2025 NBA mock draft: Latest expert predictions ahead of March Madness

Selection Sunday is finally here and the field of 68 teams participating in the men's NCAA Tournament will be unveiled. And more importantly, it's the last opportunity for college prospects to leave a lasting impression before the 2025 NBA draft.

The NBA draft is scheduled to take place from June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The top prospects are on a journey, aiming to conclude their college careers by winning a championship trophy on April 6, ending their collegiate journeys and moving on to the NBA. Leading the list of prospects heading into March Madness is Duke standout Cooper Flagg, who is expected to be the top pick.

Here is the latest NBA mock draft, a speculative projection of the first round, as March Madness kicks off in a few days.

2025 NBA mock draft

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18 years old
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 49.4% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 83% FT

2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.7% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 73.8% FT

Harper has been the standout player for Rutgers, despite the team finishing the season with a 15-17 record. The 6-foot-6 young star's college career has come to an end and, unfortunately, he will not be participating in the NCAA Tournament. However, his potential is expected to propel him to the next level in his basketball career.

3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 18
2024-25 stats: 17.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 bpg, 45.8% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT

Bailey is a player with notable length and size, stepping into a league that values athletes like him. He has a smooth and dependable shooting technique, which some believe isn't yet at its peak potential, but with the right training, he can improve. Additionally, he has an attack-first mentality and the ability to finish strong at the rim.

4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.8% FG, 35.8% 3PT, 77.9% FT

Edgecombe has showcased his athleticism, displaying explosive play and an exceptional ability to steal the ball, which earned him the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Year. In his first year at Baylor, he is a high-level scorer off the ball, although he can improve his on-ball scoring skills. Edgecombe will have the opportunity to demonstrate his talents in the NCAA Tournament as the Bears pursue the championship.

5. Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
2024-25 stats: 13.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 47% FG, 39.9% 3PT, 91.4% FT

Knueppel heads into the NCAA Tournament as Duke's second-leading scorer and can ignite the offense with his accurate 3-point shot. His efficient shooting motion allows him to be constantly ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. Knueppel is crucial for Duke's success in the March Madness tournament, and NBA scouts will be observing this standout player closely.

6. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 45.5% FG, 33.1% 3PT, 83.2% FT

Jakucionis played a crucial role in Illinois finishing the season with three consecutive wins, resulting in a 20-11 record. Jakucionis has demonstrated that he is a playmaker, capable of both scoring and passing. However, he has struggled with turnovers, which could be a concern for NBA scouts. He will need to make a strong case during the NCAA tournament and perform impressively for Illinois.

7. Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 20.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 43.4% FG, 39.5% 3PT, 88.3% FT

Johnson has demonstrated that he is a natural shooter and scorer throughout this season with the Longhorns. While his overall statistics may not be overwhelming, his standout performance includes scoring 39 points against Arkansas on Feb. 26. Conversely, he also faced a tough finish to the regular season, going 0-for-14 from the field in a loss to Oklahoma. Despite these ups and downs, he is a player to watch in the March Madness tournament, as it will be a key indicator of his readiness for the next level.

8. Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 68.3% FG, 75% FT

Maluach has had an impressive first year with the Blue Devils, playing a crucial role in both offense and defense. While his flaws have been evident in ACC competition, this may be attributed to his lack of experience. Therefore, his performance during the NCAA Tournament will be vital in determining whether he is NBA-ready.

9. Asa Newell, Georgia

Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54% FG, 29.3% 3PT, 74.8% FT

Newell may not appear as quick and agile as he truly is, given his size, but this has contributed to his successful season. Although Georgia lost to Oklahoma in the SEC tournament, they will be a team to watch as the freshman takes the court during March Madness.

10. Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 spg, 41.9% FG, 27.6% 3PT, 67.1% FT

Demin is a skilled playmaker who makes quick decisions in hard situations and facilitates for his teammates. He is the size of a wing player but possesses guard-like skills, making him a unique player. Defensively, he uses his length to create turnovers and disrupt passing lanes, although his shooting efficiency is a concern, he is still a strong player to keep an eye on during the March Madness tournament.

USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt, Lorenzo Reyes and James H. Williams also contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NBA mock draft: Expert predictions ahead of March Madness

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