Paul’s 2025 Big Board 3.0 Top 100 (5/19)

The NBA playoffs are in full effect, the lottery is finished, the stage is set, and the 2025 NBA Draft season is officially upon us. Obviously with the recent NIL deals and crazy transfer portal, more players than ever are deciding to stay in college and not even go through the NBA Draft process. The Early Entry Deadline was on April 26 where we saw the lowest number of draft declarations in nearly a decade. Regardless, combine season is upon us as the G-League Camp was held from May 9-11 while the NBA Combine is taking place from May 11-18. The results of the Draft Lottery were held on May 12, as the Dallas Mavericks landed the 1st overall pick for the first time in their franchise’s history, giving them the privilege of taking Cooper Flagg. After this, the NCAA withdrawal deadline to keep eligibility is on May 28, while the NBA’s withdrawal deadline is on June 15. The Draft will then take place on June 25 and 26.

So here is my final 2025 NBA Draft Big Board, a special top 100 as the combine comes to a close and players decide whether to stay in or leave. Packed with player write-ups, the top players returning to school, who’s in the transfer portal, and so much more. Hope you enjoy!

Top Players Returning to College

Solo Ball
UConn (Sophomore)
SG | 6’3 | 190 lbs
24-25 Stats: 14.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 41.4% 3P

Ball was a breakout sharp-shooter for the Huskies who will use another year of eligibility to be a starter in ’25-’26.

---

Jalil Bethea
Miami (Freshman) – Transferring to: Alabama
PG/SG | 6’5 | 190 lbs
24-25 Stats: 7.1 pts, 2.1 reb, 1.2 ast, 0.6 stl

As a 5-star recruit, Bethea had an abysmal year as Miami faced drama all season. He is now prepped to join Nate Oats at Alabama and can be the successor to Mark Sears in the backcourt.

---

Elliot Cadeau
North Carolina (Sophomore) – Transferring to: Michigan
PG | 6’1 | 180 lbs
24-25 Stats: 9.4 pts, 6.2 ast, 2.9 reb, 1.1 stl

Cadeau became a solid bloomer his sophomore year as a true playmaker and will now run point for the Wolverines.

---

Kanon Catchings
BYU (Freshman) – Transferring to: Georgia
PF | 6’9 | 190 lbs
24-25 Stats: 7.2 pts, 2.2 reb, 0.7 ast, 35% 3P

Catchings drew some solid interest as a stretch 4 but will join the Bulldogs as one of their key players in ’25-’26.

---

Donovan Dent
New Mexico (Junior) – Transferring to: UCLA
PG/SG | 6’2 | 185 lbs
24-25 Stats: 20.4 pts, 6.4 ast, 2.3 reb, 40.9% 3P

Dent’s consistent scoring dominance in the Mountain West landed him a big senior NIL deal for his hometown UCLA Bruins.

---

Tucker DeVries
West Virginia (Senior) – Transferring to: Indiana
SF/PF | 6’7 | 220 lbs
24-25 Stats: 8 GP, 14.9 pts, 4.9 reb, 47.3% 3P

After landing a medical redshirt for another season, Tucker will follow his dad once again to play his final year for the Hoosiers.

---

Zuby Ejiofor
St. John’s (Junior)
PF/C | 6’9 | 240 lbs
24-25 Stats: 14.7 pts, 8.1 reb, 1.6 ast, 1.4 blk

As one of the Big East’s breakout players, Ejiofor returns to Rick Pitino and the Red Storm on a loaded roster for ’25-’26.

---

Thomas Haugh
Florida (Sophomore)
PF | 6’9 | 210 lbs
24-25 Stats: 9.8 pts, 6.1 reb, 2.2 ast, 0.8 blk

After winning the National Championship, Haugh will opt to return and become a starter with the likely departure of Alex Condon.

---

Zvonimir Ivišić
Arkansas (Sophomore) – Transferring to: Illinois
C | 7’2 | 245 lbs
24-25 Stats: 8.5 pts, 4.3 reb, 1.9 blk, 37.6% 3P

Heading to a third school in three years, Big Z will join his brother with the Illini where he hopes he can develop a more sure-thing NBA game.

---

Ian Jackson
North Carolina (Freshman) – Transferring to: St. John’s
SG | 6’4 | 190 lbs
24-25 Stats: 11.9 pts, 2.7 reb, 0.9 ast, 39.5% 3P

As a 5-star freshman, Jackson opts to not even go through the draft process, and instead join his hometown Red Storm and work on becoming a 2026 1st Round lock.

---

Alex Karaban
UConn (Junior)
SF | 6’8 | 225 lbs
24-25 Stats: 14.3 pts, 5.3 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.5 blk

Karaban had an opportunity to shine for the Huskies and did not take full advantage, so he will use his final year of eligibility to build himself into a 2026 selection.

---

K.J. Lewis
Arizona (Sophomore) – Transferring to: Georgetown
SG | 6’4 | 205 lbs
24-25 Stats: 10.8 pts, 4.6 reb, 2.9 ast, 1.3 stl

Lewis’ high motor has attracted scouts’ eyes, and he will head to G-Town for his junior year to have an opportunity to be a more ball dominant player.

---

Jayden Quaintance
Arizona State (Freshman) – Transferring to: Kentucky
C | 6’9 | 225 lbs
24-25 Stats: 9.4 pts, 7.9 reb, 2.6 blk, 1.5 ast

Despite not being old enough to enter the draft, Quaintance will head to Lexington to work on his game and become a 2026 lottery pick.

---

Braden Smith
Purdue (Junior)
PG | 6’0 | 175 lbs
24-25 Stats: 15.8 pts, 8.7 ast, 4.5 reb, 2.2 stl

Purdue’s star playmaker will use up his final year of eligibility on a loaded Boilermakers roster that look to avenge their 2024 Championship loss.

---

Bennett Stirtz
Drake (Junior) – Transferring to: Iowa
PG/SG | 6’4 | 180 lbs
24-25 Stats: 19.2 pts, 5.7 ast, 4.3 reb, 2.1 stl

As the breakout star of March Madness, Stirtz went from D2 to legitimate NBA prospect and will now follow his coach to Big 10 basketball for his senior year.

---

Andrej Stojaković
California (Sophomore) – Transferring to: Illinois
SF | 6’7 | 205 lbs
24-25 Stats: 17.9 pts, 4.7 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.2 blk

Third college in three years, Stojakovic shined for Cal and will look to up his NBA potential by becoming a key piece for the Illini next year.

---

Dailyn Swain
Xavier (Sophomore) – Transferring to: Texas
SF | 6’8 | 220 lbs
24-25 Stats: 11 pts, 5.5 reb, 2.6 ast, 1.6 stl

Swain emerged as an elite defender in the Big East and will follow his coach Sean Miller to play for Texas next season.

---

J.T. Toppin
Texas Tech (Sophomore)
PF | 6’9 | 225 lbs
24-25 Stats: 19.2 pts, 9.4 reb, 1.5 blk, 55.4% FG

The Big 12 Player of the Year was the best transfer from last season and will run things back with Grant McCasland on a huge NIL bonus.

---

TOP 100

-LOTTERY-

The clear-cut number 1 overall pick, Flagg’s possession of quickness, finesse, and defensive potential at his size make him a potential star in the league. He can fit in just about anywhere, with the Jazz, Wizards, and Hornets possessing the best odds to land him.

---

Harper surpassed his Scarlet Knights teammate as the 2nd best prospect in the draft, possessing a James Harden-like offensive skillset. He can shoot, handle the ball, and has potential to be a solid defender in the league.

---

Choosing to play alongside another projected top 3 pick may have hurt Bailey’s numbers, but that doesn’t take away from his skillset. As a 6’10 combo forward, he can stretch the floor and holds the potential to be a 3-level scorer in the league.

---

Everyone knew he could play defense, but Edgecombe’s offensive versatility shined all year for the Bears and cemented him as a top 5 pick come June. He’ll be looked at as a true SG, with lockdown perimeter defense and energetic athleticism.

---

Johnson had a star-studded freshman year at Texas as one of the top recruits in the country. His shooting splits outlined what scouts knew all along, he’s an efficient scorer that can easily be a 20+ ppg guy in the NBA.

---

Queen developed into a top 10 worthy big man after a stellar freshman year for the Terps. Despite being a bit undersized as a true 5, he possesses all the tools of the modern day big, including ability to score off the dribble and potential to be a bruising rim protector.

---

Going into the season, Fears wasn’t regarded as one of the clear cut 5-star recruits that were ready to make an impact, but that’s exactly what he did. He was a lights out scorer, while also showing smooth ball handling skills and defensive capabilities guarding the perimeter.

---

Jakucionis’ size, finishing skills, and versatility has attracted scouts to project him as a lottery pick since the start of the season. A very good combine that can show off his improved shooting skills can push him closer to a top 5 pick.

---

He’s not the most athletic player in the draft, but Knueppel’s pure basketball skills, high IQ playmaking, and sharp shooting make him a top notch NBA prospect. It’s tough to imagine his skills not immediately translating to the pros.

---

Maluach’s raw potential and unbeatable size was on full display while playing in the Olympics against pros for South Sudan last summer. He’s 7’2 and still growing, already filled out in size, and has the ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim.

---

Traore has been getting better and better playing for Saint Quentin of the French LNB A league. He’s a smooth playmaker with solid scoring ability, size, and great passing skills as the top international prospect in the draft.

---

His numbers didn’t speak volumes to the role he played for the Huskies, as the entire team was stagnant while he dealt with injuries. McNeeley is an efficient scorer with size and rebounding skills to be a good wing in the NBA.

---

The son of 14-year NBA vet Jason Richardson, Jase shined for the Spartans, playing for his dad’s alma mater. He’s an efficient scorer with great shooting splits, and despite not being the high-flyer his dad was, he makes up for it as more of a playmaking combo guard.

---

There wasn’t many positives for the Gamecocks this past season except for this breakout sophomore. While averaging 17 and 8 in a loaded SEC, Murray-Boyles showed his pro level defensive skills while being a big-time rebounder as well.

---

-MID-TO-LATE 1ST ROUNDERS-

Newell led the Bulldogs all year to a near-tournament appearance as their 5-star freshman. He should be an easy lock in the middle of the 1st round, with low post skills on both offense and defense that can easily translate into the NBA.

---

Demin has wow’d scouts all season with his versatility as a 6’9 combo guard and high IQ passing skills. What is making him slide a bit is his shooting splits, and the unknown fact if he’ll ever be a consistent scorer at the next level.

---

Shining as a combo forward for Ulm of the BBL, Essengue’s raw talent at only 18 has catapulted him into the 1st round discussion. He’d be a bit of a project, but possesses some intriguing skills as a wing who can defend multiple positions.

---

Saraf has also bursted onto the scene for Ulm as their second 2006 born star that is attracting NBA potential. He’s a plus-sized playmaker at 6’5, that teams are looking at as a potentially solid European style bench piece.

---

Clayton’s jump from 0-star recruit to mid-major to national champion was a storyline that defined the 2024-25 college hoops season. He’s an efficient scorer, and the only thing that differentiates him from being a lottery pick is his size. Just don’t let him fall too far into the 1st round, the last thing the league needs is him to fall in the laps of the Celtics or Cavs.

---

Gonzalez’s numbers for Real Madrid have not been eye popping, but his touch and raw NBA potential is attracting to scouts. His game right now is based off winning qualities and “what ifs”, but teams seem to think those will be sure things to translate to the NBA.

---

Clifford opted to return for his fifth year and developed into one of the best 3-and-D players in college hoops. His 3-ball, defensive instincts, and rebounding skills at 6’6 should all convert well to the pros, and he can find himself rise into the late lottery with a good combine.

---

The Wolverines’ faithful saw glimpses of Nikola Jokic this year with their star transfer from Yale. Yes this may be a bit of an overkill, but Wolf has the size and unique passing ability at 7’0 to be a good big man in the league.

---

Sorber was Ed Cooley’s first big-time recruit since taking over at Georgetown and he did not disappoint with a dominant freshman year. He’s a big body 6’10 with low post defensive skills and should be a late 1st round selection for contenders who need backup bigs.

---

Condon bursted onto the scene for the Nationals Champs and has legitimate size and athleticism to be a good big man in the NBA. He’s a fringe 1st round pick, and returning to school as a supporting piece to Xaivian Lee and Thomas Haugh could line him up well for 2026.

---

Lendeborg filled up the stat sheet night after night for UAB of the A10. He’s slotted as a late 1st round pick, but if he needs to prove more in college, he can decide to return and transfer to Dusty May and the Wolverines as their star player for ’25-’26. It would be tough to turn down a late 1st round guarantee, but the possibilities of shining in the Big 10 could get him lottery looks in 2026 (not to mention good NIL pay).

---

Bryant is an interesting prospect who took a while to get going, due to the surplus of frontcourt depth that the Wildcats had. He’s a good ball handler and shooter at 6’7 and will look to get more clarity on his draft stock before deciding if he should return to Arizona.

---

Another interesting prospect that was tough to read at times, Riley re-classified and had some up-and-down moments as a young freshman for the Illini. His potential as a two-way Kelly Oubre-type talent intrigues scouts, and could get him to fly up draft boards based solely on what could be.

---

Penda’s point forward attributes and defensive versatility is what makes teams think his game is perfect for the NBA. He’s been one of the best players for one of France’s best pro teams, and he’ll likely be a wing option off the bench for a contender.

---

Fleming shined in his junior year for St. Joe’s, showing NBA level size and the ability to shoot the three at a high clip. For a team in need of a true combo forward that can guard several positions, he’ll be high on their boards, somewhere in the 25-30 range.

---

Jones has been one of college hoops’ most well-rounded scorers during his four years at Marquette and should be a guy taken on Day 1. Outside of being a matchup nightmare, he’s a solid passer at 6’5 giving combo guard potential in the NBA.

---

-2ND ROUNDERS-

Raynaud is a smooth big man that does just about everything from blocking to shooting a high clip from beyond the arc. He’s a guy that scouts may fall in love with at the combine, but it his biggest downfall will be a lack of athleticism that he makes up for in all-around skill and size.

---

Despite lackluster numbers for Cedevita, Beringer has flown up draft charts with his explosive athleticism and size at only 18. He’s an intriguing prospect, and one that many teams in need of bigs (even project ones) will look at towards the end of the 1st and into the 2nd round.

---

Powell’s freshman year at UNC didn’t bode well with some inconsistent play especially on the offensive end. Still, he shot 38% from three and was a polished defender all year, leading to him having high upside as an early 2nd round project.

---

Toohey opted out of last year’s draft to join the Sydney Kings in the NBL and develop into a more well-rounded wing. He has done just that, and should be a lock as a high upside early-to-mid 2nd round pick as a two-way bench piece in the league.

---

Fland was looking like a lottery pick as a 5-star playmaker until injuries shortened his season. His shooting splits have been hit or miss, and despite planning to be all in on the draft, Boogie has entered the portal as a fall back option if he doesn’t like his post-Combine draft stock.

---

Thiero’s offensive breakout while following Coach Cal from Kentucky to Arkansas propelled him into an early 2nd round lock for this draft. He is now a much more well-rounded player, with pro level defensive skills that have been proven since his freshman year.

---

Philon’s quick and explosive ball handling, mixed with passing and defensive instincts is what made him a 5-star recruit out of HS. There’s a lot of good guards in this draft, and he’ll likely slot behind some of the more established freshmen from this past year. Can’t rule out a return to Alabama in worst case-scenario.

---

Proctor finally developed the consistent jump shot that has kept him from being a sure draft pick over the last two years. Shooting a 45-41-68 clip, this is the best time for him to come out and he will likely get picked somewhere early on Day 2.

---

The raw and versatile Spanish big man has saw inconsistent minutes for Joventut but still holds good skills to be a promising NBA big man. He definitely will be a project, and could be a 2nd round pick that takes some time to come over to the States.

---

As the star big man for the Final Four squad, Broome will look to convince teams to take a flyer on him in the 2nd round. He’s a bit undersized and lacks athleticism as a true Center, also notably putting up a terrible standing vertical in the Combine.

---

Williams was the Red Raiders’ go-to option alongside JT Toppin, as a talented two-way wing. He definitely has an NBA future, and could either stay in the draft this year or opt to return for his senior year and test the transfer portal.

---

Kalkbrenner’s 5-year Creighton career came to an end this season with his 4th Big East Defensive Player of the Year award. He was a menace in the post and developed a better back-to-basket offensive game, but his lack of quickness will prevent him from being a 1st rounder.

---

Watkins’ two-way potential shined last year when he ultimately decided to return to the Seminoles. Now his draft stock may be on the rise as one of the more well crafted wings in the draft.

---

Brea’s size, defensive skills, and lethal three-point clip helped the Wildcats make their run to the Sweet 16 in Mark Pope’s first year at the helm. He should be a lock to be taken in the 2nd round, with two things that NBA scouts drool over, size and established shooting skills.

---

Lanier was one of the best transfers in the nation last year, leading the Volunteers in scoring and creating a real draft stock. He’s an efficient guard that can create his own shot, something you don’t always see too often in 2nd round guards.

---

Small was an incredible addition for DeVries and West Virginia, slotting into the teams top option while Tucker DeVries was hurt. He has NBA size, solid shooting splits, and an established passer who should definitely be taken somewhere in the 2nd round, if he decides to stay in the draft.

---

Winning Big East Player of the Year as the star for the dynamic Red Storm, Luis decided to skip his senior year with Rick Pitino and go all in on the draft or transfer portal. What keeps him out of the 1st round is his inefficient shooting splits and high turnover rate that was on display at the Combine. A more polished senior year would be in his best interest, but it likely won’t happen.

---

As a transfer for the Cougars, Uzan developed into their best pro prospect in 2025, with solid size to be a 3-and-D option in the league. He’s not much more than a 2nd round pick so returning for his final year in Houston, who is projected to be the best team in the country, could be on the table.

---

Dixon’s great Villanova career was capped off with a 23 ppg season, showing the nation how lethal of a scorer he has become. He missed out on playing for any competitive Wildcat teams, but he should be a lock as a 2nd round bench piece who turns 25 mid-season.

---

Coward was a star in the few games he played at Washington State this season before going down with a shoulder injury. He has probably the toughest choice of anyone in the draft, stay-in and possibly be a 1st rounder due to a great Combine performance or return to school where he will become one of Duke’s go-to scorers.

---

As a grad transfer, Jon Scheyer loved James’ intensity from Day 1, starting all season alongside a stacked roster of guards. He can hit the three and play good defense, and will be a late draft pick and potential two-way contract option.

---

Tonje spent his 6th year in college as a grad transfer from Missouri where he finally blossomed as the Badgers go-to scorer. He’s got some solid NBA skills, including tenacity on the boards and a solid three-point clip that will get teams to look at him in the 50’s.

---

After not being eligible for the draft last year, Pate had to swap squads after the G-League Ignite folded and played solid for Mexico City. He’s an athletic wing with raw skills and will likely get a shot from someone in the 2nd round.

---

Markovic had a late season flourish for famed Mega of the ABA, showing great size and the ability to stretch the floor from three. It’ll be interesting to see if he stays in the draft, as a player with his skillset that is a little more polished should be a 1st rounder.

---

Nembhard capped off his college career as D-1’s leading assist man this season while also showing lethal shooting. Similar to his brother, he’s a crafty, quick, and elusive guard that should easily get taken somewhere in the 2nd round.

---

Pettiford was one of the star freshmen for Bruce Pearl’s squad, aiding the bench for the Final 4 finishers. His athleticism showed out in the Combine, but his size doesn’t make him much more than a 2nd rounder. To stay or go? This will be another tough decision.

---

Sallis’ two years at Wake compared to his first two at Gonzaga were a night and day difference for the former 5-star recruit. He’s now ready for the pros and will be a solid bench scorer with combo guard potential.

---

Goldin followed his coach Dusty May from FAU to Michigan this past year and he developed right before our eyes on the big stage of the Big 10. I’ve always thought he was an NBA prospect since he was at Florida Atlantic, and now his size and tenacity in the paint should find him a home on the 2nd day of the draft.

---

Sears wrapped up a great college career with a deep run in the tournament for the Crimson Tide. He’s an undersized guard who, at times, is an inefficient scorer, but will either be one of the last picks or one of the first two-way undrafted signees.

---

-UNDRAFTED: TWO-WAY CONTRACT OPTIONS-

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

-UNDRAFTED: TRAINING CAMP INVITES-

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---