2025 NBA Mock Draft: Freshmen Rise as March Approaches

NEW YORK, NY — The latest updates to Bleacher Report’s 2025 NBA mock draft board reflect significant shifts in player rankings following recent college basketball performances. Freshmen are making headlines as they take advantage of new opportunities and increased freedom on the court.

Leading the list is Cooper Flagg from Duke University, the current top prospect. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Flagg has impressed scouts with his all-around game, which includes a remarkable box plus-minus of 14.4—one of the highest for a freshman in modern history. In recent games, Flagg has showcased his athleticism, playmaking, and shooting skill, breaking long-standing freshman records, prompting many to compare him to greats like Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis.

Following closely behind is Dylan Harper from Rutgers, who has solidified his position as a future NBA star. Harper, also 18 years old and 6 feet 6 inches tall, has made significant strides in his game, evident from his recent performance where he scored 34 points against Washington and contributed 25 points, nine assists, and six steals against USC. This efficiency under pressure emphasizes his potential as a creative scorer and playmaker.

In the third position is Ace Bailey, another Rutgers standout, whose size at 6 feet 10 inches allows him to command attention on the court. However, Bailey’s development has raised questions about his playmaking under defensive pressure, yet his scoring abilities make him a valuable asset for teams in need of a big-wing shotmaker.

The Charlotte Hornets‘ VJ Edgecombe comes in fourth. At 6 feet 5 inches and 180 pounds, the Bahamian native has recently evolved into a point-of-attack initiator for Baylor, demonstrating significant improvements in ball handling and shooting. His unique blend of athleticism and passing IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their wing depth.

As teams prepare for the draft, the Toronto Raptors have their eyes on Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center from Duke who offers an imposing presence in the paint. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers may look to Tre Johnson, whose scoring capabilities are complemented by his solid playmaking from the shooting guard position.

Scouts have been vocal about the uncertainty of other popular prospects entering the draft due to varying NIL compensation opportunities influencing whether players declare or return to school. This has resulted in additional speculation around potential selections, as teams assess the depth and immediate impact available in the upcoming draft.

With March Madness rapidly approaching, attention will be focused not just on teams vying for NCAA Championship glory, but also on how these young prospects perform under the bright lights, potentially solidifying their draft stock ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.