Following the 2025 NBA draft, ESPN gathered insights from numerous college basketball coaches who have scouted and competed against the drafted players. They shared their perspectives on key prospects like Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Egor Demin, and Cedric Coward, addressing lingering questions about their translation to the NBA and their draft positions.
Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper in a Class of Their Own
Coaches widely agreed that Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper stand in a tier of their own at the top of the 2025 NBA draft class. Flagg, selected first overall, was lauded for his collegiate performance, winning the Wooden Award and leading Duke to the Final Four. Coaches praised his readiness, toughness, and improved shooting, noting his comfort in various offensive situations and predicting he`ll be the Rookie of the Year, especially benefiting from playing alongside veterans in Dallas.
Harper, the second pick, was described as one of the best players coaches had faced in years, a `pick-and-roll maestro` with an `All-NBA ceiling,` placing him significantly above the rest of the class according to multiple respondents.
THE NEXT TIER
No. 3: VJ Edgecombe, 76ers
VJ Edgecombe`s athleticism and defensive versatility were highlighted by coaches, who noted his significant improvement throughout the season at Baylor. While praised for his high-flying ability and defense across multiple positions, some coaches questioned his potential as a primary offensive creator in the NBA, seeing him more as a slasher and transition player.
No. 4: Kon Knueppel, Hornets
Duke`s Kon Knueppel was recognized as the draft`s top catch-and-shoot perimeter threat. Coaches saw his comfort as a secondary option, which bodes well for his fit with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in Charlotte. While considered a safe pick with a high floor due to his shooting, questions remain about his defensive footspeed and ability to guard one-on-one in the NBA.
No. 5: Ace Bailey, Jazz
Once considered a top-two prospect, Ace Bailey slightly dropped to No. 5, partly due to questions surrounding his measurement (6-7 1/2) and pre-draft process. Coaches admired his scoring talent and versatility as an NBA wing but voiced concerns about his reliance on contested shots and perceived disengagement on the defensive end, emphasizing the need for defensive `buy-in`.
No. 6: Tre Johnson, Wizards
Tre Johnson was praised for his offensive prowess, particularly his shooting ability, with one coach calling him `one of the best shooters in the draft.` While his scoring kept him in the lottery conversation, coaches questioned his impact on winning when his shot isn`t falling, noting his limited contributions in other facets of the game.
No. 7: Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans
Jeremiah Fears was highlighted as a significant riser, reclassifying into the 2024 class and impressing at Oklahoma with his dynamic scoring ability and composure under pressure as a young guard. Coaches compared him to Cam Thomas but with better playmaking. His consistency as a perimeter shooter and need to physically mature were noted as areas for development.
MORE FIRST-ROUND STORYLINES
Egor Demin: Lottery`s biggest riser
Egor Demin was described as the lottery`s biggest riser, returning to a top-10 spot after fluctuating stock. Coaches were divided, some praising his size, elite passing, and potential shooting improvement with NBA spacing, while others questioned his defense and consistent shooting. His selection was seen as part of the Nets` commitment to international scouting, taking multiple international players whose stock had shifted.
Khaman Maluach: Duke`s third top-10 pick
Duke`s Khaman Maluach, selected 10th, is seen as a project pick based on his impressive size (7-2) and length, offering significant defensive potential (shot-blocking, rebounding). While some coaches noted his potential to develop a perimeter shot, others questioned his current skill level and athleticism compared to other big men, viewing him primarily as a `lob-catching big` who will require patience from the Suns.
Cedric Coward: From D3 to lottery
Cedric Coward`s remarkable journey from Division III to the No. 11 pick captivated coaches. They praised his continuous improvement, defensive versatility, post-up game, and shooting ability, seeing him as a high-end role player who impacts winning without needing to carry the offense. While some questioned if No. 11 was high given his limited Power Five experience, others bet on his trajectory and compared his potential traits to Kawhi Leonard.
Carter Bryant: Most unproven lottery pick
Carter Bryant was labeled the most unproven lottery pick, entering the draft after a freshman season at Arizona with limited starts. Despite this, coaches highlighted his positional size, athleticism, and potential as a shooter (nearly 39% from three in conference play). He is seen as a big wing with shooting upside, but the Spurs will need patience given his relative lack of showcased ability.
Veterans become higher first-round priority
Coaches noted a continuing trend of older, more experienced college players being drafted higher, with several veterans selected in the first round. This is attributed to increased financial opportunities in college (NIL) allowing players to stay longer and develop, and the transfer portal highlighting mid-major talents. While beneficial for teams seeking polished role players, coaches predict this trend might shift, especially with potential changes in revenue sharing affecting college earning potential, potentially leading more borderline prospects to enter the draft earlier.
One coach specifically pointed out the potential for a weaker second round due to NIL keeping many potential early second-rounders in college this year, suggesting fewer guaranteed deals for later picks compared to previous drafts.
OTHER NOTABLE FIRST-ROUNDERS
No. 9: Collin Murray-Boyles, Raptors
First non-freshman picked: South Carolina`s Collin Murray-Boyles, the first non-freshman picked, was described as having a unique game. Despite being slightly undersized for a frontcourt player, coaches noted his defensive potential, passing ability, and effectiveness around the basket, although his shooting needs development. He is seen as a `blend player` who can help a team function but might not be an immediate individual difference-maker for a team like Toronto.
No. 13: Derik Queen, Pelicans
No. 25: Jase Richardson, Magic
No. 27: Danny Wolf, Nets
Mixed reviews: Coaches offered mixed reviews on a trio of Big Ten draftees. Maryland`s Derik Queen (No. 13) was praised for his skill and passing as a big man, but questions about his athleticism and motor were raised. Michigan State`s Jase Richardson (No. 25) drew skepticism due to his size for a scoring guard, with coaches unsure of his NBA archetype. Michigan`s Danny Wolf (No. 27) was recognized for his unique playmaking role as a big at Yale but noted for high turnovers and a lack of elite skills in any one area, leaving teams to decide whether to refine one skill or embrace his versatility.
No. 18: Walter Clayton Jr., Jazz
NCAA tournament impact: Walter Clayton Jr.`s rise to No. 18 was directly linked by coaches to his standout performance during Florida`s deep NCAA tournament run. His scoring outbursts on a national platform were credited with significantly boosting his draft stock and earning him `millions and millions of dollars`.
No. 20: Kasparas Jakucionis, Heat
No. 29: Liam McNeeley, Hornets
Biggest slides of opening night: Illinois` Kasparas Jakucionis and UConn`s Liam McNeeley were highlighted as players who experienced the biggest slides from their projected spots. Coaches saw them as potential values where they landed. Jakucionis was praised as a three-level scorer and tough player whose stats cooled off later in the season. McNeeley, a former five-star recruit, was seen as a better shooter and overall player than his draft position suggested, with his slide potentially influenced by an ankle injury during the season.
No. 22: Drake Powell, Nets
Surprise pick: North Carolina`s Drake Powell was considered a surprise pick at No. 22. While his elite athleticism was evident at the combine, coaches questioned his inconsistent offensive role and whether he possesses the shooting or defensive prowess necessary to immediately fulfill a `3-and-D` role in the NBA.
No. 30: Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Clippers
Made the cut: Penn State`s Yanic Konan Niederhauser capped a rapid ascent by being selected with the last pick of the first round. Coaches noted his significant improvement from Northern Illinois to Penn State and through the pre-draft process, suggesting he`s `just scratching the surface` of his potential and could have been a lottery pick next year if he returned to college, drawing comparisons to Dereck Lively II.
SECOND-ROUND NOTES
No. 35 Johni Broome, 76ers
No. 42: Maxime Raynaud, Kings
No. 48: Javon Small, Grizzlies
No. 53: John Tonje, Jazz
Coaches pointed to several second-round picks as significant values, including Johni Broome (No. 35), Maxime Raynaud (No. 42), Javon Small (No. 48), and John Tonje (No. 53). Broome, a consensus first-team All-American and Player of the Year runner-up, was particularly noted, with coaches arguing his college production and impact on winning in a strong conference warranted a much higher selection compared to first-round big men.
