him an exciting prospect. His improved outside shooting has also contributed to his ascension.
26. Ben Saraf – G, Ratiopharm Ulm:
A 6-foot-6 guard from Israel, Ben Saraf has an impressive feel and is crafty, excelling as a jumbo playmaker. He’s performed impressively and has risen as one of the top international prospects.
27. Hugo Gonzalez – G/F, Real Madrid:
This versatile guard combines size, versatility, and feel for the game with a well-rounded skill set, making him one of the top international prospects this season.
28. Labaron Philon – G, Alabama:
Philon’s skill, poise, and high basketball IQ have made him one of this season’s biggest surprises. Despite his slight frame, his vision, control, and aggressive mindset provide confidence that he belongs.
29. Alex Condon – C, Florida:
I initially saw Condon as more likely to be in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he’s played himself into the mix. He’s a versatile big man who has a real chance to become a serviceable big—at the very least—for a long time.
30. Noah Penda – F, Le Mans:
Penda’s defensive impact, physical tools, and versatility immediately stand out. He has continued developing his offensive game and has been very productive this season, boosting his stock.
31-40
41-59
43. Bogoljub Markovic – F/C, KK Mega Basket →
50. Rocco Zikarsky – C, Brisbane Bullets →
57. Grant Nelson – F/C, Alabama →