2025 Draft Prospect Thread

[JustBuzzin]

Hell no to Bailey. Too many connectors in the high lottery.

Crazy how much a highlight tape can fool you. I thought this dude was going to challenge Flagg for that #1 spot before the season. He's basically out of my top 5 at the moment. Can't dribble, his basketball IQ also seems low.

[wilson115]

Just putting this here, Cooper Flagg off-ball play and a whole bag of Valdez Edgecombe Jr. highlights.
https://briangeisinger.substack.com/p/under-motion-what-worked-for-duke

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Watch on YouTube

[GiggitySmalls]

Edgecombe is a freaking stud! He's absolutely who i want if we don't end up with flagg or Harper. Wow, just a jaw dropping athlete who gives a ton of effort. The athleticism, defense, playmaking. Kid can hoop and I would love him on this team. We have no players who go as hard as he does.

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[Bassman]

If we do get a high pick, please don’t screw it up Hornets. The history of this franchise on picks and absolutely crapping the bed with them is legendary. Was reading about the likely MVP of the league this morning, another reminder that Hornets drafted SGA, then proceeded to trade him for rights to Miles Bridges. UGH! Shades of drafting Kobe only to deal him to the Lakers.

[Braggins]

(replying to this from the tank thread)

One thing for sure, this draft is top end deep. All the way through the top 7. No one has really mentioned Kasparas but I’ve heard some compare Egor to Doncic. I actually see more Doncic in Kasparas but this is a good draft to tank. And honestly I’m not too worried as long as we pick in the top 7 (Obviously top 3 preferred).

Kasparas is starting to seem like the #3 guy in the class right now. I haven't seen him play, but looks like he has good size for a SG, his statistical profile looks aweseome, and he doesn't turn 19 until a month before the draft.

Spoiler:

Kasparas Jakucionis ~ SG ~ 6'6" 205
Illinois ~ 19.1 yrs (draft day age)
per75: 21.1 pts ~ 7.2 reb ~ 6.9 ast ~ 1.7 stl ~ 0.1 blk ~ 5.0 tov ~ 2.8 pf
56.1% 2pt (6.2 2pta) ~ 41.7% 3pt (6.5 3pta) ~ 86.4% ft (7.1 fta) ~ 66.1% ts
121.3 ORtg ~ 91.3 DRtg ~ +10.2 bpm ~ 23.6% usg% ~ 30.3 ast%

I also think VJ Edgecombe seems pretty intriguing. Flagg had a casual 24 points on 14 shots with 6 assists and 5 stocks in his game last night.

I won't be watching any of these guys besides Flagg enough to do a ranking, but I'm just looking for guys that I would be comfortable drafting. Right now thats Flagg, Harper, Kasparas, and Edgecombe (to a lesser extent I think).

[MasterIchiro]

(replying to this from the tank thread)

One thing for sure, this draft is top end deep. All the way through the top 7. No one has really mentioned Kasparas but I’ve heard some compare Egor to Doncic. I actually see more Doncic in Kasparas but this is a good draft to tank. And honestly I’m not too worried as long as we pick in the top 7 (Obviously top 3 preferred).

Kasparas is starting to seem like the #3 guy in the class right now. I haven't seen him play, but looks like he has good size for a SG, his statistical profile looks aweseome, and he doesn't turn 19 until a month before the draft.

I also think VJ Edgecombe seems pretty intriguing.

I watched extended footage.

He's an excellent shooter/spacer, strong secondary playmaker blessed with exquisite court vision, feel, processing, IQ. He makes some otherworldly passes.

However, with his handles not being elite and with mediocre athleticism (plays below the rim), questionable strength, he's going to struggle to create separation the first 2-3 years in the NBA. I want to know right away the prospect is going to be great, like we knew with LaMelo & Miller during their rookie campaigns.

He's similar to Reed Sheppard.

I think I'm going to look into Demin as an alternative.

[Braggins]

However, with his handles not being elite and with mediocre athleticism (plays below the rim), questionable strength, he's going to struggle to create separation the first 2-3 years in the NBA.

I feel like this often gets overblown with white/Euro prospects. If the skill level is there this wouldn't deter me from drafting him.

He's similar to Reed Sheppard.

I think I'm going to look into Demin as an alternative.

I'm just looking at stats, but Kasparas' production is quite a bit better so far than Demin or Reed's freshman season (also younger draft age vs Reed). Hes got a few inches of height on Reed and is younger + more productive. Demin probably is the guy I would be most interested in after the four I mentioned in my other post, but hes had a massive drop off in production when facing better competition recently and I'm curious to see how that plays out on a bigger sample size. Might not be anything but it gives me a bit of pause even though he does seem like an interesting prospect.

A lot of people like Tre Johnson. I watched a bit of a highlight video and he kind of gave me Buddy Hield vibes, so not sure what to make of that. I haven't really looked into him much yet, so idk.

[MasterIchiro]

Well, I was hoping for more with Jakucionis.

I did see the positives. I do understand his value as a spacer and secondary playmaker.

But he struggles to create separation vs. college defenders. I think it will take some time for his game to translate.

Also, if a player plays below the rim he typically stays there. His handles are nowhere near Harper's. So I don't see him getting to the free throw line as a pro. I see him pecking at the perimeter.

We need someone with more gravity when the ball is in his hands.

[EmpireFalls]

(replying to this from the tank thread)

One thing for sure, this draft is top end deep. All the way through the top 7. No one has really mentioned Kasparas but I’ve heard some compare Egor to Doncic. I actually see more Doncic in Kasparas but this is a good draft to tank. And honestly I’m not too worried as long as we pick in the top 7 (Obviously top 3 preferred).

Kasparas is starting to seem like the #3 guy in the class right now. I haven't seen him play, but looks like he has good size for a SG, his statistical profile looks aweseome, and he doesn't turn 19 until a month before the draft.

I also think VJ Edgecombe seems pretty intriguing.

I watched extended footage.

He's an excellent shooter/spacer, strong secondary playmaker blessed with exquisite court vision, feel, processing, IQ. He makes some otherworldly passes.

However, with his handles not being elite and with mediocre athleticism (plays below the rim), questionable strength, he's going to struggle to create separation the first 2-3 years in the NBA. I want to know right away the prospect is going to be great, like we knew with LaMelo & Miller during their rookie campaigns.

He's similar to Reed Sheppard.

I think I'm going to look into Demin as an alternative.

You’ll find more of the same with Demin.

[MasterIchiro]

(replying to this from the tank thread)

Kasparas is starting to seem like the #3 guy in the class right now. I haven't seen him play, but looks like he has good size for a SG, his statistical profile looks aweseome, and he doesn't turn 19 until a month before the draft.

I also think VJ Edgecombe seems pretty intriguing.

I watched extended footage.

He's an excellent shooter/spacer, strong secondary playmaker blessed with exquisite court vision, feel, processing, IQ. He makes some otherworldly passes.

However, with his handles not being elite and with mediocre athleticism (plays below the rim), questionable strength, he's going to struggle to create separation the first 2-3 years in the NBA. I want to know right away the prospect is going to be great, like we knew with LaMelo & Miller during their rookie campaigns.

He's similar to Reed Sheppard.

I think I'm going to look into Demin as an alternative.

You’ll find more of the same with Demin.

Well that's unfortunate.

It means there's a huge drop-off after pick 2. It's a very narrow sliver to add a game-changer.

This is like Wemby - Miller/Scoot/Amen level drop-off. You still can get a hopeful all-star but you're not changing the playing field vs. the big market 2nd apron premiere free agent meccas.

[Braggins]

Kasparas definitely has worse physical tools, so I do think there is a good bit of separation between him and Flagg/Harper, but his production/stat profile is really awesome and not too far behind them.

box stats = per 75 possions

Cooper Flagg ~ F ~ 6'9" 205
Duke (ACC) ~ Fr ~ 18.6 yrs

Spoiler:

24.7 pts ~ 11.9 reb ~ 5.4 ast ~ 2.5 stl ~ 1.8 blk ~ 3.2 tov ~ 3.4 pf
50.0% 2pt (14.6 2pta) ~ 27.1% 3pt (5.4 3pta) ~ 76.1% ft (7.5 fta) ~ 52.4% ts
114.2 ORtg ~ 82.5 DRtg ~ +12.6 bpm (+5.6/+7.0) ~ 30.5% usg

Dylan Harper ~ G ~ 6'6" 215
Rutgers (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.3 yrs

Spoiler:

28.2 pts ~ 6.6 reb ~ 5.9 ast ~ 1.4 stl ~ 0.7 blk ~ 2.8 tov ~ 2.0 pf
60.3% 2pt (12.5 2pta) ~ 37.3% 3pt (6.4 3pta) ~ 75.0% ft (8.0 fta) ~ 62.2% ts
126.8 ORtg ~ 106.0 DRtg ~ +11.2 bpm (+9.3/+1.9) ~ 29.5% usg

Kasparas Jakucionis ~ SG ~ 6'6" 205
Illinois (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.1 yrs

Spoiler:

21.1 pts ~ 7.2 reb ~ 6.9 ast ~ 1.7 stl ~ 0.1 blk ~ 5.0 tov ~ 2.8 pf
56.1% 2pt (6.2 2pta) ~ 41.7% 3pt (6.5 3pta) ~ 86.4% ft (7.1 fta) ~ 66.1% ts
121.3 ORtg ~ 91.3 DRtg ~ +10.2 bpm (+5.7/+4.5) ~ 23.6% usg

Heres Gradey Dick for comparison

Gradey Dick ~ SG/SF ~ 6'6.25" 204
Kansas (B12) ~ Fr ~ (19.6)

Spoiler:

18.5 pts ~ 6.8 reb ~ 2.2 ast ~ 1.9 stl ~ 0.3 blk ~ 1.7 tov ~ 2.8 pf
48.4% 2pt (6.8 2pta) ~ 40.3% 3pt (7.5 3pta) ~ 85.4% ft (3.2 fta) ~ 58.1% ts
117.2 ORtg ~ 98.5 DRtg ~ +7.8 bpm (+4.9/+2.9) ~ 20.5% usg

[MasterIchiro]

Kasparas definitely has worse physical tools, so I do think there is a good bit of separation between him and Flagg/Harper, but his production/stat profile is really awesome and not too far behind them.

box stats = per 75 possions

Cooper Flagg ~ F ~ 6'9" 205
Duke (ACC) ~ Fr ~ 18.6 yrs

Spoiler:

24.7 pts ~ 11.9 reb ~ 5.4 ast ~ 2.5 stl ~ 1.8 blk ~ 3.2 tov ~ 3.4 pf
50.0% 2pt (14.6 2pta) ~ 27.1% 3pt (5.4 3pta) ~ 76.1% ft (7.5 fta) ~ 52.4% ts
114.2 ORtg ~ 82.5 DRtg ~ +12.6 bpm (+5.6/+7.0) ~ 30.5% usg

Dylan Harper ~ G ~ 6'6" 215
Rutgers (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.3 yrs

Spoiler:

28.2 pts ~ 6.6 reb ~ 5.9 ast ~ 1.4 stl ~ 0.7 blk ~ 2.8 tov ~ 2.0 pf
60.3% 2pt (12.5 2pta) ~ 37.3% 3pt (6.4 3pta) ~ 75.0% ft (8.0 fta) ~ 62.2% ts
126.8 ORtg ~ 106.0 DRtg ~ +11.2 bpm (+9.3/+1.9) ~ 29.5% usg

Kasparas Jakucionis ~ SG ~ 6'6" 205
Illinois (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.1 yrs

Spoiler:

21.1 pts ~ 7.2 reb ~ 6.9 ast ~ 1.7 stl ~ 0.1 blk ~ 5.0 tov ~ 2.8 pf
56.1% 2pt (6.2 2pta) ~ 41.7% 3pt (6.5 3pta) ~ 86.4% ft (7.1 fta) ~ 66.1% ts
121.3 ORtg ~ 91.3 DRtg ~ +10.2 bpm (+5.7/+4.5) ~ 23.6% usg

Heres Gradey Dick for comparison

Gradey Dick ~ SG/SF ~ 6'6.25" 204
Kansas (B12) ~ Fr ~ (19.6)

Spoiler:

18.5 pts ~ 6.8 reb ~ 2.2 ast ~ 1.9 stl ~ 0.3 blk ~ 1.7 tov ~ 2.8 pf
48.4% 2pt (6.8 2pta) ~ 40.3% 3pt (7.5 3pta) ~ 85.4% ft (3.2 fta) ~ 58.1% ts
117.2 ORtg ~ 98.5 DRtg ~ +7.8 bpm (+4.9/+2.9) ~ 20.5% usg

Well, in the footage I watched he bounced off defenders whereas defenders bounce off Harper while Dylan continues downhill using superior handles and pace change.

Harper uses his big body to shield the dribble which can cut on a dime in any direction.

I believe Jakucionis will have a hard time getting to his spots on the floor whereas Harper seems to be able to get anywhere he wants. This means that Jakucionis will have to play off ball in the NBA because if he tries to beat a defense on ball, he will struggle to create any advantage on the next level.

So I believe he will be prancing around the 3 pt line like Salaun just with supreme coordination, and contributing at a high level as a connector (on top of being a superior shooter). He's a starter, but doesn't change the game like Harper. Dylan can part the defense like the Red Sea.

He's still on my radar as maybe 3rd or 4th on my board, I just want to temper expectations.

[Jstock12]

However, with his handles not being elite and with mediocre athleticism (plays below the rim), questionable strength, he's going to struggle to create separation the first 2-3 years in the NBA.

I feel like this often gets overblown with white/Euro prospects. If the skill level is there this wouldn't deter me from drafting him.

He's been working a lot on his strength since coming over to college.

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[Bassman]

I saw plenty of Jaku when Illinois played against my Missouri Tigers in the bragging rights game late December. Agree on the lack of physicality that will hurt him at the next level, but he is fearless looking for his shot. Was hot, then cold, then made some key shots to help the orange win. Still doesn’t strike me as a target for us. His defense is average.

Watched a YT video today on the author’s first mock draft (very early of course as acknowledged). Ace Bailey keeps getting projected just after the BIG 2, and maybe he warrants that, but he seems like a duplicate of Miller. While that’s a compliment, we could use different strengths to complement Miller, not copy his weaknesses. No doubt Bailey is intriguing. Edgecomb is my next on the radar. His highlights are amazing, great athlete and will be impactful at the next level. When matched up against strong competition, he’s still good but the results don’t stand out quite as well. But the kid does everything…passing, defense, good shot with potential to be really good, and Superman skills finishing at the rim. I like him a lot.

[JustBuzzin]

Edgecombe is a freaking stud! He's absolutely who i want if we don't end up with flagg or Harper. Wow, just a jaw dropping athlete who gives a ton of effort. The athleticism, defense, playmaking. Kid can hoop and I would love him on this team. We have no players who go as hard as he does.

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I have watched Flagg/Harper/Bailey/Demin/Jaku.

Edgecombe is the guy who's getting a lot of praise lately. I will have him on my radar moving forward.

[wilson115]

Kasparas definitely has worse physical tools, so I do think there is a good bit of separation between him and Flagg/Harper, but his production/stat profile is really awesome and not too far behind them.

box stats = per 75 possions

Cooper Flagg ~ F ~ 6'9" 205
Duke (ACC) ~ Fr ~ 18.6 yrs

Spoiler:

24.7 pts ~ 11.9 reb ~ 5.4 ast ~ 2.5 stl ~ 1.8 blk ~ 3.2 tov ~ 3.4 pf
50.0% 2pt (14.6 2pta) ~ 27.1% 3pt (5.4 3pta) ~ 76.1% ft (7.5 fta) ~ 52.4% ts
114.2 ORtg ~ 82.5 DRtg ~ +12.6 bpm (+5.6/+7.0) ~ 30.5% usg

Dylan Harper ~ G ~ 6'6" 215
Rutgers (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.3 yrs

Spoiler:

28.2 pts ~ 6.6 reb ~ 5.9 ast ~ 1.4 stl ~ 0.7 blk ~ 2.8 tov ~ 2.0 pf
60.3% 2pt (12.5 2pta) ~ 37.3% 3pt (6.4 3pta) ~ 75.0% ft (8.0 fta) ~ 62.2% ts
126.8 ORtg ~ 106.0 DRtg ~ +11.2 bpm (+9.3/+1.9) ~ 29.5% usg

Kasparas Jakucionis ~ SG ~ 6'6" 205
Illinois (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.1 yrs

Spoiler:

21.1 pts ~ 7.2 reb ~ 6.9 ast ~ 1.7 stl ~ 0.1 blk ~ 5.0 tov ~ 2.8 pf
56.1% 2pt (6.2 2pta) ~ 41.7% 3pt (6.5 3pta) ~ 86.4% ft (7.1 fta) ~ 66.1% ts
121.3 ORtg ~ 91.3 DRtg ~ +10.2 bpm (+5.7/+4.5) ~ 23.6% usg

Heres Gradey Dick for comparison

Gradey Dick ~ SG/SF ~ 6'6.25" 204
Kansas (B12) ~ Fr ~ (19.6)

Spoiler:

18.5 pts ~ 6.8 reb ~ 2.2 ast ~ 1.9 stl ~ 0.3 blk ~ 1.7 tov ~ 2.8 pf
48.4% 2pt (6.8 2pta) ~ 40.3% 3pt (7.5 3pta) ~ 85.4% ft (3.2 fta) ~ 58.1% ts
117.2 ORtg ~ 98.5 DRtg ~ +7.8 bpm (+4.9/+2.9) ~ 20.5% usg

Jaku's stats speak for themselves. Good at getting to the line + competent defense along with everything else = a guy you can comfortably keep on the floor to close out a tight game. Only trouble really is the turnovers.

https://barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=Cooper%20Flagg&t=Duke
https://www.barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=Dylan%20Harper&t=Rutgers
https://www.barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?t=Baylor&p=V.J.+Edgecombe&year=2025
https://www.barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=Kasparas%20Jakucionis&t=Illinois
https://barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=Egor%20Demin&t=BYU
https://www.barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=Tre%20Johnson&t=Texas
https://www.barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?year=2025&p=Ace%20Bailey&t=Rutgers

[Braggins]

Kasparas definitely has worse physical tools, so I do think there is a good bit of separation between him and Flagg/Harper, but his production/stat profile is really awesome and not too far behind them.

box stats = per 75 possions

Cooper Flagg ~ F ~ 6'9" 205
Duke (ACC) ~ Fr ~ 18.6 yrs

Spoiler:

24.7 pts ~ 11.9 reb ~ 5.4 ast ~ 2.5 stl ~ 1.8 blk ~ 3.2 tov ~ 3.4 pf
50.0% 2pt (14.6 2pta) ~ 27.1% 3pt (5.4 3pta) ~ 76.1% ft (7.5 fta) ~ 52.4% ts
114.2 ORtg ~ 82.5 DRtg ~ +12.6 bpm (+5.6/+7.0) ~ 30.5% usg

Dylan Harper ~ G ~ 6'6" 215
Rutgers (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.3 yrs

Spoiler:

28.2 pts ~ 6.6 reb ~ 5.9 ast ~ 1.4 stl ~ 0.7 blk ~ 2.8 tov ~ 2.0 pf
60.3% 2pt (12.5 2pta) ~ 37.3% 3pt (6.4 3pta) ~ 75.0% ft (8.0 fta) ~ 62.2% ts
126.8 ORtg ~ 106.0 DRtg ~ +11.2 bpm (+9.3/+1.9) ~ 29.5% usg

Kasparas Jakucionis ~ SG ~ 6'6" 205
Illinois (B10) ~ Fr ~ 19.1 yrs

Spoiler:

21.1 pts ~ 7.2 reb ~ 6.9 ast ~ 1.7 stl ~ 0.1 blk ~ 5.0 tov ~ 2.8 pf
56.1% 2pt (6.2 2pta) ~ 41.7% 3pt (6.5 3pta) ~ 86.4% ft (7.1 fta) ~ 66.1% ts
121.3 ORtg ~ 91.3 DRtg ~ +10.2 bpm (+5.7/+4.5) ~ 23.6% usg

Heres Gradey Dick for comparison

Gradey Dick ~ SG/SF ~ 6'6.25" 204
Kansas (B12) ~ Fr ~ (19.6)

Spoiler:

18.5 pts ~ 6.8 reb ~ 2.2 ast ~ 1.9 stl ~ 0.3 blk ~ 1.7 tov ~ 2.8 pf
48.4% 2pt (6.8 2pta) ~ 40.3% 3pt (7.5 3pta) ~ 85.4% ft (3.2 fta) ~ 58.1% ts
117.2 ORtg ~ 98.5 DRtg ~ +7.8 bpm (+4.9/+2.9) ~ 20.5% usg

Also heres VJ Edgecombe and Egor Demin

VJ Edgecombe ~ SG ~ 6'5" 180
Baylor (B12) ~ Fr ~ 19.9 yrs

Spoiler:

19.3 pts ~ 9.1 reb ~ 5.0 ast ~ 3.8 stl ~ 1.9 blk ~ 3.0 tov ~ 3.0 pf
50.0% 2pt (9.9 2pta) ~ 30.4% 3pt (6.5 3pta) ~ 68.6% ft (5.0 fta) ~ 51.3% ts
115.3 ORtg ~ 90.7 DRtg ~ +10.8 bpm (+5.5/+5.3) ~ 24.0% usg

Egor Demin ~ PG ~ 6'9" 190
BYU (B12) ~ Fr ~ 19.3 yrs

Spoiler:

18.2 pts ~ 6.8 reb ~ 8.8 ast ~ 2.5 stl ~ 1.0 blk ~ 4.0 tov ~ 1.4 pf
61.5% 2pt (6.5 2pta) ~ 34.1% 3pt (7.3 3pta) ~ 68.0% ft (4.1 fta) ~ 58.0% ts
118.4 ORtg ~ 90.7 DRtg ~ +8.6 bpm (+4.9/+3.7) ~ 22.0% usg

[Braggins]

Edgecombe is a freaking stud! He's absolutely who i want if we don't end up with flagg or Harper. Wow, just a jaw dropping athlete who gives a ton of effort. The athleticism, defense, playmaking. Kid can hoop and I would love him on this team. We have no players who go as hard as he does.

The Hornets need defensive talent quite a bit more than they need offense imo. They really need two way players. Edgecombe looks pretty insane on defense for a guard and this team specifically does need point of attack defense super badly.

I think his athleticism, passing, and IQ, give him a chance on offense. His shooting form also looks solid to me, so it wouldn't surprise me if he improved in that area.

I don't advocate drafting for fit with high picks, but it is nice that a lot of these guys that look like top picks also are good fits and I think Edgecombe looks like one of the better fitting players of that group.

[GiggitySmalls]

I very much agree. The dude has that dawg in him. We have nobody on the team with as much fight as this kid. I think he's gonna be a special player. A player like him between Melo and Miller is what we need and quite possibly the best talent available after the top 2. Supreme athlete, connector, defender, improving shooter. Yes, please!

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[EmpireFalls]

Just please, no more of these skinny perimeter wallflowers. I can’t take it anymore. Yes, that includes Salaun, who is somehow shooting 31% from the field at 6’11”. We don’t need them, we already have Melo and Miller.

Give me an athlete who can trade paint with opposing players, show some strength and speed, take the ball in and dunk.