2025 NBA Mock Draft: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey Lead Freshman Surge

The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive event, with freshmen making significant waves in college basketball. The draft is full of talented players, including standout performers from schools like Duke, Rutgers, Illinois, and others. Here’s a breakdown of some of the early favorites based on their performances so far, with a focus on players like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey, along with several other rising stars.

Table of Contents

1. Cooper Flagg (Duke) – Freshman, Guard-Forward, 6-9, 205

2024-25 Stats: 19.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 47.9% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 80.6% FT

Cooper Flagg has emerged as one of the most dominant players in the country. The Duke Blue Devils freshman has impressed with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. His standout performance came when he set an ACC freshman record by scoring 42 points against Notre Dame. Flagg is a versatile player who can impact the game in multiple ways. He has great footwork, strong post moves, and is capable of defending both on the ball and in help situations. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his aggressive style of play make him a potential top pick in the 2025 draft.

2. Dylan Harper (Rutgers) – Freshman, Guard, 6-6, 215

2024-25 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 50.7% FG, 35.2% 3PT, 74.7% FT

Dylan Harper has been a consistent force for Rutgers, putting up over 20 points in 10 of his first 12 games. His scoring ability, especially in back-to-back games where he dropped 36 points against Notre Dame and 37 points against Alabama, has turned heads. Harper’s size (6-6) and length (6-10 wingspan) give him a significant advantage, and he has shown the versatility to play both point guard and shooting guard. His left-handed shooting stroke is reminiscent of Jalen Brunson, but with a much greater physical presence. His all-around game makes him a strong contender for the top spot in the draft.

3. Ace Bailey (Rutgers) – Freshman, Guard-Forward, 6-10, 200

2024-25 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 45.5% FG, 35.5% 3PT, 56.4% FT

Another standout freshman from Rutgers, Ace Bailey, has also established himself as one of the top prospects for the 2025 draft. His ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level has made him a favorite among scouts. Bailey is an athletic wing with great length and can attack the basket with ease. While he needs to improve his passing and free-throw shooting, his shooting ability and aggressive style of play make him an intriguing prospect. A scoring machine, Bailey has the potential to shine in the NBA with his skill set.

4. VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) – Freshman, Guard, 6-5, 180

2024-25 Stats: 12.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.4 SPG, 41.1% FG, 32.2% 3PT, 71.4% FT

VJ Edgecombe has displayed his athleticism, both as a scorer and defender, at Baylor. His ability to get to the rim and score in transition makes him a high-level off-ball scorer. His defensive prowess is also impressive, as he’s an elite thief and can guard multiple positions. While his shooting from the outside needs improvement, Edgecombe’s potential on both sides of the ball places him among the top-tier prospects for the upcoming draft.

5. Kasparas Jakucionis (Illinois) – Freshman, Guard, 6-6, 205

2024-25 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 49.6% FG, 41.4% 3PT, 87.5% FT

Kasparas Jakucionis from Illinois has been a revelation with his scoring, passing, and rebounding abilities. He’s capable of shooting from anywhere on the floor, including deep 3-pointers, and has shown excellent vision as a playmaker. Jakucionis has the ability to score off the dribble and is adept at finishing at the rim. His versatility and well-rounded game make him one of the top prospects in the draft, though he will need to work on his ball security, as he can be turnover-prone at times.

6. Egor Demin (BYU) – Freshman, Forward, 6-9

2024-25 Stats: 11.1 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 43.1% FG, 29.1% 3PT, 67.6% FT

The Russian freshman Egor Demin has impressed scouts with his unique combination of size and playmaking. His ability to facilitate for others and his active defense are key components of his game. Demin’s shooting efficiency remains a concern, particularly his struggles from beyond the arc, but his size and vision have drawn comparisons to other NBA playmaking forwards.

7. Kon Knueppel (Duke) – Freshman, Guard-Forward, 6-7, 217

2024-25 Stats: 12.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 43% FG, 35.4% 3PT, 91.4% FT

Kon Knueppel is another player from Duke’s deep roster who has shown his shooting ability and versatility. He’s capable of scoring from beyond the arc and has an efficient shooting stroke. Knueppel’s smooth play and ability to stretch the floor have made him a reliable option for the Blue Devils. He has a solid all-around game, which should translate well to the NBA, though he will need to continue developing as a playmaker.

8. Liam McNeeley (UConn) – Freshman, Forward, 6-7, 210

2024-25 Stats: 13.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, 41.1% FG, 35.3% 3PT, 81.6% FT

Liam McNeeley has shown that he can be a consistent scorer and rebounder for UConn. While he lacks some fluidity in his athleticism, his smooth shooting stroke, quick release, and range make him an intriguing prospect. McNeeley was starting to find his rhythm before suffering an ankle injury, which will sideline him for a few weeks. When healthy, McNeeley’s shooting touch should make him a valuable contributor in the NBA.

9. Tre Johnson (Texas) – Freshman, Guard, 6-6, 190

2024-25 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 47.5% FG, 41.1% 3PT, 85% FT

Tre Johnson has quickly emerged as a natural scorer for Texas, showing excellent range and ability to score on the move. His playmaking still needs work, and his strength and explosiveness need development, but his shooting ability is already NBA-caliber. Johnson’s skill set is ideal for an NBA shooting guard, and his potential as a scorer is undeniable.

10. Khaman Maluach (Duke) – Freshman, Center, 7-2, 250

2024-25 Stats: 8.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 79.1% FG, 77.3% FT

Khaman Maluach, at 7-2, is one of the most intriguing centers in the draft. His ability to protect the rim and finish around the basket has made him a standout for Duke. Maluach excels in pick-and-roll situations and is a powerful presence in the paint. His size and soft touch around the rim make him a potential NBA star if he continues to develop his game.

Previewing the Broncos’ 2025 offseason after loss to Bills

Previewing the Buccaneers’ 2025 offseason after loss to Commanders

Watch: Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez’s doink for the divisional round

Pitt, down 32 points, ties biggest comeback in women’s NCAA history

Shopping Deals & Product Recommendations

Why JuJu Watkins is such a good model for young players

2025 NBA mock draft: Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Rutgers’ duo early standouts

Eagles’ A.J. Brown explains why he was reading book on sidelines

Who’s biggest remaining Super Bowl threat as top seeds enter fray?

Eagles’ A.J. Brown makes big play: Showing kids it’s cool to read

Seven reasons to doubt Deion Sanders’ candidacy for Cowboys coach

Winners and losers of Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel

Eagles soar to win, divisional round after thumping Packers: Highlights

Why Sam Darnold is playing for more than an NFL playoff win

Josh Allen makes Bills playoff history after spectacular Ty Johnson TD

NFL divisional round schedule

Will longtime ace ‘King Felix’ get into Baseball Hall of Fame?

Lauren Macuga wins World Cup super-G race; Lindsey Vonn in fourth

‘Behind the times’: Steelers’ dilemmas growing after latest playoff loss

Star players help Ravens run to new lengths in romp over Steelers

After past playoff failures, this year feels different for Ravens

Derrick Henry gives Baltimore’s offense something it didn’t have in previous postseasons. Call him Lightning McQueen.

A wishlist for the 6 wild-card losers: What does each team need to improve?

Sam Darnold was bad in Monday’s playoff loss to the Rams, but he was far from Minnesota’s only problem. All of the wild-card round losers have glaring holes.

Charles McDonald

Sam Darnold’s disastrous playoff debut leaves Vikings with a big offseason decision

Watch: What are the Vikings’ other issues?

‘Save your time’: Mike Tomlin pours cold water on coach-trade talk

Sean Leahy

8 names that will be linked to the Cowboys coaching job

Frank Schwab

Tiger’s team blown out in his TGL debut, broadcast still rocky

Jay Busbee

Tennis

Naomi Osaka reaches third round of Grand Slam for first time in 3 years

NCAAB