SN’s latest NBA Draft big board entering the lottery

NBA Draft season has long been upon us, but it shifts into another gear with the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.

On Monday, May 12, representatives from 13 of the 14 teams that failed to make the NBA Playoffs will converge in Chicago with hopes of the ping pong balls bouncing in their favor to win the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. The past has proven that a little lottery luck can go a long way in building a winner.

For fans of those 13 teams, the draft lottery provides clarity on when their squad will be on the clock, but who they might select is a different story. With that in mind, The Sporting News has you covered with a big board of the top 60 prospects currently in this year’s draft process.

Here’s an updated top 60, based on March Madness showings, new draft declarations, and early returns from the pre-draft process.

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NBA Draft prospects 2025

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

• Age: 18
• Position: G/F
• Height: 6-9

There have been some changes throughout the top 60, but expect this to remain the same: Flagg is the undisputed top prospect in this class.

During his lone season at Duke, Flagg was as good as advertised, earning consensus first-team All-American honors while also picking up several national player of the year awards — averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for a 35-win team will do that for you.

Flagg projects to be an immediate game-changer, with his defensive capabilities standing out as his most league-ready trait. His athleticism, offensive talent and feel for the game make him a generational prospect capable of quickly changing the fate of the franchise with which he lands.

MORE: Why Cooper Flagg is a can’t-miss No. 1 prospect

2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

• Age: 19
• Position: G
• Height: 6-6

There won’t be much debate at No. 2, either, as Harper has long established himself as the second-best prospect in 2025. The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, Dylan is a big guard with a great feel for the game.

Rutgers didn’t experience much team success this season, but that shouldn’t be held against Harper. At 6-6, he represents the future of what will be valued at the lead guard position and has all the tools to make an immediate impact wherever he lands.

3. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor | Bahamas

• Age: 19
• Position: G
• Height: 6-4

Edgecombe had somewhat of an up-and-down season at Baylor, but the highs should leave everyone encouraged for the future.

He is set to join the growing line of Bahamian lottery picks to make an impact in the league and will do so thanks to exceptional athleticism and a strong frame. Edgecombe projects to be a game-changing defender thanks to his physical attributes, and he remains unfazed by big moments, a product of his role with the senior men’s national team.

4. Ace Bailey, Rutgers

• Age: 18
• Position: G/F
• Height: 6-10

Bailey could prove to be one of the most polarizing prospects in this class, but his talent is undeniable. Throughout his freshman season at Rutgers, Bailey displayed the ability to consistently make tough shots, though his tendency to take tough shots could be a cause for concern.

He finished his lone season of college ball with averages of 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and he has the frame to become an impactful player defensively. Some issues will need to be addressed, but Bailey may very well be the most talented prospect in 2025.

MORE: How does the NBA Draft Lottery work?

5. Khaman Maluach, Duke | South Sudan 

• Age: 18
• Position: C
• Height: 7-2

It’s hard not to be impressed by Maluach, who continues to improve at an accelerated rate, given how new basketball still is to him. The 7-2 center eats up space and was one of the biggest driving forces behind the Blue Devils’ stingy defense in 2024-25.

Factor in Maluach’s 250-pound frame and his athleticism, and he has a floor of being a consistent rim-protecting lob threat. Maluach’s ceiling is very hard to predict, as he has several skills that he can continue to add, many of which depend on where he lands. Don’t be surprised if he has one of the best careers out of all of the 2025 prospects.

6. Kon Knueppel, Duke

• Age: 19
• Position: G/F
• Height: 6-7

Knueppel is probably the best 3-point shooter in this draft class, and he’s much more than just a 3-point shooter. You can never have too much shooting in today’s game.

The 6-7 wing finished his lone season in Durham, N.C., knocking down 84 triples at a 40.6 percent clip while also shooting 91.4 percent from the charity stripe. His size means he should not have much trouble shooting over NBA defenses, and he’s also shown the ability to make plays off the bounce, evidenced by his 2.7 assists per game.

7. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

• Age: 18
• Position: G
• Height: 6-4

Despite turning 18 after arriving on campus, Fears proved to be up to the task of leading the charge for a Sooners team that overachieved in many respects. He finished his freshman campaign with averages of 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.

Ironically, Fears is a fearless competitor and will be a great addition for any team in need of a point guard of the future.

8. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois | Lithuania

• Age: 19
• Position: G
• Height: 6-6

If there were a metric for box-office value, Jakucionis’ numbers would be through the roof. He quickly rose among his peers in this class and seemingly did something to wow audiences on a nightly basis.

Don’t get it confused, though — Jakucionis’ game is equal parts style and substance. He led the Illini to a 22-13 record and a spot in the Round of 32 with averages of 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. He, too, fits the big-guard mold perfectly.

9. Tre Johnson, Texas

• Age: 19
• Position: G
• Height: 6-6

If you look up “scorer” in the dictionary, you might see a picture of Johnson, a player who has a natural ability to fill it up. As a freshman, he led the talent-laden SEC with 19.9 points per game despite often being the focal point of opposing defenses.

Johnson has a claim to be the best pure scorer in this draft class and his ability to score will translate to the next level. Given his wiry frame, however, it’s fair to wonder just how long it will take to do so. If the answer were clearer, he’d land higher among the top 10.

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10. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | France

• Age: 18
• Position: F
• Height: 6-10

The trend of French prospects landing in the top 10 could very well continue in 2025 with Essengue. At 6-10 and 195 pounds, he’s certainly thin, but Essengue can quickly build upon his frame to match the physicality that the NBA demands.

He’s been playing professionally in Germany since 2023 and projects as a game-changing defender with athleticism and plenty of potential on the other side of the ball. This is the type of player who will rise up the boards if and when NBA teams have an opportunity to host him.

Updated 2025 NBA Draft big board