Following the 2025 NBA Draft, ESPN reached out to nearly a dozen college basketball coaches to get their perspectives on the top prospects and biggest storylines. These are the coaches who spent the past few years watching and game-planning against these future NBA players.
They weighed in on questions like potential on-court concerns for Ace Bailey, how Tre Johnson and Jeremiah Fears might translate to the NBA, and whether Egor Demin and Cedric Coward were worthy lottery selections.
The Top Two Picks: Flagg and Harper Stand Alone
Since reclassifying in August 2023, Cooper Flagg has been widely considered the likely No. 1 pick. The Dallas Mavericks made this official, selecting the player many see as one of the best high school prospects in recent memory. Flagg excelled in college, winning the Wooden Award and leading Duke to the Final Four with averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. His perimeter shooting, previously a question mark, improved significantly, ending the season hitting 38.5% from deep.
College coaches expressed no doubts about Flagg`s readiness for the NBA.
“He`s got a swagger to him, a toughness and he`s physically ready to make an impact,” one coach told ESPN. “For a young kid going to the NBA, if he`s never been in a situation where he`s been the guy, it`s hard to flip a switch. But he`s been in every single one of those situations… He`s done all that stuff at the highest level of college basketball.”
Another coach noted Flagg`s improved shooting: “Early in the year, you could go under a ball screen against him. You weren`t doing that by the end of the year.” However, they added, “The NBA is a big isolation league. So when it comes to individual wiggle and being able to get by guys, he`ll have to figure those things out.”
Flagg`s landing spot with veterans like Kyrie Irving was seen as beneficial for his development. “He won`t be keyed on as the main guy every single night. For a young guy, that can shake your confidence. I`m not worried about that with him,” a coach commented.
Even without being Dallas`s primary scorer, Flagg is expected to be the Rookie of the Year favorite. An ACC coach predicted, “[If he can] just be a well-rounded 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, a block [contributor] … he`ll win Rookie of the Year, because Dallas should be good, assuming health.”
There was a consensus among coaches that Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper stood in a tier of their own at the top of the draft.
“[Harper is] as good a player as we`ve played against in the last 10 years… I`m super, super high on him. I think he`s closer to Flagg than No. 3 is to him,” an opposing coach said of the new San Antonio Spurs guard. “He`s a pick-and-roll maestro. It doesn`t matter what coverage you throw at him, it might take him a possession or two but he`ll find a way to beat it.”
“Flagg and Harper are the only two to me that have an All-NBA ceiling,” another coach added. “There`s such a big drop-off — it`s almost like those next guys are not Tier 3, it`s Tier 4. That`s how big I think the gap is between Dylan and everyone else.”
The Next Tier: Picks 3-7 Discussed
No. 3: VJ Edgecombe, 76ers
VJ Edgecombe was seen as a major beneficiary of Ace Bailey`s slight drop. The Baylor freshman showcased impressive athleticism throughout the season, improving his offensive game. He joins a potentially talented backcourt in Philadelphia with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
“Until I saw him in person, I was critical of him… And then we played him and he was just relentless. His athleticism, his shot got a lot better as the season went on,” a coach stated.
“He has to be the most athletic player or prospect in the draft,” another added. “He`s a high-flyer, he plays bigger than what he is. He can defend 1 through 5, at least in college… Positional versatility, athleticism and just the way he defends.”
Concerns were raised about his primary offensive role in the NBA. “Can he be a primary guy?… He`s not a guy where you can put the ball in his hands and say go get a bucket,” a Big 12 coach questioned. “He`s a slasher, a pick-and-roll guy, great in transition, offensive rebounding, does all the little things. But if there`s one negative, it`s just how is he going to score in the NBA.”
No. 4: Kon Knueppel, Hornets
Kon Knueppel, the second Duke player in the top 10, saw his stock rise last fall and remain high. Playing alongside Flagg, Knueppel averaged 14.4 points and shot over 40% from three, proving to be an excellent shotmaker. He was considered the draft`s best catch-and-shoot player and is comfortable not being the main offensive option, a fit for Charlotte with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
“He was such a difference-maker for Duke last season, being the Robin to Cooper Flagg`s Batman,” one coach said. “When you have a guy capable of dropping 30 in a game and isn`t the main guy on scouting reports, that`s dangerous. The NBA loves guys that can make shots, and if you can do that, you`ll be in the league for a long time.”
While Knueppel offers a high floor, coaches noted his ceiling might not match others in this range. His defense remains a key area for improvement. “Guys can get played off the floor [in the NBA],” a coach warned. “Can Kon stay on the court guarding in one-on-one situations? He`s got the size and frame, but does he have the footspeed?… He has to prove he can do that.”
No. 5: Ace Bailey, Jazz
A year prior, Ace Bailey was projected alongside Flagg and Harper at the very top. While he showed flashes at Rutgers, questions arose, leading to a slight drop. His measured height (6-7 1/2) was shorter than expected (listed 6-10), and he notably didn`t visit any NBA teams pre-draft.
Coaches praised his scoring ability. “He`s versatile, he`s got size, he`s skilled like an off-guard,” a Big Ten coach said. “He`s the prototypical NBA wing. He`s a really tough cover… He can shoot over players and the ability to make contested shots adds value.”
However, concerns about consistency and defense lingered. “If you`re [Kevin] Durant, sure, [relying on hard shots] can work,” one coach noted. “But he`s 7-1. Ace isn`t going to be a stand-in-the-corner guy.”
“The knock on him, whether it was in high school or at Rutgers, is that he`s disengaged defensively,” another Big Ten coach said. “He doesn`t need to become an all-NBA defender. But you need to get buy-in from him defensively.”
No. 6: Tre Johnson, Wizards
Tre Johnson`s offensive talent kept him high in lottery conversations. The former top-five recruit averaged 19.9 points and shot nearly 40% from three at Texas.
While he was Texas`s main option, coaches saw his NBA role likely as a microwave scorer off the bench or a catch-and-shoot specialist, fitting Washington`s need for perimeter shooting after trading Jordan Poole.
“He`s a scoring guard, period,” a coach said. “He`s one of the best shooters in the draft… He can be a catch-and-shoot guy and shoot 50%.”
Questions surrounded other aspects of his game beyond scoring. “He`s a great individual talent,” another coach added. “But if you`re not scoring, what other things are you doing that help winning? Inevitably the best players in the world are going to have off nights.”
No. 7: Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans
Jeremiah Fears was a major riser, reclassifying and emerging as a dynamic guard at Oklahoma despite being one of the youngest players in the draft (turning 18 in October).
“He`s wired to score,” one coach said, comparing him to Cam Thomas but noting, “He`s a better playmaker than Thomas was coming out of college… He`s a sneaky athlete, too.”
His ceiling may depend on developing his perimeter shot (28.4% from three). “He`s streaky, not a consistent shooter,” an opposing coach noted. “He has to continue to build up his frame… As he matures physically… he`ll be able to take a little bit greater command of the position, get into the paint, deal with physicality.”
More First-Round Storylines
Egor Demin: Lottery`s Biggest Riser
BYU guard Egor Demin, originally a projected lottery pick, saw his stock fluctuate after an uneven freshman season before ultimately landing at No. 8 with the Nets.
Coach opinions were mixed. “He`s huge,” one Big 12 coach said. “Ball pressure bothers him, he plays pretty upright, he`s methodical. But he can make every read out there… His passing is elite. He`s a better shooter than his percentages. And I think he`ll get better with the space of the NBA.”
“I don`t think he shoots, I don`t think he really defends,” another coach countered. “But people see a big guard who can pass and it`s sort of intriguing.”
Demin was one of five Nets first-rounders, highlighting the team`s commitment to international scouting.
Khaman Maluach: Duke`s Third Top-10 Pick
Khaman Maluach went to the Suns at No. 10. Despite less college production than others in the top 10, his 7-2 size, long reach, and defensive potential intrigued coaches.
“You can throw him out there and he`s going to be able to impact the game with his size and shot-blocking, his defensive and offensive rebounding,” one opposing coach said, noting potential for shooting development.
Another questioned his skill level compared to others. “I think he`s a lob-catching big… He`s not Dereck Lively II… Maluach is not as good in any of those categories. I don`t think he`s got that same ceiling.”
“He`s still going to be a project at the end of the day,” another coach concluded.
Phoenix can be patient, having also acquired veteran center Mark Williams. “He`s the type of archetype that usually goes up the board,” one coach said. “It remains to be seen whether the shot is something that`s translatable… But it wouldn`t shock me if that`s something he was able to do over time… He has to rebound the ball better.”
Cedric Coward: From D3 to Lottery
Cedric Coward`s journey from Division III to the No. 11 pick (Grizzlies) was a major storyline. He improved significantly, transferring to Eastern Washington and then Washington State, where injury cut his season short. A standout combine performance cemented his first-round status.
“The thing that stuck out to me with him was he got better every year,” one Big Sky coach said. “[He was] a skinny kid with length, developing his offensive game. He played hard as hell, impacted winning… He kept adding to his game… smoother every time we played him.”
Coaches see him as a high-end role player. “He has the ability to shoot, legitimately catch-and-shoot… He`s got the in-between game… He`s a pretty good defender. Blocked a ton of shots. He does so much to impact winning.”
The question remains if No. 11 was too high given his limited exposure against high-major competition. “Seeing him this year, he looked like a pro. He took a massive jump physically,” said one coach, comparing his potential traits to Kawhi Leonard. “He`s going to help you win in some capacity… He`s a guy you`re going to bet on.”
Carter Bryant: Most Unproven Lottery Pick
Carter Bryant (Spurs, No. 14) was a less proven prospect, starting only five games as a freshman at Arizona. However, his stock rose in the spring, opting to stay in the draft.
At 6-6 ยฝ, he shot nearly 39% from three in Big 12 play. “He`s got the positional size, the athleticism, the shooting, the defensive versatility, with potential to get better,” a Big 12 coach said. “In small doses, he showed some things offensively… Whether it was guarded or unguarded, he`s able to get his shot off… the NBA loves big wings that can shoot it.”
The Spurs will need patience as he`s only shown flashes of his capability.
Veterans Become Higher First-Round Priority
While freshmen still dominated the top, the trend of older players being drafted earlier continued. Players like Coward, Walter Clayton Jr., Nique Clifford, Danny Wolf, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (all 22+ and/or transfers) were first-rounders. Older second-rounders included Ryan Kalkbrenner, Johni Broome, and Chaz Lanier.
This trend is linked to increased college earnings (NIL) and the transfer portal showcasing mid-major stars. “Financially, they`re rewarded to stay. It allows them to be a little more ready and polished for the next level,” a coach explained. “The high-end guys… you`re drafting on upside. But if I`m a playoff team… getting an older, mature guy that you know can help you in a role, that`s a smart bet… You get more bang for your buck in Year 1 or 2.”
However, this trend might shift soon. Many borderline first-rounders returned to college this year, compensated well by collectives. With potential changes from the House vs. NCAA settlement and revenue sharing, the financial incentive to stay in college might decrease relative to the NBA.
“I think it`ll flip back the other way with rev share,” one high-major coach said. “This year, we had collectives… We had a couple on our team that came back because they`re going to make more money here than going in the second round. But with those numbers going down, those potential first-rounders or high-second rounders, I can see them going to the league instead.”
“I think this will be one of the last years of it,” another coach added. “There are a lot of really good players staying in college because of NIL. Once revenue share kicks into effect… you`re going to see a lot more of these fringe first-rounders stay in the draft.” The lack of guaranteed deals for many second-round picks this year (compared to last) was cited as a symptom of top talent staying in college.
“It`s one of the worst second rounds of all time. A huge part of that is because of NIL,” a coach stated. “It wasn`t a strong draft to begin with, but with all those guys going back, after No. 35 or so, I don`t know if I would give [many] of these guys a guaranteed deal.”
Other Notable First-Rounders
No. 9: Collin Murray-Boyles, Raptors
Collin Murray-Boyles (Raptors, No. 9) was the first non-freshman picked. Despite being 6-6 ยฝ, he was dominant around the basket at South Carolina, with minimal 3-point attempts. He compensated with defense and passing but needs to expand his offensive game for the NBA.
“He`s got sort of a unique game, and the NBA falls in love with guys who have a little bit of a lot of things,” one coach said. “He`s a guy who has a chance to be a very good defender… He can do a little bit of everything, he can pass, he can rebound, he`s not a very good shooter at this point… I don`t know if Toronto is that [good team] yet.”
No. 13: Derik Queen, Pelicans
No. 25: Jase Richardson, Magic
No. 27: Danny Wolf, Nets
Coaches had mixed reviews on this trio of Big Ten-related picks.
Maryland`s Derik Queen was praised for his skill as a big man, particularly his passing. “He`s so skilled,” a Big Ten coach said. “I love his passing ability… If he`s able to develop a motor, I really think he`s got a chance to be one hell of an NBA player.” Questions remain about his athleticism and maturity.
Michigan State`s Jase Richardson`s stock fluctuated, dropping after measuring shorter than expected. Orlando selected him at No. 25. “I like Jase Richardson… but I don`t see it [in the NBA],” one Big Ten coach said. “He`s a 6-foot guard whose primary skill is scoring — not shooting, but scoring… He`s not a great defender, not a super dynamic playmaker for others. He`s got below-average size.”
Michigan`s Danny Wolf (via Yale) was used creatively by his college coach for his playmaking and passing as a big man. “He can play in pick-and-roll, as a big man he can make incredible passes,” a coach noted. But turnover issues were a concern: “With his role in the NBA, you`re not going to be able to make an incredible pass and then two bad passes.” Another coach summarized, “Part of his beauty is that he can do so many things, but none of it he`s excellent at.”
No. 18: Walter Clayton Jr., Jazz
Walter Clayton Jr.`s rise to No. 18 was significantly boosted by Florida`s NCAA tournament run, where he averaged 24.6 points in the first five games. “He`s a great example of what winning does for a player`s stock,” a coach highlighted. “He went from a mid-to-late second-round pick to a late first-round pick… That right there made the kid millions and millions of dollars.”
No. 20: Kasparas Jakucionis, Heat
No. 29: Liam McNeeley, Hornets
Kasparas Jakucionis (Heat, No. 20) and Liam McNeeley (Hornets, No. 29) fell below some projections, but multiple coaches saw them as potential values.
Illinois` Kasparas Jakucionis impressed early with his scoring and playmaking. “He`s a three-level scorer,” a Big Ten coach said. “He played with a great change of pace.” However, as the season progressed and teams scouted him, his stats tailed off, and defensive limitations were noted. “He`s someone you could go at and isolate on defense,” the coach added.
UConn`s Liam McNeeley, a former five-star recruit, was hampered by an ankle injury but showed shotmaking ability and competitiveness. “I don`t think he`s the 29th-best player in the draft,” a Big East coach stated. “He`s 6-8 and he`s a much better shooter than his percentages suggest. He`s really competitive… a little bit better [overall] basketball player than he gets credit for.” The injury may have contributed to his slide.
No. 22: Drake Powell, Nets
Drake Powell (Nets, No. 22) was seen as a surprise pick. The North Carolina wing had an inconsistent role as a freshman but tested as one of the draft`s best athletes. Coaches questioned if he fits the “3-and-D” prototype effectively. “Is he really good enough at either of those to actually fit that profile?” one ACC coach asked.
Another coach noted that the enthusiasm for Powell often traced back to his high school potential as a versatile player with size and athleticism, contrasting with his more limited offensive role at North Carolina.
No. 30: Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Clippers
Penn State big man Yanic Konan Niederhauser capped a rapid rise by going with the final pick of the first round. He significantly improved his stock through the predraft process after averaging just 12.9 points last season.
“He`s just scratching the surface. He`s somebody that can be like a Dereck Lively type in the NBA,” one coach enthused. “I think if he came back to college, he would`ve been a lottery pick next year.”
Second-Round Notes
No. 35 Johni Broome, 76ers
No. 42: Maxime Raynaud, Kings
No. 48: Javon Small, Grizzlies
No. 53: John Tonje, Jazz
Auburn`s Johni Broome, Stanford`s Maxime Raynaud, West Virginia`s Javon Small, and Wisconsin`s John Tonje were highlighted by coaches as second-round values. Broome, a consensus first-team All-American and Player of the Year runner-up, was particularly noted as someone whose gap to first-round big men seemed too wide.
“He`s a player that is limited athletically… But he got Player of the Year in the best league in the country, he went to the Final Four. Some of that has to have some substance at the next level,” one coach argued. “He did everything that everyone asked. And he produced every night. What else is he supposed to do? He had a historic year in a conference that was historically one of the best ever.”
