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**Editor’s Note:** For additional insights from Jonathan Wasserman on the 2025 Draft, check out his work on Bleacher Report. To access this article directly, click here.
The mock draft presented below does not represent the official order of selections, but is based on the current standings in the NBA.
(B/R) — As the 2025 Final Four approaches, it features several high seeds, potential NBA lottery picks, and emerging prospects looking to elevate their draft stock.
Cooper Flagg is now just two victories away from claiming a national championship, and he appears poised to be selected first overall in the upcoming draft. His biggest challenge yet will be against Houston’s defense, which recently limited Tennessee to just 50 points.
Florida’s tournament journey has spotlighted a trio of players whose performances are turning cautious scouts into true believers.
While Houston’s reputation is founded on defensive prowess, their top prospect is gaining attention for his scoring ability and playmaking talents.
Auburn’s lineup is spearheaded by Johni Broome, who has developed into a likely first-round talent. Meanwhile, Tahaad Pettiford is emerging as a name to watch for NBA franchises.
Flagg’s impressive performance of 30 points, seven assists, and three blocks against Arizona demonstrated his influence on every possession, whether it was by generating scoring opportunities, finishing plays, or facilitating for teammates.
He faced immense expectation leading into the season, yet he has successfully surpassed them, particularly with his ball-handling, shooting off the dribble, and a notable 49 three-pointers at a 37.4% rate.
After contributing 16 points to help Duke neutralize Alabama’s potent offense, Flagg is now making his way to the Final Four.
There’s little more to add about Flagg’s adaptability, escalating skill set, fierce competitive spirit, and his ability to take control in critical moments.
In a losing effort against USC, Dylan Harper scored 27 points, but Rutgers’ season came to an end. He will now shift focus to the draft as the top-rated guard, with teams such as the Wizards, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets possibly searching for an additional playmaker.
Harper’s aggressive style of play, exceptional finishing ability, shot production, and defensive instincts have widened the gap between him and the next guard prospect.
His 3.9 assists per game will not deter teams, especially given Harper’s knack for scoring and the league’s appreciation for guards who can dictate the tempo of a game.
VJ Edgecombe made several highlight plays during the postseason, showcasing his athleticism, shooting prowess, selflessness, and defensive hustle. His speed in transition, quickness in half-court scenarios, and hunting for steals make him an exciting prospect.
Though not as versatile a shooter as fellow freshman Ace Bailey, Edgecombe boasts a superior number of made three-pointers, nearly triple the assists, better free-throw shooting stats, and a more substantial defensive presence that might label him as the safer, more adaptable choice.
Though USC cut Ace Bailey’s season short, he had an impressive run, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, making him one of the youngest prospects this draft season. His 6-foot-10 frame combined with shooting and defensive abilities remain highly appealing.
Yet, Bailey’s shot selection, lack of vision, poor assist-to-turnover ratio, low free-throw attempts, and a subpar 69.2% from the line have made him a somewhat polarizing figure.
However, given the high expectations placed on him upon entering the season, scouts are likely to overlook the flaws of an 18-year-old with his unique blend of size and perimeter skills.
Those who held high expectations for Derik Queen prior to the NCAA tournament will likely feel even more assured following Maryland’s Sweet 16 exit. His 27-point performance on three made threes against No. 1 seed Florida is bound to sway some skeptics.
Queen’s scoring versatility, skill level, and basketball IQ point to his offensive potential, enough for teams to overlook his defensive shortcomings.
Jeremiah Fears may have experienced an early exit with Oklahoma, but he made a memorable impact with 20 points against Connecticut, highlighted by his incredible speed, change of direction, and creativity on the court.
With remarkable quickness, dynamic scoring abilities, and impressive playmaking passes, he remains a project to keep an eye on for teams willing to be patient regarding his three-point consistency and turnover issues.
Khaman Maluach utilized his towering 7-foot-2 structure effectively in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, snagging lobs and blocking shots.
His 80th dunk of the season in the 38th game speaks to his NBA translation in terms of finishing, rim protection, and defensive reach.
There’s potential for him to impress teams further during the predraft workouts where he can showcase the shooting skills seen in flashes last year.
Tre Johnson’s semi-final display in the NCAA tournament encapsulated his scouting strengths.
He dazzled with his perimeter shot creation, footwork for separation, balance on jumpers, and exceptional shooting talent from both on and off the ball. Still, there were moments where he struggled to finish at the rim or convert free-throw opportunities.
Despite these drawbacks, his talent, productivity, and competitiveness as a 6-foot-6 guard will likely outweigh any concerns. Expect Johnson to start garnering serious interest as a top-five draft choice, as his game is reliant on difficult shot-making without offering significant playmaking or impactful defense.
Jase Richardson’s 20-point performance on just eight shots against Ole Miss showcased his knack for spot-up threes and strategic dribble use. Despite a lackluster shooting display against Auburn, no major flaws became apparent in that loss.
His consistency is a key element behind his rising stock; even in a limited role, he has been a dependable source of scoring and high-energy plays.
It’s also evident he possesses more creativity than earlier numbers might indicate. While he excels off the ball, he’s also one of the nation’s most effective scorers in ball-screen situations, demonstrating elite finishing and a 49.1% success rate in pull-up shots.
Kon Knueppel hit his stride with 20 points each against Arizona and Alabama, implementing his skills within Duke’s structured offense through catch-and-shoot scenarios and aggressive drives. While he is well-suited for spot-up shooting, his ball-screen playmaking and court vision have also impressed.
His lack of explosiveness sometimes hinders him in traffic, yet NBA teams will likely view him as a versatile wing with size, shooting ability, passing intelligence, and a competitive edge on defense.
Even without a jump shot, Collin Murray-Boyles emerged as one of the most challenging individual covers in the SEC this year. The lingering concern is how his 6-foot-7, 245-pound, non-shooting game will transition at the next level.
Beyond scoring with strength in the post, he showed proficiency in facing up and using his dribble to attack and finish. His expanded offensive repertoire has added essential versatility, potentially appealing to NBA organizations.
Kasparas Jakucionis struggled with his shooting during the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, although concerns about his shotmaking remain less prominent. There’s optimism about how his positional size, clever footwork, shooting capability, and passing IQ could mitigate his lack of explosiveness and quickness.
At times, he displayed control with his pace and ability to hit difficult step-backs and finish with body control. Conversely, in other games, he faced challenges generating quality looks, particularly under pressure.
Overall, for a 6-foot-6 18-year-old, his production, creativity as a playmaker, off-ball versatility, and clutch late-game performances have solidified him in the top-10 projections.
Evidence increasingly suggests that skill and basketball IQ can offset athletic limitations for ball-handlers, particularly those who are proficient shooters. Despite hitting a rough patch from deep lately, there’s a track record of encouraging shooting performance from Jakucionis’ time in Barcelona and Lithuania.
The youngest prospect in the draft recently capped off a stellar March with his second 20-point game in the German League.
Noa Essengue made an impression with 20 points against the Portland Trail Blazers in the preseason.
At just 18 years of age and still developing his functional ball-handling and perimeter shooting, Essengue has managed to contribute 10.7 points and 4.8 rebounds against professional competition.
Some teams may prioritize immediate contributions in areas like playmaking, shooting, or shot-blocking. However, given his 6-foot-9 stature, age, productivity, and potential to enhance his 23.6% shooting from beyond the arc, others will see him as a worthwhile high-floor, high-ceiling prospect.
Asa Newell delivered a typical performance against Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds, combining one-handed finishes with athletic plays.
However, he lacks the skill to consistently lead an offense, and his shooting has proven unreliable.
Nonetheless, his 6-foot-11 size, movement, solid production, defensive tools, and touch around the rim could mark him as a reliable pick. Newell has the ability to contribute effectively off the ball within an offense, and it seems feasible to bet on his 29 made threes and 74.4% from the free-throw line as indicators of valuable shooting potential.
Throughout three NCAA tournament matches, Carter Bryant served as a reminder of his dependency on spot-up shooting and transition chances.
Nonetheless, he demonstrated solid mechanics when shooting, suggesting scouts could trust in his long-term potential. His physical attributes, along with defensive and play-finishing capabilities, also appear translatable. A 6-foot-8, 220-pound three-and-D wing is poised to attract serious attention in the mid-first round.
Regardless of Liam McNeeley’s performance in the NCAA tournament, NBA teams have a clear understanding of his value.
His proficiency in spot-up shooting, scoring off screens, and transition play should be both valuable and easily translatable. As he develops more ball-handling skills to attack downhill and make decisions, he will likely find a role in an NBA rotation.
However, concerns about his athleticism and defensive limitations suggest a ceiling likely short of stardom, and he’ll need to refine his pull-up game to become a more formidable offensive threat. A 43.9 two-point shooting percentage could be a red flag for a potential lottery pick.
Ben Saraf recorded a season-best 22 points and eight assists against Fraport, showcasing his ability to generate offense with his explosive drives and ball-screen setups. After hitting multiple three-pointers for the first time in over two months, teams will take notice regarding his shooting form and distance.
Moreover, Saraf has been effective with over 50 pull-up shots, achieving a 40.0% success rate in the mid-range on more than 100 attempts along with a well-developed floater.
Ultimately, he would be drafted primarily for the likelihood that his creative playstyle, rim pressure, and court vision will transition well.
Egor Demin improved his standing during the NCAA tournament by exemplifying the advantages of his size and ball-handling against Alabama. Against VCU, he connected on three three-pointers and displayed a repertoire of shots that he made sporadically during the season, instilling confidence in his development as an outside shooter.
However, it is Demin’s playmaking that will most attract interest from teams, projecting as the area likely to translate most effectively.
Unfortunately, his propensity for turnovers, unimpressive shooting, and limited off-ball impact could make him a tough fit for playoff rotations in the NBA next year.
Some teams might overlook an off-the-bench ball-dominant point guard lacking shooting potential while others may be intrigued by the prospect of an 18-year-old playmaker with substantial potential in LNB Pro A.
Teams may bet on his ability to operate offenses and run pick-and-roll plays effectively, bringing energy, passing skills, and tempo. It’s too soon to dismiss his shooting ability, but investing in Traore will ultimately mean focusing on his knack for aggressive scoring and facilitating open looks.
Nique Clifford’s contributions of 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists were not enough to secure a victory over Maryland. Yet, his consistent output and development relative to the previous year have attracted the attention of NBA scouts.
Clifford emerged as a prospect to watch, gaining credit for his versatility on both offensive and defensive fronts while showcasing an improved shot-making ability. He has transitioned into a go-to player capable of creating his own shots and orchestrating offensive flow.
Danny Wolf made a strong case to scouts against Auburn, marking his performance with 20 points and impressive highlights that illustrated his scoring and playmaking flair.
While his three-point statistics may not show clear signs of improvement, he added a pull-up and step-back to his skill set this season. Standing at 7 feet, he has produced 21 dribble jumpers while serving as Michigan’s primary playmaker, averaging nearly 10 rebounds and 1.4 blocks — elements that should undoubtedly draw NBA interest.
A foot injury in his recent past threatens to complicate Thomas Sorber’s predraft activity. He has remained inactive since February 15 and was often kept in check by stronger opposition during the tournament.
But throughout the season, his finishing, post skills, and passing were notably advanced. Demonstrating defensive disruptions (2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals), he displayed both confidence and comfort shooting from mid-range and beyond, even with subpar shooting percentages.
The NCAA tournament showcased both the best and worst of Will Riley — launching into the spotlight with 22 points on just 12 shots against Xavier, demonstrating impressive shooting capabilities before faltering in a loss against Kentucky where he struggled to generate separation.
Concerns arise from his limited explosiveness and negative wingspan, which might hamper his transition to the next level, particularly on nights when he is unable to hit his jump shots.
Nonetheless, in recent weeks, Riley has appeared more confident and decisive in shooting while creating for himself and facilitating for teammates.
Some teams may see potential in a scoring wing standing 6-foot-8, while others might view him as a project with an extended NBA timetable, bearing the risk of being a draft bust.
Even if Noah Penda’s contributions seem modest, they emphasize a specific type of versatility the NBA often seeks.
A 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward who can shoot open threes, facilitate passing, cut for easy scores, and display defensive awareness is likely to attract interest based on fit rather than upside.
Rasheer Fleming’s lackluster playoff performance is disappointing, but it doesn’t obscure his progress in shot-making and the potential archetype he presents.
As the sole player in the nation with at least 60 three-pointers and 40 dunks (one of only eight ever), he is well-equipped to fill a stretch-4 role in the NBA, given his 6-foot-9, 240-pound build, capable of shooting, finishing high above the rim, and providing defensive disruptions.
Yaxel Lendeborg has emerged as a sought-after prospect leading into the draft process, showcasing an impressive season both production-wise and through standout performances in the AAC tournament and NIT.
At 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, his versatility in attacking, finishing plays, facilitating passes, securing second-chance points, and defensive impact should lower the barriers concerning his shooting ability. He has already made 25 threes, nearly twice as many as last year.
After regressing under 10 minutes a game with Real Madrid, Hugo Gonzalez will likely need to rely on workouts to impress NBA teams.
Although he has delivered promising sequences demonstrating NBA wing size, athleticism, defensive effort, and potential shot-making, his developmental progress has been less visible since his previous growth.
A team willing to take a chance based on his U18 and FIBA tape might select him early, while skepticism may loom for a player who averaged just 3.3 points and 10.0 minutes per game recently.
Scouts have appreciated JT Toppin’s consistent scoring and relentless pursuit of points in the paint. He exceeded 20 points in each of Texas Tech’s NCAA tournament games, leveraging his combination of physicality and finesse.
Florida’s talented big men challenged Toppin’s style, raising queries about the transferability of his scoring approach in the NBA considering his 6-foot-9 stature. While his trademark push shots occasionally fell flat, his capability from beyond the arc was evident in a pair of pick-and-pop threes.
Walter Clayton’s clutch performance, including making three critical three-pointers during Florida’s comeback victory over Texas Tech, has now become a recurrent narrative for him in the NCAA tournament and may draw the attention of NBA teams.
His boldness and shooting talents will likely help certain franchises overlook concerns regarding his height and passing ability.
Kam Jones may not have shown his best game in Marquette’s NCAA tournament exit against New Mexico, but he had averaged 28.0 points in his previous three games.
The departure of Tyler Kolek presented an opportunity for him to display his playmaking talents, a crucial jump for a 6-foot-5 guard boasting over 300 career three-pointers and excellent finishing efficiency across seasons.
Considerations about his age or potential upside may become less pressing late in the first round as teams in search of more ball-handlers or offensive firepower may lean towards Jones after younger stars have been selected.
Maxime Raynaud’s season came to a close after a defeat to Kent State in the NIT, but he made history as the second-leading 7-footer in threes shot for a season, trailing only Lauri Markkanen.
Raynaud also averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds with remarkable offensive versatility, scoring impressively using his size and touch. Whatever doubts teams may have regarding his defensive viability, the current trends in his production are compelling enough to overlook at this stage in the draft.
Michigan State struggled against Johni Broome until he left the game with an injury in the second half. Broome was effectively finishing plays, scoring through pick-and-rolls, and grabbing offensive rebounds.
However, even after returning somewhat hobbled, he managed to sink another three-pointer in the game. NBA scouts are likely to appreciate his toughness as well as his evolving passing, interior skills, and perimeter shooting as he enters his fifth collegiate season.
Bennett Stirtz has elevated his profile through strong showings against Missouri and Texas Tech, validating a remarkable season in the MVC. He now considers options for the draft, weighing stock improvement possibilities at the NBA combine against a transfer to Iowa, where he can enhance his case against Big Ten competition before the 2026 draft.
Whether he opts to stay or declare will be contingent on personal choices and ambitions. Presently, he appears to be an attractive prospect for first-round consideration based on his scoring, ingenuity, and basketball IQ. Should his success carry into next season against formidable opponents, he’s likely to secure a first-round slot in 2026.
The rise of Thomas Haugh is drawing attention, with scouts pondering his position in this year’s draft if he opts to declare. Haugh had a crucial role in Florida’s win against Texas Tech, contributing significantly with shot-making and hitting four three-pointers. His exceptional passing and shooting paired with off-ball efforts as a cutter and rim runner make him appealing to teams.
Haugh’s impact in the NCAA tournament will prompt NBA teams to revisit his regular-season footage. As one of the players to watch in the Final Four, he has a compelling case for returning to enhance his draft stock further during the 2025-26 season.
However, it is also reasonable to suppose that he will test the draft waters this year; given his desirable skill set as a hybrid forward or wing, many franchises may be keen to select him early and nurture his development.
Milos Uzan rebounded from a lackluster outing against Gonzaga to deliver 22 points, six assists, and the game-winning basket in the Sweet 16.
His remarkable assist-to-turnover ratio has highlighted him as a proficient decision-maker, while his shooting numbers—including a 44.3% accuracy off the catch and 41.7% on pull-ups—coupled with an exceptional floater percentage (48.4% on 93 attempts) resonate with scouts.
Isaiah Evans hasn’t registered significant numbers in the tournament, leading to hopes for increased playing time. But his high school evidence and performance at Duke illustrate his capacity for high-level shot-making.
Even if he’s not projected to offer much outside of shooting, his potential as a movement shooter on a 6-foot-6 frame could secure him a role as a scorer from off the ball.
Joan Beringer has emerged in this year’s draft conversation, showcasing a high shot-block rate and impressive defensive agility at 6-foot-11.
Although he currently lacks offensive prowess, Beringer’s physical attributes, movement capabilities, and shot-contesting skills suggest his transition could succeed in a similar defensive role with Cedevita.
With a three-point shooting percentage that has risen to 43.8%, Bogoljub Markovic is increasingly captivating onlookers with his size and glimpses of ball-handling ability.
Though shot-blocking is not his strength, his offensive capabilities and growing skill set have started to become more reliable for a 19-year-old measuring 6-foot-11.
Adou Thiero’s brief five-minute stint in the game against Texas Tech followed a month-long absence due to a knee injury, but it has raised hopes that he can participate in predraft workouts.
His shooting remains a concern, yet he has developed a better self-creation game inside the arc, which is essential for his versatility on offense.
Combining transition athleticism, finishing ability, and defensive IQ, teams might begin to view him as a viable option for a unique non-shooting wing or combo forward.
Alex Toohey doubled his three-point makes from the previous year, leaving teams to consider his shooting progression as key to maximizing his potential.
His ability as a 6-foot-9 wing to thrive in transition while finishing plays effectively makes him a player to monitor during the NBA combine scrimmages.
Ryan Kalkbrenner had another effective season in post-scoring, finishing, and blocking shots. After enhancing his three-point shooting marginally from last May’s workout, he aims to return to the NBA.
Though Kalkbrenner’s prospects hinge on his ability to consistently convert from beyond the arc, his height at 7-foot-1 and refined offensive game combined with defensive capabilities present an appealing prospect for potential second-round draftees.
Chaz Lanier faced significant challenges against Houston’s stringent defense but previously excelled by sinking 10 three-pointers across Tennessee’s first two NCAA tournament victories.
Teams seeking offensive improvement will likely overlook his age and limited versatility due to his shooting capabilities.
Tyrese Proctor emerged as a highlight during Duke’s early tournament rounds, where he netted a combined 14 three-pointers against Mount St. Mary’s and Baylor. His ability to score from all levels was showcased in a 17-point game against Alabama.
NBA scouts will predominantly be drawn to his shooting prowess, while evidence of his passing acumen suggests he has far more playmaking qualities than the assist statistics reveal.
Boogie Fland made a commendable return to the NCAA tournament after missing the past two months; however, his performance was subpar—shooting only 4 for 18 over three games and logging a mere nine minutes against Texas Tech.
Fland’s inconsistencies raised questions regarding his viability as a starting NBA point guard, especially regarding his size and athleticism when driving or finishing.
Nevertheless, his ball-handling skills, creativity in playmaking, and consistent shooting elevate him as a promising scoring option off the bench for NBA teams.
Ian Jackson showed potential as North Carolina’s primary scoring threat throughout the season, with the ability to create his own drives and knock down jumpers, making him an intriguing player for NBA teams seeking instant offense.
However, his late-season dip in form, combined with a lack of playmaking skills, might restrict him to a scoring specialist role in the league.
Alex Condon stayed relatively under the radar during Florida’s stretch to the Final Four, given the Gators’ overall depth and limited requirement for scoring from their 6-foot-11 player.
His size, athletic capability, defensive adaptability, passing skills, and shooting ability evident in his 19 made threes make him an intriguing candidate. He could either enter the draft aiming for a late-first round pick or return to refine his shooting, dribbling, and ultimately, his 2026 draft stock.
Despite experiencing underwhelming performances against Arkansas, Darrion Williams still delivered a game-winning drive and added 23 points against Florida.
His current standing leads to mixed opinions among scouts due to his scoring versatility, passing skills, and post-play, alongside concerns about his athletic limitations and reliance on physicality.
His offensive adaptability should ideally position him as a valuable asset in the second round.
Michael Ruzic’s decision to remain in the draft or elevate his stock may hinge on his impending performance at next month’s Nike Hoop Summit. Following a productive but injury-interrupted season in the ACB, his output in Eurocamp merely reinforces what teams had observed prior.
Having missed several months due to a thumb injury, Ruzic now faces the challenge of reclaiming his previous form. His tall stature of 6-foot-10 combined with enhanced perimeter skills for shooting and creating could pique interest.
Alex Karaban steps into this draft cycle poised similarly to last year. He may not excel off the dribble; however, at 6-foot-8, his shooting range and movement shooting may attract NBA teams looking for a supportive role player.
Sergio De Larrea has been sidelined due to injury, yet his previous performances highlighted his shooting and playmaking potential while playing for one of the ACB’s top teams, and his solid record of 21 career FIBA appearances and a Euroleague debut at 17 already places him on the radar.
His current 45.2% accuracy from beyond the arc as a 6-foot-5, 19-year-old combo guard competing in ACB and Eurocup competitions is noteworthy. A strong showing at the NBA combine could further elevate his prospects.
Jamir Watikins enjoyed an impressive season showcasing physical scoring abilities, adept ball-screen executions, defensive adaptability, and shooting capability, even if he hasn’t deviated much from his previous season’s perception as a potential second-round selection.
While doubts linger around his shooting consistency, there are those who will note the appeal of his archetype—an athletic 6-foot-7, 210-pound wing adept at handling and playmaking.
Xaivian Lee transformed into a more creative playmaker this season, which may enhance how teams view his potential as a future NBA guard. His inventiveness has drawn attention, and he made 59 three-pointers, boasting a solid 42.0% success rate on pull-up attempts.
Having previously tested the draft landscape last year, Lee didn’t manage to progress from G League Elite Camp to the NBA combine. Securing a direct invite to the combine this year would bolster opportunities for him to validate the impressive averages of 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists he achieved in the Ivy League.
Mouhamed Faye’s notable defensive range is captivating; he has also impressed with his size and leaping ability, resulting in 59 dunks this season.
He may experience challenges while anchoring in the post, but the capacity to move his feet and cover ground when contested can assist teams in envisioning him as a switchable big man capable of guarding in space and blocking shots.
Koby Brea’s quiet outing against Tennessee raised concerns about his dependability in games without successful shooting efforts. Nevertheless, some scouts believe his shooting prowess warrants a spot in the draft. The group of collegiate players standing 6-foot-6 who have shot 42.0% on 700 attempts is notably brief, with half carving out successful NBA careers.
There could be franchises eager to invest in Sion James’ exceptional strength as a wing or ball-handler. Weighing 220 pounds, he’s an imposing force on the drive while demonstrating solid secondary playmaking skills and impressive spot-up shooting accuracy (50.0%).
Initially perceived as a project due to shooting concerns, Dink Pate appeared on an encouraging trajectory early this season. However, inconsistency has surfaced in recent months, causing doubt regarding the reliability of his long-range shot heading into the draft.
Despite spending two years in the G League, he just turned 19 this past March. With a second-round pick, teams may still find merit in an intriguing 6-foot-8 ball-handler/guard capable of scoring efficiently in various scenarios.
Although queries linger about Eric Dixon’s adaptability at higher levels—specifically regarding his defense and offensive separation—he’s positioned himself as a talking point late in the second round as the nation’s leading scorer, securing 94 three-pointers at 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds.
There’s a possibility he has developed as a shooter sufficient to make his mark in a stretch-four or pick-and-pop role.
Rocco Zikarsky’s season ended prematurely due to a knee injury, an unfortunate outcome after what had been an unremarkable year overall.
His age, size, and junior impact should still draw attention from scouts ahead of the draft. Certain teams may be inclined to wait and see if a late-second-round value becomes evident in a 7-foot-2 18-year-old capable of scoring second-chance points with a promising defensive outlook. However, perceptions may have suffered throughout the season.
Vlad Goldin contributed 23 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks against Texas A&M, yet Michigan struggled to utilize him effectively against Johni Broome and Auburn’s defense. He has emerged as a potential second-round mention, especially with his impressive 7-foot-1, 250-pound frame and touch. After hitting 11 three-pointers this year—an intriguing evolution for this player who previously attempted none—the draft evaluations are sure to consider his progress in workouts.
Jonathan Wasserman serves as the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on X. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
Statistics are sourced from Synergy Sports and Sports Reference.
