NBA Draft

NBA Draft: Potential Top Five Candidates in the 2025 NBA Draft

With elite prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey seeming locked in as top five picks, the other two spots remain wide open with several freshmen fighting their way into the mix.

Jace Derryberry

Texas Longhorns head coach Rodney Terry speaks with guard Tre Johnson (20) during a break in the second half of the Longhorns' game against the Chicago State Cougars at the Moody Center in Austin, Nov. 12, 2024.
Texas Longhorns head coach Rodney Terry speaks with guard Tre Johnson (20) during a break in the second half of the Longhorns' game against the Chicago State Cougars at the Moody Center in Austin, Nov. 12, 2024. / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The 2025 NBA draft class is widely regarded as featuring impressive talent at the top. While players like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey appear to have solidified their spots in the top five, several others are still vying for the remaining positions. At the moment, a handful of college freshmen seem like strong contenders to round out the top five. Whether through impressive production or elite potential, the race is wide open, and standout performances during conference play could make the strongest cases for these players.

Let’s take a look at six prospects who currently have the best opportunities to secure a top-five selection in the NBA draft:

VJ Edgecombe | Guard | Baylor | 6’5” | 180 lbs | Freshman

VJ Edgecombe has impressed for Baylo
Dec 11, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) dunks the ball against the Norfolk State Spartans during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images / Chris Jones-Imagn Images

VJ Edgecombe has been one of the best perimeter defenders in this freshman class. While his two-way potential is extremely promising, he will need to continue proving that his offensive game is equally effective. Through his first 11 games, Edgecombe has averaged 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.2 blocks, with improving shooting splits of 42.2%/30.4%/68.6%. Encouragingly, he has shot at least 40% from deep in his last three games, showcasing growth in his shooting potential as he begins Big 12 conference play. His physical tools alone make him a top-five candidate, but refining his all-around game will be key to maximizing his draft value.

Tre Johnson | Guard | Texas | 6’6” | 190 lbs | Freshman

Tre Johnson has impressed for Texa
Dec 8, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Tre Johnson (20) goes up to dunk during the first half against the Connecticut Huskies at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Tre Johnson has been one of the most productive scoring freshmen in the nation. As the primary offensive option for an 11-2 Texas team, he has shown considerable long-term potential as an offensive weapon at the next level. Johnson is averaging 19.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals on impressive shooting splits of 49.1%/44.6%/83.9%. While his scoring primarily comes from jump shots, developing his ability to attack the rim will expand how NBA teams perceive his game. Additionally, he has demonstrated better-than-expected passing ability. Continuing to diversify his scoring and improve his playmaking could significantly impact how early his name is called on draft night.

Egor Demin | Guard | BYU | 6’9” | 190 lbs | Freshman

Egor Demin has impressed for BY
Dec 3, 2024; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) dribbles against Providence Friars guard Bensley Joseph (7) during the second half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Egor Demin has quickly established himself as one of the most unique prospects in this draft class. With excellent positional size and impressive on-ball skills, he boasts one of the highest upsides among playmakers in this group. Despite some struggles after returning from injury, Demin is averaging 12.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals on shooting splits of 47%/34.1%/68%. His playmaking and basketball IQ have stood out, but questions remain about how his game will translate on both ends of the floor in the NBA. If he can improve his defense and create more space off the dribble, Demin could cement himself as a top-five pick during Big 12 play.

Asa Newell | Forward | Georgia | 6’11” | 220 lbs | Freshman

Asa Newell has impressed for Georgi
Dec 3, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) dunks in front of Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Kebba Njie (14) at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Asa Newell embodies the prototype of a modern NBA big man. With great size, mobility and flashes of outside scoring, he has been a key factor in Georgia’s 12-1 start. Newell is averaging 15.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks on shooting splits of 59%/26.9%/65.8%. While his outside shooting remains inconsistent, the rest of his game is polished enough to give him time to develop. Newell’s instincts as an off-ball defender, coupled with his length and mobility, consistently disrupt opponents. If he can become a reliable three-point shooter, his ceiling is as high as any big man in this class.

Derik Queen | Forward | Maryland | 6’10” | 246 lbs | Freshman

Derik Queen has impressed for Marylan
Dec 17, 2024; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) drives to the basket against St. Francis (Pa) Red Flash forward Valentino Pinedo (31) during the second half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images / Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Derik Queen is an intriguing prospect who combines a powerful frame with surprising on-ball creativity and skill. While his jump shot is still a question mark, nearly every other aspect of his offensive game looks well-developed. Through Maryland’s 11-2 start, Queen is averaging 16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals and one block on shooting splits of 59.2%/12.5%/79%. He creates mismatches by overpowering smaller defenders inside and attacking big men off the dribble on the perimeter. His soft touch near the rim and excellent positioning for rebounds are complemented by standout passing vision. Although his draft range remains wide, maintaining this level of dominance in Big Ten play could propel him up draft boards.

Jeremiah Fears | Guard | Oklahoma | 6’4” | 182 lbs | Freshman

Jeremiah Fears has impressed for Oklahom
Nov 28, 2024; Paradise Island, Bahamas, BHS; Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears (0) passes the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Jeremiah Fears has been one of the biggest surprises in this freshman class, thanks to his scoring ability and defensive instincts. As the primary initiator for Oklahoma’s 13-0 start, Fears is averaging 18.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.2 steals on shooting splits of 50.3%/30.6%/86.4%. His shifty handle allows him to create space and score effectively at all three levels. His end-to-end speed creates easy transition opportunities, keeping constant pressure on opposing defenses. However, his aggressive play can lead to turnovers. If Fears improves his three-point shooting consistency and limits turnovers during conference play, he could continue his rapid ascent up draft boards.

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Jace Derryberry
JACE DERRYBERRY

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