The new college basketball season has just begun, but it’s never too early to look ahead to where the game’s top prospects could land in next year’s NBA Draft.

With college hoops in full swing, it’s officially time for the first 2025 NBA Mock Draft.

The 2025 NBA Draft class has the potential to be one of the best in recent memory. Duke freshman Cooper Flagg is unmistakably the draft class’ headliner but he stands alongside a group of players with the potential to make an immediate impact at the NBA level.

As noted in years past, the first Mock Draft is typically the hardest. Placement is based largely on projected performance from underclassmen and international players while the order is determined based on preseason over/under win totals in Las Vegas. The 2024-25 NBA season is still in its infancy, next year’s draft order is far from set and the potential for transactions in the coming months means the needs of specific teams will almost certainly change.

For those reasons, fit was considered but not a major factor when placing prospects.

With the above factors in mind, let’s get into The Sporting News’ first 2025 NBA Mock Draft. With the first overall pick, the Brooklyn Nets are on the clock…

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NBA Mock Draft 2025

1. Nets: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Age: 17, Freshman

Position: Guard/Forward

Height, weight: 6-9, 205 lbs.

If it wasn’t already evident by the blurb above or the prevalence of the #CaptureTheFlagg trend, Flagg enters the year as the presumptive No. 1 pick in 2025.

The above age isn’t a typo — Flagg reclassified to graduate high school early and won’t turn 18 until Dec. 21. Flagg’s birth date coming before the year ends means he’ll be NBA Draft-eligible in 2025.

As for his game, Flagg can do it all. He’s a versatile offensive talent who has shown enough defensively to garner comparisons to Kevin Garnett. Ahead of his freshman year, Flagg held his own against the United States Men’s National Team before the Olympics. He built on that with several preseason honors and an 18-point, seven-rebound, five-assist performance in his college debut.

2. Wizards: Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Guard/Forward

Height, weight: 6-10, 200 lbs.

In many ways, Bailey represents the direction the game continues to trend toward.

Bailey is a 6-10 wing with a game that is as smooth as it is effective. In his short time at Rutgers, he has already showcased some of his tools, none more than an impressive shot-making ability.

With a translatable skill and league-ready measurables, Bailey has what it takes to be a building block for a franchise’s future.

3. Trail Blazers: Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-6, 215 lbs.

Much is made of NBA DNA and the concept applies to Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and brother of two-year NBA veteran Ron Harper Jr.

Be that as it may, Dylan Harper is carving a path of his own.

Harper measures in at 6-6 and has an innate feel for the game. His athleticism won’t wow you but his craftiness and skill allow him to be a three-level scorer. Harper has the profile of the type of player capable of making an impact from Day 1.

4. Pistons: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor (Bahamas)

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-5, 180 lbs.

Edgecombe is next on a growing list of Bahamian players to make their mark in the collegiate ranks before leaping to the NBA. 

There are many things to be impressed by with Edgecombe. At 19, he was arguably the best player on a Bahamian National Team that also featured Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield. Edgecombe also has an attitude that cannot be taught as he backs down from no one and nothing.

Oh, he’s an otherworldly athlete, too.

THIS V.J. Edgecombe DUNK😱#BaylorMBB | #Big12MBB pic.twitter.com/PpTx9zrGLK

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) November 5, 2024

5. Bulls: Nolan Traoré, Saint-Quentin (France)

Age: 18

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-3, 175 lbs.

The wave of French talent joining the league will continue with Traoré. He has a chance to become the sixth top-10 pick from France in the last three NBA Drafts.

As shown by Traoré’s predecessors, France’s LNB Pro-A is a great proving ground for NBA prospects. Traoré decided to stay in France to play professionally, choosing Saint-Quentin over several major college basketball programs and pro opportunities in other countries. 

He checks the boxes of a game-changing point guard with the ability to create for himself and others. In just his third game with Saint-Quentin, Traoré finished with 20 points (on 8-of-16 shooting) and 10 assists in a win over Nancy. There’s likely much more where that came from.

MORE: Sporting News 2024-25 college basketball Preseason All-America team

6. Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-6, 190 lbs. 

Johnson is a pure scorer set to take the SEC by storm as a freshman. Look no further than his Texas debut — he finished with 29 points (on 10-of-20 shooting), five rebounds and four assists in a loss to Ohio State.

The scoring outburst set a new Longhorn record for points in a freshman debut. For perspective, the previous record was set by Kevin Durant in 2006. That’s good company.

Texas Freshman Tre Johnson tonight:

▪️ 28 PTS
▪️ 11-18 FG
▪️ 5-8 3PT
▪️ 3 AST pic.twitter.com/VJlFyrUfgZ

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) November 9, 2024

Johnson is a ball-dominant player, which could impact his overall draft placement. His development off the ball and as a playmaker could dictate whether he stays in this range or dips toward the late lottery.

7. Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke (South Sudan)

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Center

Height, weight: 7-2, 250 lbs.

Maluach is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class.

The South Sudanese prospect taught himself how to play the game just five years ago and is understandably still raw. That said, Maluach has already represented his country in the Olympics and opens the season as the starting center for a Duke team with aspirations to win a national title.

Maluach uses his 7-2 frame to be a difference-maker on the defensive end and the sky appears to be the limit for his offensive potential. Continued growth in real-time could result in him moving up in later mocks. He’s a no-brainer for a franchise looking for its future center.

8. Hornets: Liam McNeeley, UConn

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-7, 210 lbs.

McNeeley is a sharpshooter with a great feel for the game.

As Connecticut looks to win its third consecutive national title, McNeeley will have an opportunity to showcase his strengths and improve upon perceived weaknesses. Coach Dan Hurley continues to prepare his guys for the next level and McNeeley should be no different.

A cerebral player of his caliber has top-10 potential.

9. Spurs: Egor Demin, BYU (Russia)

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-9, 190 lbs.

It’s not every day that 6-9 point guards are available in the draft. Demin legitimately fits that mold.

The 19-year-old hails from Russia and played for Real Madrid before coming stateside to begin his college career at BYU. In his collegiate debut, Demin put the tools on display with 18 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. His playmaking and shooting abilities stood out more than anything.

If he can continue to display that type of all-around play once the Cougars’ schedule intensifies, Demin could move up in these mocks.

10. Spurs (via ATL): Kon Knueppel, Duke

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Guard/Forward

Height, weight: 6-7, 217 lbs.

Knueppel has a strong case to earn the title of being the best shooter in this draft class. And in today’s game, a team can never have too much shooting.

His wide base may throw you off at first but Knueppel has shown the ability to knock down shots in the half-court and transition. He is also more than a shooter as he can attack closeouts to make plays for himself or his teammates.

There’s a recent precedent of shooters of Knueppel’s caliber not making it much past 10th. That should continue in 2025.

11. Thunder (via LAC): Hugo González, Real Madrid (Spain)

Age: 18

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-6, 205 lbs.

González is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class because of where he plays. As an 18-year-old on a power like Real Madrid, opportunity is harder to come by, but that shouldn’t be an indictment of his potential. He’s got an NBA-ready frame and can make an impact on both ends of the floor.

The late lottery makes sense for potential picks with a high ceiling. González fits that bill.

MORE: The latest on Chet Holmgren’s status following rare hip fracture

12. Rockets: Drake Powell, North Carolina

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Guard/Forward

Height, weight: 6-6, 195 lbs.

UNC isn’t exactly known for producing one-and-done prospects, but Powell could break away from that trend.

He enters college as a highly touted recruit and has the athleticism and tools to be a difference-maker on the defensive end with the potential to grow offensively. Powell fits the bill of a player that a late lottery team would add as a missing piece to the equation of getting to the postseason.

13. Hawks (via LAL): Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Age: 18

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-6, 200 lbs.

Saraf is a big guard who has shown the ability to be effective on and off the ball.

Over the summer, Saraf earned MVP honors of the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Tournament after turning in two 40-point performances for the Israeli U18 National Team. His combination of size and skill makes him a very attractive lottery prospect.

Averaging 28 points in 33 minutes, Ben Saraf was nearly unstoppable for long stretches of the U18 Eurobasket. It’s difficult not to be bullish about his NBA outlook, considering his sheer productivity, scoring instincts, competitiveness and excellent feel for the game. pic.twitter.com/2AZ1VgKzBC

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) September 13, 2024

14. Warriors: Jalil Bethea, Miami (FL)

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-5, 190 lbs.

Recent history has shown that prolific guards quickly find their way in Jim Larrañaga’s system. Bethea is next in line.

At 6-5 and 190 lbs, Bethea’s got solid measurables. He’s shown an ability to knock down jumpers off the catch and the dribble and is in position to be an impact freshman for the Hurricanes.

MORE: How Buddy Hield has unlocked the Warriors scoring machine

15. Thunder (via MIA): Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Age: 17

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-9, 194 lbs.

Essengue’s 18th birthday falls in December yet he’s already making an impact on the professional level. 

He’s still growing into his frame and can look awkward at times but his instincts and feel for the game are undeniable. He passed his first NBA test by draining three triples and scoring 20 points in a preseason matchup with the Trail Blazers. That’s a big deal for a 17-year-old.

16. Pacers: Rocco Zikarsky, Brisbane (Australia)

Age: 18

Position: Center

Height, weight: 7-3, 227 lbs.

Zikarsky’s in his second season as a pro and continues to grow into his game. 

At 7-3, he moves his feet well and has shown great timing as a rim protector. On the offensive end, he’s already a lob threat and can create second-chance opportunities with his activity. He’ll only get better as he matures.

17. Pelicans: Asa Newell, Georgia

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-11, 220 lbs.

Newell needed just one game to announce his arrival in Athens, Ga., tying a 45-year-old record by scoring 26 points in his Georgia debut. The record holder he tied? Dominique Wilkins.

Newell is active — he moves well, has a nice touch around the rim and has a second bounce that allows for plenty of offensive rebounds. He can help his stock by showcasing those skills during SEC play.

18. Hawks (via SAC): Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Age: 19, Sophomore

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-7, 245 lbs.

One of the most intriguing returners in college basketball, Murray-Boyles can build on an already rising draft stock during Year 2 in Columbia, S.C.

While he may lack NBA-ready size as a 6-7 power forward, Murray-Boyles more than makes up for in effort and basketball IQ. He works hard on both ends of the floor and makes plays that translate across all levels. He has an opportunity to help his stock by showing offensive growth as a sophomore.

19. Magic: Will Riley, Illinois (Canada)

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-8, 180 lbs.

Riley made a loud statement to announce his arrival to college basketball, scoring 31 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including five triples. The bar from his debut is incredibly high, but if Riley can display elite shooting at 6-8, he’ll be a no-brainer in the first.

20. Grizzlies: Ian Jackson, North Carolina

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-4, 190 lbs.

Jackson’s got a big game and an even bigger personality. UNC has big aspirations this season and it seems Jackson’s role will grow as the season progresses. He’s the type of prospect that could begin to make a name for himself as the season goes on.

21. Suns: Kanon Catchings, BYU

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-9, 185 lbs.

Fans often speak of basketball DNA and the nephew of WNBA legend Tamika Catchings definitely has it. Kanon Catchings may be wiry but he’s skilled. He’ll benefit from the NBA-level tutelage of head coach Kevin Young.

MORE: Kevin Durant set to miss multiple weeks with calf strain

22. Jazz (via CLE): Carter Bryant, Arizona

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-8, 225 lbs.

Bryant’s a high-upside prospect with pedigree. He was a McDonald’s All-American and entered Arizona with high expectations to produce. He’s got the size and versatility to make an immediate impact this season, which earns him a first-round spot here.

23. Mavericks: Donnie Freeman, Syracuse (Bahamas)

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-9, 205 lbs.

Next in the line of Bahamian first-round picks is Freeman, who played for the senior men’s national team at 18. Freeman’s frame is still slight but he is skilled offensively with potential and room to grow as a passer and shooter.

24. Nets (via MIL): Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois (Lithuania)

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-6, 200 lbs.

Illinois made a big push to land Jakucionis and it’s evident why. He’s 6-6 with legitimate lead guard skills, allowing him to create for others. He landed in college after playing with FC Barcelona and has the polish of a player accustomed to playing with pros.

MORE: A detailed plan to save the Bucks’ season

25. Magic (via DEN): Michael Ruzic, Joventut (Spain)

Age: 18

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-10, 220 lbs.

At 18, Ruzic is in his second season playing against high-level competition in the Spanish ACB. As a result, his numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, but he does pass the eye test.

Ruzic will need to add to his frame but he is a skilled and smart player capable of making an impact in the NBA.

26. Thunder (via PHI): Tyrese Proctor, Duke

Age: 20, Junior

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-6, 183 lbs.

Proctor is an NBA Global Academy product that continues to improve each year. He’s been mentioned in lottery conversations in the past but feels like more of a late first-round pick in a loaded 2025 class.

Proctor defends, makes plays and went from shooting 32.0 percent from 3 as a freshman to 35.2 percent as a sophomore. Another leap in Year 3 is likely on the horizon. 

27. Jazz (via MIN): Derrion Reid, Alabama

Age: 18, Freshman

Position: Forward

Height, weight: 6-8, 220 lbs.

Alabama may be the best team in college basketball and Reid will be one of the Crimson Tide’s most intriguing players.

Reid’s going to do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor. His numbers may not be gaudy but they’ll likely jump off the page because you’ll see efficient scoring, rebounding, stocks and more.

28. Nets (via NYK): Derik Queen, Maryland

Age: 19, Freshman

Position: Center

Height, weight: 6-10, 246 lbs.

The big fella’s got a nice touch around the rim, a solid face-up game and a nose for the basketball, evidenced by his 22-point, 20-rebound debut. He’s slimmed down since getting to college but Queen will need to add strength to his broad frame to be effective at the next level. In the modern game, adding a consistent jumper will also be massive.

29. Clippers (via OKC): Dink Pate, Mexico City Capitanes (NBA G League)

Age: 18

Position: Guard/Forward

Height, weight: 6-8, 210 lbs.

After the dissolution of G League Ignite, Pate begins his second year of pro basketball with the Mexico City Capitanes.

Pate joined the Ignite at 17 and averaged 8.0 points over 31 G League games. He’ll be even more league-ready after one more season in the NBA ecosystem, giving him a leg up on several prospects.

30. Celtics: Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest

Age: 21, Senior

Position: Guard

Height, weight: 6-5, 185 lbs.

Sallis returns to Wake Forest after testing the draft waters in 2024. He’ll be playing more on the ball this season, which could help his stock at the next level. It’s probably not a coincidence that Celtics executive Brad Stevens stopped by Winston-Salem, N.C. to watch the Demon Deacons practice, either.