Image Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Top 10 NCAA prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft ft. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper

Image Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

As the 2024-2025 NCAA basketball season kicks into high gear, the draft chatter is already heating up. While we’re still in the early stages of the college campaigns, some players are already standing out. By this time next year, there will be a new group of NBA players ready to make their mark, and the 2025 draft class looks full of potential.

Here’s an early look at the Top 10 NCAA Prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft:

Cooper Flagg (Forward, 6’9″, Duke)

The race for the No. 1 pick in 2025 is fierce, but Cooper Flagg has put himself in prime position to take the crown. The 18-year-old forward has already been billed as the top pick, and for good reason. He’s been nothing short of sensational at Duke, putting up jaw-dropping stats across the board. Last week, he made headlines by scoring 42 points in Duke’s win over Notre Dame, setting a new record. The stat sheet doesn’t lie: Flagg is leading Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and minutes. He’s also the first Duke player since JJ Redick in 2006 to score 40+ points in a game.

ANOTHER ONE @Cooper_Flagg 🔨🔨🔨🔨🔨 pic.twitter.com/DRjRW5M21c
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) January 11, 2025

Dylan Harper (Guard, 6’6″, Rutgers)

Right behind Flagg, Dylan Harper is making a compelling case to be the No. 1 pick himself. Harper has been playing at a high level for Rutgers, recording the program’s first triple-double in 41 years against Columbia earlier this month.

Averaging 20 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, Harper’s blend of scoring, and playmaking, has been drawing attention NBA attention. While Rutgers has struggled as a team, Harper along with Ace Bailey has been a shining star.

Dylan Harper vs UCLA..

18 PTS (5-13 FG, 2-7 3PT)
4 AST
4 REBS
1 STL
1 BLK

He had the damn FLU.. and it was reported he lost 9 pounds over that week.. he seems he’s getting he mojo back now..

Best Player in college basketball!!! pic.twitter.com/OaCEBfJTli
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) January 14, 2025

Ace Bailey (Forward, 6’10”, Rutgers)

While Dylan Harper may be the headline act for Rutgers, his teammate Ace Bailey is not far behind in terms of draft potential. The 6’10” freshman is showing flashes of brilliance, averaging 18.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Bailey has started in every game this season and has emerged as one of the top freshmen in the country. Though he may be overshadowed by Harper at the moment, Bailey’s scoring and rebounding numbers are among the best.

Kasparas Jakucionis (Guard, 6’6″, Illinois)

At 6’6″, Kasparas Jakucionis has the size and skill to make a major impact in the NBA. Playing for Illinois, he’s been lighting up the stats sheet with 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Jakucionis is a crafty guard who can shoot from deep (41.4% from three) and is effective at creating his own shot. His ability to hit step-back threes and play with poise when drawing multiple defenders makes him an intriguing prospect.

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Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis against Indiana tonight:

▪️ 21 PTS
▪️ 7-13 FG
▪️ 3-7 3PT
▪️ 5 AST pic.twitter.com/xt1RjqTiSS
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) January 15, 2025

VJ Edgecombe (Guard, 6’5″, Baylor)

A terror in transition, VJ Edgecombe is a player who knows how to put pressure on the rim. His athleticism allows him to finish above the rim in ways few others can match. Edgecombe has made significant strides with his ball-handling and passing this season, but there are still areas to improve. The 6’6″ guard is averaging 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

VJ Edgecombe's tools, two-way instincts and feel for the game will see him drafted in the top-10 come June. He has a lethal first step and is arguably the best defensive playmaker in the country, with a block/steal rate that hasn't been seen in the NCAA since Matisse Thybulle. pic.twitter.com/VPX5GQiijr
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) December 10, 2024

Kon Knueppel (Forward, 6’7″, Duke)

Duke’s freshmen class continues to shine, and Kon Knueppel is making a strong case to be one of the most impactful players in this class. The 6’6″ guard has shown his ability to score in bunches, including a season-high 25 points and six 3-pointers in a dominant win over Miami. Knueppel has a quick release and a smooth shooting motion, making him a dangerous weapon from beyond the arc.

Liam McNeeley (Forward, 6’7″, UConn)

Liam McNeeley might not be as flashy as some of the other players on this list, but his natural shooting ability has scouts buzzing. The 19-year-old forward from UConn is averaging 13.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 35.3% from three and a stellar 81.6% from the free-throw line. He is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury but his potential as a versatile scorer makes him one to watch as the draft approaches.

Liam McNeeley with his best game of the season against No. 8 Gonzaga🔥

▪️ 26 PTS
▪️ 7-13 FG
▪️ 8 REB
▪️ 4 AST pic.twitter.com/0mofX6gSs0
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) December 15, 2024

Tre Johnson (Shooting Guard, 6’6″, Texas)

A scoring machine, Tre Johnson has emerged as one of the most prolific guards in college basketball this season. The 6’6″ shooting guard is known for his explosive first step and ability to finish at the rim. Johnson has great size and athleticism, and he’s also shown an ability to hit from the perimeter.

Khaman Maluach (Center, 7’2″, Duke)

Another exciting freshman for Duke, Khaman Maluach is a 7’2″ center with a soft touch at the rim and a mobile frame that makes him a potential two-way player. He’s averaging 8.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, and he’s already shown his ability to excel in pick-and-roll situations.

MAN MAN @khaman_maluach 📈 pic.twitter.com/cmu6F7eApJ
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) January 12, 2025

Egor Demin (Shooting Guard, 6’9″, BYU)

A sharpshooter with a smooth shooting stroke, Egor Demin is making waves at BYU. The 6’9″ guard has a deadly three-point shot and can stretch the floor in ways that most players his size can’t. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he’s shown impressive defensive versatility.

Ace Bailey

Cooper Flagg

Dylan Harper

Kasparas Jakucionis

Tre Johnson

VJ Edgecombe

Swati Bhatia

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.