Key Takeaways:
- Duke boasts three projected lottery picks, including standout guard-forward Cooper Flagg
- Florida’s Alex Condon and Auburn’s Johni Broome are increasing their draft stock with Final Four runs
- The mock draft highlights the top 30 projected first-round picks as the NCAA tournament reaches its climax
NBA Prospects on Full Display in Final Four Weekend
As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four tips off this Saturday in San Antonio, fans aren’t just witnessing the conclusion of another thrilling collegiate basketball season—they’re also getting a preview of next season’s NBA rookie class. Talented young stars from Duke, Auburn, Florida and Houston will hit the hardwood, many of whom are firmly projected to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft this June.
Among the teams, Duke features prominently with three players forecasted to fall within the lottery range: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach. Meanwhile, Florida’s Alex Condon and Auburn’s Johni Broome are considered strong candidates for first-round selections. The Blue Devils, Cougars, and Gators also possess prospective second-round picks in the form of Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida), JoJo Tugler and Milos Uzan (Houston), and several promising Duke contributors including Tyrese Proctor, Sion James, and Isaiah Evans.
Top Prospects and Their Draft Credentials
Here’s a closer look at USA TODAY Sports’ updated NBA mock draft for the first round, incorporating statistics through April 2 and player ages as of the June 25-26 draft.
| Rank | Player | School | Position | Height | Weight | Age | Key Stats (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cooper Flagg | Duke | Guard-Forward | 6’9″ | 205 lbs | 18 | 18.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 48.3% FG, 37.4% 3PT, 83.4% FT |
| 2 | Dylan Harper | Rutgers | Guard | 6’6″ | 215 lbs | 19 | 19.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT |
| 3 | Ace Bailey | Rutgers | Guard-Forward | 6’10” | 200 lbs | 18 | 17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT |
| 4 | VJ Edgecombe | Baylor | Guard | 6’5″ | 180 lbs | 19 | 15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.1 SPG, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT |
| 5 | Kon Knueppel | Duke | Guard-Forward | 6’7″ | 217 lbs | 19 | 14.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 47.7% FG, 40.1% 3PT, 91.2% FT |
Player Highlights and Skillsets
Duke’s Cooper Flagg has already established himself as a do-it-all force on the court, leading the Blue Devils in multiple statistical categories. His combination of polished footwork, playmaking ability, and defensive awareness makes him a top prospect. His recent NCAA performances, including a 30-point outburst in the regional semifinal, only solidified his No. 1 ranking.
#MFINALFOUR IS SET 🙌
ALL FOUR 1-SEEDS MAKE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2008 ‼️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/Ijq2FAencV
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 30, 2025
Rutgers is projected to send two prospects into the top three of this draft. Dylan Harper continues to impress with his size, control, and dual-threat ability as both a primary ball-handler and off-ball threat. His 27-point performance in a Big Ten tournament nail-biter showcased his NBA-ready toolkit.
Teammate Ace Bailey offers elite athleticism and attacking instincts from the wing, highly valued in today’s NBA. While there are areas of growth in passing and free-throw consistency, his size and shot mechanics are drawing serious attention.
Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe has turned heads with his energy, defensive awareness, and off-ball scoring reliability. A proven disrupter on defence, he adds value in transition and has shown consistent drive in tournament play.
Rounding out the top five, Kon Knueppel has emerged as one of the most efficient shooters in college basketball. With a versatile arsenal ranging from deep catch-and-shoot threes to midrange creation, the Duke guard is a high-IQ offensive player with NBA spacing in his favour.
Looking Ahead to Draft Night
With the NCAA Final Four providing the ideal spotlight, these future NBA stars have an opportunity to significantly elevate their draft stock ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts and executives will be paying close attention to how prospects perform under pressure and thrive in the intensity of championship-calibre basketball.
Stay tuned for continued coverage and analytical breakdowns as more prospects separate themselves ahead of draft night, with international names and second-round gems still to surface in the coming weeks.