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| Cooper Flagg, Duke |
1. Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Kevin Garnett with better defense
Bust Potential: Low
The McGowanMania Take: Cooper Flagg has been a big name among basketball junkies going back years now, back to the high school days in Maine and his eventual move to Montverde Academy. Now he's a household name after a dominant one season at Duke, where he earned National Player of the Year honors and solidified himself as the no-doubt top selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. As an NBA prospect, he does seem to check just about all the boxes - an elite athlete with the versatility to fit in just about any system in the pros. But one thing that has always stood out to me is his competitive drive. He went out and gave it his all every second of every game at Duke, whether it was against North Carolina in a major rival game or an early-season tune-up at Cameron Indoor. Flagg has the right head on his shoulders to deal with the pressures of not just being a No. 1 pick, but one of the most hyped prospects of the modern era. Dallas lucked themselves into a franchise-altering pick and there's no question Flagg stands alone atop this big board.
2. Ace Bailey, G/F, Rutgers
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Jimmy Butler
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: There's an interesting split among NBA folks on Rutgers wing Ace Bailey. It feels like people even love him, or hate him, with no in-between. I lean more in the love him camp, with a major caveat - he absolutely needs to clean up his shot selection. You see the physical gifts and offensive ability when he plays. He was listed at 6'10" at Rutgers but measured in closer to 6'8" at the NBA Draft Combine, but either way possesses the ideal frame to overpower defenders at the next level. Despite the size, he's deceptively quick with the ball in his hands and has a smooth jumper, even if he's inconsistent. If Bailey can land in the right spot and with an organization that is able to clean up the weaker parts of his game, he has the looks of a guy who is going to be a top-tier scorer and regular All-Star. But, more so than others near the top of this Draft, Bailey's success is very dependent on where he lands, which throws an interesting wrinkle into his future prospects.
3. Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Jalen Brunson
Bust Potential: Low
The McGowanMania Take: The second part of the Rutgers pair set to both be off the board early come late June, Dylan Harper has been projected to San Antonio at No. 2 for some time now. You can imagine the fear from the Western Conference at the thought of Victor Wembanyma teaming up with a player like Harper, who has a surprisingly mature offensive game for his age. He can score at all three levels, but is a smart basketball player who looked the part as the lead guard for the Scarlet Knights, even during a lost 2024-25 campaign for the program. I'm not sure if Harper is going to be a player that goes out and wins a scoring title, but instead is a very effective floor general who does all the little things well. Obviously there's a lot of value in that, and I love the potential fit with the Spurs. If Chris Paul does stick around, which is completely up in the air at this point, it could be the perfect mentor opportunity for both as the future Hall-of-Famer wraps up his career.
4. Kon Knueppel, G/F, Duke
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Gordon Hayward
Bust Potential: Low
The McGowanMania Take: Even though he spent most of the 2024-25 being overshadowed by Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel is one of those mid-lottery selections that I adore. Sure, there's nothing particularly flashy about Knueppel, but he's just a damn good basketball player. His shooting splits at Duke speak for themselves - 48% FG / 41% 3P / 91% FT, and he has a smooth, quick release that I feel confident will translate to the next level. Knueppel isn't known as an elite defender, but he's passable on that end of the court, and has enough basketball instinct to believe he will not be targeted on that end. He's not a traditional 3-and- D prospect in some ways, but should be an awfully effective scorer at the next level. There's a lot of guys in his mold, like Gordon Hayward, Desmond Bane, Cameron Johnson, who have had long NBA careers and made lots of dollars. I think he's the latest in line.
5. V.J. Edgecombe, G/F, Baylor
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Andrew Wiggins
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: V.J. Edgecombe is one of those prospects where myself being a college basketball junkie may negatively impact my evaluation of him for the next level. He arrived at Baylor with significant fanfare and did have an overall solid season, but I didn't leave being overly impressed with what he did in his lone season in Waco. Edgecombe is an elite athlete who is probably going to be a regular on highlight reels for some time, and the defensive upside already began showing itself with the Bears. Yet, the offensive game does need work, as he wasn't overly efficient with Baylor and his 34% three-point shooting, while passable, didn't feel like it has a great chance of translating to the pros. There's still enough about Edgecombe and his overall potential that I'm not surprised that he's almost assuredly a Top 5 lock, but there are multiple wings I far prefer near his range in this Draft.
6. Tre Johnson, G, Texas
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Devin Booker
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Tre Johnson is a player I've really come to adore in the lead up to the 2025 NBA Draft. He didn't receive a ton of national attention outside of NBA Draft circles during his one season at Texas, as the Longhorns spent most of the season stuck near the bottom of the SEC standings. However, Johnson did show he could score, and score he did. He averaged nearly 20 points per game on 43% shooting from the field and 40% from three-point on a team that lacked many other consistent scoring threats. Even as defenses were zeroed in on Johnson, he showed the ability to create space and hit some truly remarkable shots for a 19-year old. He isn't the best athlete in this Draft, but possesses more of a throwback offensive game in some ways, paired with a lethal three-point shot. It wouldn't surprise me if he acclimates to the NBA fairly quickly, but I also wonder if he's going to be one of those players that puts up the production, but doesn't impact winning in the way others do in this Draft. While I think Devin Booker is best case scenario with Johnson, I've also seen him compared to guys like Michael Redd and Cam Thomas, which both feel accurate.
7. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Monta Ellis
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Much like Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears played just one season on a team that was buried in the SEC standings for much of it, even if he did do enough to lead them to an NCAA Tournament berth. But unlike Johnson, who projects as a combo guard at the next level, Fears looks to be a player that is going to have the ball in his hands early and often in the NBA as a floor general. And like a lot of young floor generals, there are likely to be growing pains. Fears can make some dazzling passes and score in bunches, but often those are followed up with poor decisions and bad turnovers. He should benefit from being on an NBA roster and playing with more talented around, which will give him a chance to really shine as a distributor. Fears also feels like a guy who is going to be more comfortable in an NBA offense than the college ranks, if he can adjust to the game speed. His size is another interesting factor to consider - he's listed at 6'4", but looks far smaller than that to me on the basketball court. Not to say that has to be a major detriment to him, but will be interesting to see how he handles NBA defenders.
8. Khaman Maluach, F/C, Duke
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Mitchell Robinson, with more shooting potential
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: The third Duke Blue Devil in the top eight of this big board, Khaman Maluach is naturally a riskier prospect than Flagg and Knueppel. Yet, Maluach could be the perfect type of rim protector for the modern NBA if he can continue developing on both ends. Already, he's a stalwart defender with fine instincts, and a 7'6" wingspan means that he can impact every shot. Offensively, Maluach has a nice touch around the rim and can actually shoot it a bit. He likely is never going to be a Karl Anthony-Towns-type player spending significant time on the perimeter, but there's enough here you can imagine him being an impactful two-way player. If there's one thing I wonder about him is whether he has the frame and tenacity to survive the physical nature of the NBA. Even with the length, he's slender, and simply doesn't play through contact the way you would like in the post. Now that may be expected of a player his age and he can certainly grow into it, but the NBA is never an easy transition. Maluach may take longer than some expect to adjust, and you'd hate for some team to give up on his potential too early as often happens with young bigs.
9. Egor Demin, G, BYU
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Josh Giddey
Bust Potential: High
The McGowanMania Take: Few prospects in this Draft are as polarizing as BYU's Egor Demin. The 19-year old is an imposing presence at 6'9", and has all the tools to be an elite playmaker at the next level. He makes some truly incredible passes for his age, and plays with great pace. Yet, his offensive game is still a major work in progress despite his distribution skills, as he's struggled with his shooting and simply doesn't have the quickness to beat defenders and get to the rim. You still see the potential if he can become a slasher and inside-finisher and defensively, he has enough talent to be a solid on-bal defender. I still think he can be a late lottery gem, but there is serious risk involved here. Demin likely could have benefitted from another year in Provo but considering his projection, you can't blame him for taking the chance on the pros here.
10. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Goran Dragic
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Much like Demin, there seems to be split opinion on Kasparas Jakucionis heading into this Draft, which may not be surprising considering he was impressive, but inconsistent, during his lone season with Illinois. On one hand, Jakucionis is a great table-settler for an offense, a point guard with superb feel for the game who puts his teammates in position to score just about every time down the court. As a scorer, he's not one who will take over games, but has a solid jumper and enough off the dribble to beat defenders to the spot and finish. Yet, despite all the strengths, Jakucionis was maddeningly inconsistent with the Illini and athletically, there's nothing that particularly jumps out at you. If he does put together a successful NBA career, I love the comparison to Goran Dragic - it won't be because of his physical traits, but instead a crafty offensive game and overall feel for the game of basketball. That's certainly worthy of the risk in this NBA Draft that is a little thin on established playmakers, but he's another guy that somebody will have to take a chance on in the late lottery.
11. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Julius Randle, with better defense
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Even on a South Carolina team that suffered through a horrendous 2024-25 campaign, Collin Murray-Boyles caught the eye of NBA scouts. The young forward proved to be an elite defender during his time with the Gamecocks and while a work in progress, his offensive game continues to develop. You can certainly imagine him as a two-way force at the next level and the defense alone is enough to warrant lottery consideration. I'm curious to see where his offensive ability goes - he has stretch four potential if he continues to develop his jumper and he was big enough to overpower smaller defenders while at South Carolina. Yet, can Murray-Boyles develop into a true, imposing isolation scorer? This is yet another situation, like so many in every Draft, where I think where the prospect lands is going to be the deciding factor in his success. If Murray-Boyles lands with an organization willing to be patient and let his offensive game grow, I think somebody could be getting a potential steal here.
12. Derik Queen, F/C, Maryland
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Zach Randolph
Bust Potential: High
The McGowanMania Take: If this Draft were held two decades, I'd argue Derik Queen would be in consideration for the No. 1 pick. His old-school, back-to-the-basket game has always felt like a call back to a different era of basketball, one where his post footwork and light touch around the rim would make all the difference. Yet, we are living in a different time for the NBA, and Queen will have to continue to round out his game if he wants to be worthy of a lottery selection. He was awfully impressive during his one season with Maryland, becoming a true go-to scorer and consistent factor on the glass. But you do wonder if that will translate to the pro level, where everyone will be his size or larger. Queen will have to continue to not only develop his offensive game in the post, but also likely be more consistent when he steps outside. There's certainly room for him to grow as he is still just 20 years old.
13. Nique Clifford, G/F, Colorado State
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Josh Hart, with more offensive upside
Bust Potential: Low
The McGowanMania Take: There may be prospects with higher ceilings than Colorado State's Nique Clifford, but I think the former Ram is one of the safer players available this cycle. The 6'6" swingman has a really effective all-around game, pairing a nice jump shot with the ability to get inside and finish. He was often the top option for Colorado State, but his underrated passing abilities have always stuck out to me. Add in the defense, where he's proven to be an exceptional on-ball defender and guy who can get his hands in passing lanes, Clifford is just the type of player that wins you basketball games. He's a likely mid-first rounder and whoever gets him will be getting valuable minutes from the get-go with the defense, basketball IQ, and hustle Clifford plays with every time he's on the court.
14. Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Donte DiVincenzo, with more playmaking
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: It feels like people have backed up a bit on Jase Richardson, who was once considered a likely lottery pick but seems to be slipping into the 20s from most mock drafts I see. There is some understandable concern about his size, measuring in at 6'2" for a player who isn't seen as a point guard at the next level. With that being said, Richardson looks a lot larger than that on the court, and his wingspan has measured in on around 6'8", so he'll still look the part out there. He's one of the best pure athletes of this Draft, an NBA legacy who is not only potent in transition, but really effective in the pick-and-roll. I love Richardson's ability not to just create plays, but do so intelligently - he's a remarkably efficient player, especially when you consider he played just one year of college ball at Michigan State. He's going to provide really valuable minutes as a two-guard and plenty of highlight reels to pack the seats. Richardson may end up being far too underrated at this spot.
15. Nolan Traore, PG, France
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Dejounte Murray
Bust Potential: High
The McGowanMania Take: This is a very interesting year for international prospects. There's no top-tier international player set to go in the Top 5, but the first round is dominated with likely selections from overseas, namely France. That includes blazing fast French point guard Nolan Traore, who seems to be going anywhere from late lottery to early second round from the mocks I've seen. Traore is a blur on the court, with end-to-end speed that is reminiscent of a prime John Wall. That quickness allows him to get past defenders and open things up for teammates, as he's really grown as a passer in recent years. Yet, Traore is such a horrendous shooter at this point in his career that he'll need a lot of work if he wants to become an effective all-around pro player. If he can become even respectable from three-point territory, with his other skills, he becomes a really interesting player. But he is a significant prospect, and NBA folks don't seem to know what to do with him. I love his upside if he does last past the lottery, especially with how barren the point guards become after the range of Demin and Jakucionis.
16. Liam McNeeley, G/F, UConn
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Corey Kispert
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Although it ended up being a disappointing season for UConn in their quest for a third straight National Title, Liam McNeeley was undoubtedly a bright spot. The McDonald's All-American came on and looked like a seasoned vet really the entire way, even as he missed time with an ankle injury. He proved to be an effective scorer from just about anywhere on the court, and seems to have the type of offensive game that would translate well to the next level. Defensively it feels like there's work to be done for McNeeley, who isn't as natural of an athlete as other wings in this Draft. Still, in an NBA that is all about offensive, his skill set and long-term upside make him well worth a mid-first round selection.
17. Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Kelly Oubre, with more offense
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Among the players in this Draft going pro after one season in the college ranks, Arizona's Carter Bryant doesn't necessarily jump out at you. He put up solid numbers on a Sweet 16 Wildcat team, but certainly wasn't the star that others in his high school class were over the past winter. Yet, NBA folks adore Bryant, and view him as the ideal "3-and-D" prospect that are becoming so coveted in the modern era. He does look the part already defensively, measuring in at 6'8" and with the blend of strength and quickness needed to be an imposing on-ball defender. Bryant makes his presence felt getting his hand in passing lanes, and he could be a really effective shot-blocker for his position. Despite those positives, it feels like his offensive game needs plenty of work if he is to fulfill his potential. He possesses a smooth shooting stroke, but has inconsistent in college. If he can continue to grow in that area, he would become a multidimensional scorer with his ability to get to the rim. At just 19 years old, it's understandable why Bryant is trending to go in the Top 10 come Draft Night.
18. Thomas Sorber, F/C, Georgetown
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Jonas Valanciunas
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Another prospect going pro after one season in college, Thomas Sorber commands attention as a physically imposing 6'10", 265-pound big man. Sorber flashed ample potential during his lone season with the Hoyas, and has all the looks of a potential forceful low post presence in the pros. He knows how to use his large frame to get space on the block, but he's more than just a low-post bruiser - Sorber can run the floor, and he's improved his mid-range shot, even if it's a small part of his game. With his defense, you can see the comparisons to former Georgetown great Roy Hibbert, who was quite the effective pro for some time in Indiana. I'd argue Sorber has even more offensive upside, but his game is still a work in-progress. He'll be an interesting one to watch, especially if he's able to sneak into the late lottery.
19. Cedric Coward, G, Washington State
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Jerami Grant, with significantly more offensive playmaking
Bust Potential: Low
The McGowanMania Take: It's been a fascinating rise up through the basketball world for Cedric Coward, and there is a very good chance he ends up being a lottery pick come Draft Night. Coward began his college career at Willamette University, a tiny Division III school in Salem, Oregon. He then parlayed it into pit stops at Eastern Washington and Washington State, where an early-season injury robbed him of most of the 2024-25 campaign. Despite the injury, Coward was a popular transfer portal name and was committed to Duke before a strong NBA Draft Combine led him to leave his name in the draft. You can understand why NBA people are intrigued with Coward, who not only boasts the perfect "3-and-D" skillset, but a staggering 7'2" wingspan. If his offensive game can translate to the next level, Coward has all the physical tools to be a really effective pro, and he could end up being one of the steals of this Draft.
20. Joan Beringer, F/C, France
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Nerlens Noel
Bust Potential: High
The McGowanMania Take: Still just 18 years old, whoever takes Joan Beringer in this Draft is getting a project, but one with significant upside. The French big man looks the part at 6'11", and has proven his worth as a rim protector, with fabulous instincts and a long reach on the defensive side of the ball. Yet, his offensive game remains about as raw as can be - you can see the potential with some of his post moves and overall feel on the low block, but it's incredibly far away. The good news is that he will continue to grow, and there's hope he can grow into a real two-way force.
21. Asa Newell, F, Georgia
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: David Lee
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Georgia's Asa Newell is one of several talented, but young, forwards set to go in the late lottery to mid-first round. He had his fair share of ups-and-downs with the Bulldogs over the past winter, but finished strong, and projects favorably as a stretch four in the NBA if his jump shot continues to develop. One thing that stands out is Newell's energy - he's incredibly active on both ends, and does the type of small things that don't always show out in box scores. You'd hope that will help get him minutes early in the NBA for the rest of his game to develop, which is a major work in-progress. He shot the ball fairly well at Georgia and has the athleticism to beat defenders off-the-dribble, but he's far from a first or second option in an NBA offense. I still think he's worth a flier in the right range, as the two-way upside is certainly already there.
22. Noa Essengue, F, France
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Nicholas Batum, with more athleticism
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Another mysterious international prospect, French forward Noa Essengue is an interesting prospect for a number of reasons. For one, he seems to have the widest range of just about any likely first-round prospect, being mocked all the way from the Top 5 range to the bottom of the first. Secondly, despite being quite raw, he's played well against strong competition in Europe, and seems ready to adjust to the pace of play in the NBA. That doesn't mean Essengue doesn't have his concerns - he still has a long way to go in finding a consistent jumper and while he has all the tools to be elite defensively, he's prone to lapses. He feels like a prospect who may not have superstar upside, but one who I could imagine settling into a nice role or niche in the pros. With how messy things will get after the lottery, a lot of teams could do a lot worse than Essengue.
23. Hugo Gonzalez, G/F, Spain
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Rudy Fernandez
Bust Potential: High
The McGowanMania Take: Speaking of mystery, I'm not sure there's a projected first-rounder with as much questions as Hugo Gonzalez. That's not a comment on his perceived weaknesses but more the fact there's just not a ton of tape to work with for the 19-year old Spaniard. Despite that, NBA Draft junkies have fallen in love with the potential of Gonzalez, an elite athlete who has the tools to be a really effective NBA wing. Gonzalez made his professional debut at just 16 years of age and has continued to grow into more complete player, even if he's still a work in progress. I like his potential a lot as a slasher offensively, and the defensive upside is certainly there. He could be the type of prospect who isn't going to overwhelm anyone with his scoring ability, but does just about everything else necessary to be a winning basketball player. I love Gonzalez as a late first-rounder, yet this remains a clear boom-or-bust situation.
24. Danny Wolf, F/C, Michigan
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Boris Diaw
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: On one hand, there's a lot to like about Danny Wolf. I mean, there's not a lot of times you see a legit seven-footer who can handle the ball quite like him, and he shot the ball at a really effective rate throughout his college career. He did all that despite making the jump from Yale to Michigan, and elevated his play as a result. On the other hand, he isn't your prototypical NBA big, and not just because of what he can do with the ball in his hands. Wolf doesn't have the frame of most NBA big men, and you wonder if he's going to be picked on down low as a result. He moves pretty well for his size, but the elite athleticism simply isn't there, which results in slow rotations defensively. And while I think Wolf has a chance to be an effective pro, there's not quite the potential here with a guy who is 21 years of age. You can talk yourself into the value if he does indeed drop into the latter part of the first, which seems likely, but he's a fairly underwhelming prospect compared to some of the others available at his position this year.
25. Rasheer Fleming, F/C, Saint Joseph's
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Robert Covington
Bust Potential: Low
The McGowanMania Take: More and more, I'm amazed with how many mocks and big boards have Rasheer Fleming in the late 20s and yet, I'm guilty of it too! The Saint Joseph's forward just gets lost in the shuffle a little bit with all the intriguing bigs available this year, but he possesses a very high floor. He's a rock-solid offensive player, with a surprisingly effective three-pointer (44% in college), who can play and defend multiple positions. That's an ideal fit for the modern NBA, but it's likely teams are scared about by his age, as he is 21 years of age. Still, this feels like a prospect teams are going to regret passing up on for fear of overthinking. When you have a solid prospect like this whose collegiate production speaks for itself, sometimes you just have to pull the trigger.
26. Walter Clayton Jr, G, Florida
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: C.J. McCollum, with less athleticism
Bust Potential: Low
The McGowanMania Take: Walter Clayton Jr. has a whole legion of supporters after his miraculous play down the stretch for the National Champion Florida Gators. The combo guard played out of his mind at multiple points throughout this year's NCAA Tournament, and was the fuel behind the first Gator team to win a National Title in two decades. Despite all that attention, Clayton doesn't quite have a lot of NBA Draft hype behind him, likely to go somewhere in the late first or second round. That feels right considering Clayton doesn't have the defense or overall athleticism to hang with some of the top guards the NBA has to offer, but I do think someone could get a steal here. I can certainly imagine Clayton coming off the bench and being the type of spark plug that tends to stick around in the NBA. He already shoots the ball at a remarkable clip from NBA range, and has a pure scorer's mentality. I love the potential fit of him in Orlando, even if the addition of Desmond Bane may make them less inclined to add another volume-shooting guard.
27. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Walker Kessler, with less offense
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Much like Fleming and Clayton, there's nothing necessarily flashy or overly alluring about Ryan Kalkbrenner. At 23 years of age and after years protecting the rim for Creighton, we know who the 7'2" center is at this point. He may not ever develop into an imposing low post presence in the pros, but I do think he has potential to be a very effective role player who hangs around a long time, which a lot of prospects would kill for. Kalkbrenner is one of the best rim protectors I've ever seen coming out of college - it's not just that he can block shots or impacts just about every shot that goes up, it's that he does so without fouling. It's rare to see a player with his size be able to match that with the requisite control and understanding to stay out of foul trouble. That defense is the selling point for Kalkbrenner, but he can do just enough offensively to keep defenders honest. He's an effective rim runner and can finish the job on the block with a decent repertoire of post moves. He may be one-dimensional, but there are a lot of prospects who are just that coming into the NBA, and still have long careers. It wouldn't shock me if Kalkbrenner is one of them.
28. Drake Powell, G/F, North Carolina
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Isaac Okoro
Bust Potential: High
The McGowanMania Take: Drake Powell spent most of his lone season of college basketball coming off the bench for a North Carolina team that spent most of the winter firmly entrenched on the bubble. Powell's production in those minutes wasn't exactly off-the-charts, but he did do enough to warrant serious NBA consideration, and he's been helped by a strong pre-Draft process. The "3-and-D" moniker certainly fits Powell, as he shot the ball over 40% from three in college and has the athletic traits to be a very pesky defender at the next level. With that being said, I do have questions on whether those both will translate to the next level. Although his shooting numbers were encouraging, he simply didn't take enough of them at a volume to feel overly confident. On defense, he had plenty of great moments, but also just as many head-scratchers, often being late to rotations or off-balance while defending the ball. You can forgive him for some of those mistakes considering his youth and inexperience, but there are still significant questions around him as a prospect. His success to me feels almost entirely dependent on where he lands.
29. Will Riley, G/F, Illinois
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: Cam Reddish
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: Few players in this Draft I find as difficult to get a read on as Will Riley, which perhaps is a major reason he's sitting down here at 29. Riley was considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 Class before reclassifying and joining Illinois early, and you saw some of the youth and inexperience throughout his time in Champaign. At the same time, you saw plenty of offensive potential for a player who stands at 6'8", and isn't afraid to shoot it from anywhere on the court. He really figured it out down the stretch for Illinois, scoring 15 or more points in four of his final five contests. Consistency remains an issue for Riley but more so in some games he seemed to lose his confidence and it became clear, taking him completely out of games. Perhaps that can be expected of a young freshman still learning, but I'll be curious how he adjusts to the pro game. The size is a major factor in his favor and teams are always looking for players like him, particularly when you consider his youth.
30. Ben Saraf, PG, Israel
NBA Comparison / Ceiling: D'Angelo Russell, without the shooting
Bust Potential: Moderate
The McGowanMania Take: There's a lot of similarities between Ben Saraf and Egor Demin, both as creative, crafty playmakers with ideal NBA size. Yet, Demin got an opportunity to play in college and show out his to a wider audience, while Saraf plays for Ratiopharm Ulm of Basketball Bundesliga. Saraf is shorter, at 6'6", and brings a little bit more flare to his game than Demin. He's a good passer but he takes a lot of risks, and is prone to turnovers. He can get away with that more at his current level, but you do have to wonder whether it will translate to the NBA. He does possess an impressive feel for the game, which you can see on the court when he's playing. He has an understanding of where he needs to put the basketball to help his teammates, and plays with ideal pace. However, like a lot of prospects at this age, Saraf's negatives come in his shooting and defense. There is a starting point with both, and he has had moments where he's shot the ball very well. But you can certainly imagine teams sagging off him in the pros until he is able to show he can be more consistent from long range. On defense, Saraf is also a bit of a risk-taker, and doesn't have the lateral quickness you often look for in NBA guards. Perhaps he can still find a way to get around it with his size, but it's a worthy concern. Overall, he's an intriguing prospect, and feels worthy of a first-round flier but the downsides are notable enough, I have a hard time moving him anywhere up this board.
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