King Ken's Big Board 2025 (Final)

[King Ken]

Just tier 1 to tier 3.5 for now. Tier 4 and 5 will be added at a later date.
# **2025 NBA Draft Big Board - Tiers 1-3.5**

## **Tier 1 - Elite Cornerstone Prospect**
- **Cooper Flagg** (SF) - "Luka of this class. Day 1 dog."

There are basketball players, and then there are basketball players who make you stop whatever you're doing and watch. Cooper Flagg is emphatically the latter. At 6'7.75" with a 7-foot wingspan, this kid from Maine who won't turn 19 until December possesses something that can't be taught, can't be manufactured, and certainly can't be faked: an otherworldly combination of athletic reactivity, motor, and competitive fire that burns so bright it's almost uncomfortable to witness.

Watch Flagg for five minutes and you'll understand why scouts are already penciling him in as the consensus number one pick. He doesn't just play hard—he plays like his life depends on every possession. Zero fear. Zero hesitation. When Duke needed a bucket, they went to the teenager. When they needed a stop, he was already there, anticipating the play two beats ahead of everyone else. This is what greatness looks like at eighteen years old.

What separates Flagg from the pack isn't just his production—though averaging 4.2 assists against 2.1 turnovers while shooting 38.5% from three is nothing to sneeze at—it's the way he impacts winning. Duke's defense was top-five nationally because Flagg was constantly around the ball, disrupting everything with preternatural anticipation that had opposing coaches game-planning around a freshman. He was a finalist for national Defensive Player of the Year, for crying out loud. As a teenager.

**Comp/Upside:** Josh Smith meets Tyrese Haliburton. Not the insane athlete Josh Smith is and not the floor general Haliburton is but he's a blend of the two. He doesn't have any critical flaws like Smoove and he doesn't have size issues like Haliburton but he's a mix of the two. I can see him becoming more of a point forward as he ages.

## **Tier 2 - All-Star Potential**
- **Dylan Harper** (SG) - "plus upside gives him a nice top 25 projection after the end of year 4 and has the same tier as Cade Cunningham who he favorably compares to"

If you're looking for the perfect modern guard prototype, Dylan Harper is your guy. Standing 6'4.5" with a 6'10.5" wingspan and an NBA-ready 213-pound frame, Harper moves through defenses with the kind of practiced ease that makes veteran coaches nod approvingly. This isn't some raw athlete hoping to figure it out—this is a polished basketball player who happens to be nineteen years old.

Harper's secret weapon isn't flash or pizzazz; it's that maddening ability to stay balanced no matter what defenders throw at him. Watch him attack a ball screen and you'll see what separates good players from great ones: those hang dribbles that let plays develop around him, the way he keeps his defender on his hip while scanning for the right read, the patience to let the defense dictate his next move. When he finally decides to go, it's over. He averaged four attempts at the rim per game and converted an obscene 65.3% of them.

But here's what really gets scouts excited: Harper isn't just a scorer masquerading as a playmaker. He averaged four assists against 2.3 turnovers while maintaining that scoring edge. He shoots 38.3% on catch-and-shoot threes. He competes defensively. In short, he does everything you want a franchise guard to do, and he does it with the kind of calm confidence that suggests he's just getting started.

**Comp/Upside:** Cade Cunningham. The comparison makes perfect sense when looking at Harper's combination of size, skill, and versatility. Like Cade, Harper has elite size for a guard (6'4.5" vs Cade's 6'6") with excellent wingspan and NBA-ready frame. Both players share that rare blend of being scoring-minded guards who can also create for others, with Harper's 4 assists to 2.3 turnovers mirroring Cade's ability to facilitate while maintaining primary scorer mentality.

The similarities extend to their ball-handling creativity, polished footwork, and ability to navigate ball screens with patience and poise. Both use hang dribbles effectively to let plays develop and have the physical tools to play multiple positions. Harper's balanced approach - elite finishing ability combined with improved shooting and solid defensive effort - mirrors the well-rounded skill set that made Cade a top pick. The projection of Harper reaching top 25 player status by year 4 aligns with Cade's trajectory as a foundational piece.

## **Tier 3 - All-Star Possibilities**
- **Cedric Coward** (SG) - "#3 player... The less explosive and less dynamic hybrid of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen"

Sometimes a player walks into a gym and you just know. Cedric Coward has that quality—the kind of rare physical specimen that makes grown men in NBA front offices start making phone calls. At 6'5.25" with a massive 7'2.25" wingspan and 10-inch hands, Coward looks like someone drew up the perfect wing player in a laboratory. But here's the thing about Coward that separates him from all the other impressive measurables walking around college campuses: the kid can actually play.

What strikes you first about Coward isn't his length—though that wingspan is genuinely absurd—it's how fluid everything looks. For someone still growing into his frame, he moves with a kinetic connection that's genuinely rare. Everything flows. His shooting mechanics are a thing of beauty: that perfectly shoulder-width base, the high release point, the way every shot looks identical to the last one. He hit 38.8% from three over his college career and 40.7% on catch-and-shoot attempts over his final two seasons. Those aren't fluky numbers.

But Coward's real calling card is his basketball IQ. He took significant strides as a passer this season, averaging 3.7 assists in limited games while consistently making the right reads out of help situations. Defensively, he's a disruptive force who averaged a steal and a block per game while becoming an effective weakside rim rotator. The combination of length, instincts, and pure basketball savvy suggests a player who could impact winning at the highest level without needing to dominate the ball.

**Comp/Upside:** Scottie Pippen with movements like Michael Jordan without his special attributes, also within comp range of Jalen Williams and Mikal Bridges. The Pippen comparison fits perfectly with Coward's elite length (7'2.25" wingspan), defensive versatility (guards 2-4, switchable), and improved playmaking vision that creates advantages for teammates. Like Scottie, he's incredibly fluid despite his length and has that intuitive understanding of leverage and timing that made Pippen special. His weakside rim protection and ability to disrupt passing lanes mirror Pippen's help defense impact.

The Jordan elements show purely in his movement patterns and fluidity - the way everything in his kinetic chain connects smoothly, but he lacks MJ's explosive first step, cat-like quickness, body control, and overall athleticism. The Jalen Williams/Mikal Bridges range makes sense given his combination of size, shooting consistency (40.7% on catch-and-shoot threes), and two-way impact. All four players share that rare blend of length, basketball IQ, and positional versatility that allows them to impact winning in multiple ways without needing the ball in their hands constantly.

## **Tier 3.5 - Decent Role Player with All-Star Possibilities**
- **Ace Bailey** (SF) - "gives you Tracy McGrady and Cam Reddish vibes"

Ace Bailey looks like a star. That's the first thing you notice when he walks onto a court—the 6'7.5" frame with that 8'11" standing reach, the way he carries himself with the quiet confidence of someone who's been the best player in the gym since middle school. At just 18 years old, Bailey has that indefinable quality that makes scouts start dreaming about what he could become.

The pull-up game is where Bailey separates himself from the pack. Watch him string together moves off the bounce—the hang dribbles, the crossovers, the way he creates space going backward and sideways with those long strides—and you start to understand why teams are willing to bet their future on potential. He shot 38.7% on catch-and-shoot threes and 41% off screens, numbers that suggest the shooting foundation is real. When he's locked in, Bailey creates shots that simply shouldn't exist.

But here's the rub with Bailey: for every moment of brilliance, there's a reminder that he's still figuring it out. The shot creation against length needs work. The consistency wavers. The defense, while showing flashes with 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, comes with gambling tendencies that make coaches nervous. Bailey is the classic boom-or-bust prospect—all the tools in the world, with everything still needing to come together.

**Comp/Upside:** Tracy McGrady and Cam Reddish vibes with comp range of Jaylen Brown coming out of Cal. The T-Mac comparison stems from Bailey's combination of elite size for a wing, incredible open-floor athleticism, and ability to create his own shot with that signature pull-up game. Like McGrady, he has that high release point and ability to get to stepbacks and fadeaways that are nearly unguardable when he's on. The coordination and balance while stringing together moves off the bounce mirrors T-Mac's smooth shot creation, though Bailey lacks McGrady's elite first step and finishing ability at the rim.

The Cam Reddish element comes from the boom-or-bust nature - elite physical tools and shot-making ability but questions about consistency and overall basketball impact. The Jaylen Brown comparison makes sense given Brown's similar athletic profile coming out of Cal - explosive open-floor athlete with defensive playmaking ability (Brown averaged 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks) and developing shot creation skills. Both players had that "looks the part" appeal with elite measurables and flashes of star-level shot-making, but needed development in terms of creating advantages and finishing around the rim. Bailey's youth (18 on draft day) gives him similar upside trajectory to what Brown eventually became.

- **VJ Edgecombe** (SG) - "more like Bradley Beal... That's a top 5 pick to me"

VJ Edgecombe plays basketball like his hair is on fire. The 6'4" guard with a 6'7.5" wingspan doesn't just compete—he attacks every possession with a manic intensity that's equal parts infectious and exhausting to watch. This is a kid who dives for every loose ball, contests every shot, and never, ever gives an inch. In an era where effort is sometimes treated as optional, Edgecombe plays like his life depends on every play.

The athletic tools are legitimate top-five-percent NBA material. Edgecombe combines twitchy explosiveness with a quick first step that leaves defenders grasping at air. What makes him special isn't just the burst—it's the motor that never stops running. He averaged 2.2 steals per game by getting into passing lanes and harassing ballhandlers, but more importantly, he got dramatically better as the season progressed. Over his final 21 games, Edgecombe averaged 17 points while shooting 45.3% from the field and 36.5% from three. That improvement curve suggests a player who's just scratching the surface.

Defensively, Edgecombe is already elite. He uses his quickness to beat opponents to spots, has the hand-eye coordination to blow up dribble handoffs, and possesses the recovery speed to get back into plays even when beaten. The combination of athletic gifts and relentless effort creates the kind of defensive impact that makes coaches fall in love with a prospect. If the offensive consistency continues to develop, Edgecombe could be the steal of the draft.

**Comp/Upside:** Bradley Beal. The comparison makes perfect sense given Edgecombe's combination of elite athleticism (top-5% in NBA), scoring ability (17 PPG over final 21 games), and two-way impact. Like Beal, he has that twitchy explosiveness with a quick first step, solid size for a shooting guard (6'4" with 6'7.5" wingspan), and the competitive motor that translates to both ends. His ability to improve throughout the season (36.5% from three late) mirrors Beal's development trajectory, while his defensive activity (2.2 steals per game) and willingness to make winning plays shows the all-around impact that made Beal a multiple All-Star despite not being the most polished prospect coming out.

- **Tre Johnson** (SG) - "Ray Allen is the obvious comp... easily the best of them all"

Tre Johnson has that rarest of qualities in basketball: he makes shooting look effortless. Standing 6'4.75" with a 6'10.25" wingspan, Johnson possesses the kind of pure stroke that makes old-school coaches get misty-eyed about the fundamentals. Everything about his jumper is textbook—the balance, the rhythm, the simple mechanics without wasted movement. When Johnson shoots, the ball doesn't just go in; it looks like it was always meant to be there.

But here's what separates Johnson from your typical catch-and-shoot specialist: the kid is fearless. He thinks he's the best player on the court every time he steps between the lines, and he backs it up with that professional scorer mentality. Johnson shot 44.2% from three in transition, 40.8% on catch-and-shoot attempts, and 54.8% off screens. He made the fourth-most pull-up threes of any wing in the draft class at 38.4%. These aren't cute numbers—this is elite marksmanship from every conceivable angle.

What makes Johnson truly special is his work ethic. Known as an extremely high-level worker who's constantly in the gym, Johnson has the kind of perfectionist mentality that suggests his best basketball is ahead of him. The stroke is already there. The confidence is unshakeable. The only question is how much more he can add to his game, but with that foundation and that mindset, the ceiling feels limitless.

**Comp/Upside:** Ray Allen prototype. The comparison is perfect given Johnson's combination of size (6'4.75"), elite shooting mechanics, and versatility as a scorer from multiple levels. Like Allen, he has that textbook jumper with simple mechanics, elite balance, and consistent form that "looks the same every time" - the kind you'd teach to kids. His ability to excel in transition (44.2% from three), off catches (40.8% C&S), off screens (54.8%), and on pull-ups (38.4%) mirrors Allen's complete shooting package. The fearless confidence and professional scorer mentality combined with his work ethic suggests he could follow Allen's trajectory from pure shooter to complete offensive weapon, making him easily the best Ray Allen prototype in recent memory.

- **Khaman Maluach** (C) - "earning comps to Walker Kessler and teams like him more"

Here's the thing about Khaman Maluach: he should probably be in Tier 5 based on his offensive limitations alone. The high center of gravity, the average feel for the game, the rough hands and poor hand-eye coordination—these are real concerns that can't be ignored. But what Maluach does well, he does at an NBA-special level, and sometimes that's enough to change everything.

At 7'0.75" without shoes with a 7'6.75" wingspan and 9'6" standing reach, Maluach possesses the kind of physical dimensions that stop conversations. These are Rudy Gobert and Mark Williams measurements, the kind that maybe three or four players in the entire league can match. But size alone doesn't make a player—what makes Maluach intriguing is how dramatically he improved throughout the season, just like Dereck Lively II did under Jon Scheyer.

By January, Maluach had transformed from a lost freshman into a legitimate rim protector who understood gap control and could contest both the ballhandler and roller in drop coverage. Opposing teams shot 6.5% worse at the rim when he was on the court. He finished 30 of 33 attempts in ball screen situations and shot 80.6% at the rim—among the best marks in college basketball. The foundation is there. The question is whether he can build enough around it to justify that elite defensive impact.

**Comp/Upside:** Shades of Rudy Gobert meets shades of Mark Williams meets shades of DeAndre Jordan meets shades of Bill Laimbeer meets deep shades of Siakam. The Gobert comparison comes from his elite measurables (7'6.75" wingspan, 9'6" standing reach) and defensive impact - opposing teams shot significantly worse when he's on court and his length cuts off angles just like Rudy. The Mark Williams element shows in his mobility and ability to switch onto guards while maintaining rim protection, plus that efficient finishing around the basket (80.6% at rim). The DeAndre Jordan shades appear in his excellent screen-and-roll finishing (30 of 33 attempts) and willingness to do the dirty work on offensive glass.

The Bill Laimbeer aspect comes from his understanding of positioning and screening fundamentals, but more importantly his shooting touch - took 10 threes this season showing range potential and has soft touch evidenced by 67% on layups and 50% on hook shots. Like Laimbeer, he has that big man who can step out and shoot foundation, though still developing. The deep shades of Siakam are the most intriguing, suggesting potential for skill development and versatility that could make him more than just a traditional big. His improvement throughout the season mirrors how Siakam evolved his game, and his fluid movement for his size hints at untapped offensive potential beyond just dunking and finishing. If he develops even a fraction of Siakam's skill expansion, combined with his elite physical tools, he could become a truly special two-way center.

- **Jeremiah Fears** (PG) - "reminds me of Dennis Schröder but taller and more explosive"

Jeremiah Fears plays basketball like he's constantly late for something important. The 6'4" guard with a 6'5.25" wingspan is genuinely twitchy in the best possible way—every movement explosive, every decision made at warp speed. This is what top-five-percent NBA athleticism looks like when it's harnessed by someone who refuses to be denied.

Fears is that rare breed of herky-jerky ball-handler who's impossible to read. He'll go fast, then slow, then explode into a floater or attack the rim with either hand. His 56.4% two-point percentage and 64.0% scoring rate in pick-and-roll situations tell the story of a player who creates advantages at will. When Fears decides to get to the rim, he usually gets there. The question is what happens when he arrives.

But here's the rub with Fears: the shooting is genuinely concerning. He made just 28.4% of his threes and wasn't significantly better in high school. His decision-making, while improved, still features too many turnovers for a player who needs the ball to be effective. Fears is the classic high-ceiling, low-floor prospect—capable of spectacular plays and frustrating stretches in equal measure. The athleticism and competitiveness suggest he'll figure it out, but the development curve could be bumpy.

**Comp/Upside:** Dennis Schröder but taller and more explosive. The comparison fits perfectly with Fears' combination of elite athleticism, quick first step, and ability to create advantages in pick-and-roll situations. Like Schröder, he's a dynamic scorer who can get to the rim at will and pressure defenses with pace changes, but Fears has better size (6'4" vs Schröder's 6'1") and potentially more explosive athleticism. Both players share that fearless scoring mentality and ability to take over games, though Fears needs to develop the same shooting consistency and decision-making that made Schröder effective in the NBA.

- **Kon Knueppel** (SG) - comparable to "Dyson Daniels... more malleable for most NBA teams"

Kon Knueppel doesn't beat you with flash—he beats you with precision. The 6'7" guard with a 217-pound frame and impeccable basketball pedigree approaches the game with the kind of methodical excellence that makes veteran coaches appreciate the fundamentals. This isn't a player who's going to wow you with highlight-reel dunks; this is a player who's going to make every shot he's supposed to make and several he probably shouldn't.

The shooting stroke is pure poetry. Knueppel hit 40.6% from three while averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with the kind of efficiency that suggests he'll be cashing checks in the NBA for a long time. His catch-and-shoot numbers are elite, his off-screen work is polished, and his basketball IQ allows him to find his spots within any offensive system. Knueppel may not be the primary creator, but he's the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.

The offensive versatility is what really intrigues scouts. Knueppel can score in multiple ways thanks to his size, skill, and court awareness, though he lacks the lateral quickness to stay with elite athletes defensively. The key word with Knueppel is "malleable"—he fits into any system, makes the right plays, and never tries to do more than his role requires. In an NBA increasingly focused on role definition and system basketball, Knueppel represents the kind of plug-and-play talent that championship teams covet.

**Comp/Upside:** Dyson Daniels comparison is correct but they're different types of players. Both are elite at being teammates and what I call elite role player types, which is critical to winning basketball - putting pieces around your star. Daniels has that rare combination of defensive versatility and court awareness that allows him to fit seamlessly into different systems. What Kon has is the same but for offense instead of defense - that rare combination of offensive versatility and court awareness that allows him to fit seamlessly into any offensive system. Both players project as elite role players who make winning plays and elevate their teammates, but they impact the game on opposite ends of the floor while maintaining that same high basketball IQ and adaptability.

- **Noa Essengue** (SF) - "unique talent... his talent level is so damn high. Maybe as high as Bailey's"

Noa Essengue is what happens when you combine elite physical tools with genuine basketball instincts and let the mixture simmer in professional basketball for a few years. At 6'9" with a 7'0" wingspan and 9'3.25" standing reach, Essengue possesses the kind of measurables that make NBA executives start calculating salary cap implications. But here's what separates him from the countless other impressive physical specimens: the 18-year-old actually knows how to play.

Watch Essengue in transition and you'll see something genuinely special—a 6'9" player who runs the floor like a guard, using his size and speed to create advantages that simply shouldn't exist. His 68.7% field goal percentage at the rim and dominant transition scoring (93rd percentile) tell the story of a player who understands how to leverage his tools. The passing is already there—creative interior feeds and over-the-head outlets that suggest elite court vision.

The concerns are real and substantial. Essengue shot just 26.4% from three and often looks more like a power forward than the wing his size suggests he should be. His offensive creation remains limited, and there are questions about whether he can develop the consistency needed to impact winning at the highest level. But the talent level is undeniable—potentially as high as anyone in this class if the development curve breaks the right way.

**Comp/Upside:** Unique talent whose ceiling could rival Ace Bailey's due to rare combination of size, athleticism, and skill potential. Essengue's 6'9" frame with guard-like mobility and ball-handling ability creates matchup nightmares similar to how Bailey's size/skill combo makes him special. Like Bailey, he has elite physical tools and flashes of star-level ability, but needs significant development to reach that potential. The key difference is Essengue's more advanced feel for the game and passing ability, suggesting he could impact winning even if his shooting doesn't develop. His fluid athleticism and versatility give him multiple pathways to NBA success - whether as a point forward, versatile wing, or switchable big - making his talent level potentially as high as any wing in the class.

- **Egor Demin** (PG) - "has the most SGA type qualities"

Egor Demin is the kind of prospect who makes scouts question everything they think they know about positional basketball. Standing 6'8.25" barefoot with a 6'10.25" wingspan, Demin possesses the size of a power forward and the vision of an elite point guard. The combination is genuinely rare—arguably the best passer in the 2025 draft class with the kind of positional size that allows him to see over any defense.

The passing is what sets Demin apart. His 5.5 assists per game might not blow you away until you watch the tape and see the degree of difficulty involved. Demin throws passes that shouldn't exist—live-dribble dishes with either hand to any part of the court, crafty feeds through traffic, outlet passes that start fast breaks. His basketball IQ is off the charts, constantly reading rotations and making decisions two beats ahead of the defense.

But here's the challenge with Demin: for all his gifts as a facilitator, the scoring remains inconsistent. He shot just 27.3% from three with stiff mechanics that suggest limited upside as a shooter. His lack of a quick first step makes it difficult to consistently create advantages against athletic defenders. Demin is the ultimate high-floor, moderate-ceiling prospect—he'll help you win games immediately, but the path to stardom requires significant development.

**Comp/Upside:** Has the most SGA type qualities. While he's not as talented as SGA, it's his potential that's extremely unique. The comparison stems from his combination of positional size (6'8.25"), advanced court vision, and smooth ball-handling ability that allows him to see the game differently than smaller guards. Both players share that patient, methodical approach to breaking down defenses while maintaining elite passing vision. Demin's potential becomes compelling when considering his developmental runway - if he can improve his shooting consistency and first step like SGA did from his early years to All-Star level, he has the framework to follow a similar trajectory. His basketball IQ, positional versatility, and ability to make teammates better provide the foundation for that type of growth, even if his current talent level isn't at SGA's baseline.

- **Derik Queen** (C) - "has the goods to be a multiple all star by year 4 as a top 35 player"

Derik Queen is basketball's version of a unicorn—a 6'10" center with guard skills who plays the game like he's been transported from some parallel universe where the positions don't matter. Big Ten Freshman of the Year with 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 15 double-doubles, Queen spent his freshman season dazzling crowds with spin moves and crafty finishes that had no business working for someone his size.

The handle is legitimate. Queen can put the ball on the floor, create his own shot, and make highlight-reel passes that leave opposing coaches scratching their heads. His 59.5% field goal percentage and 78.2% free throw shooting suggest a player with genuine touch and feel for scoring. When Maryland needed a basket, they went to their freshman center and trusted him to create something out of nothing. That's not normal.

The defensive improvement was equally impressive. Maryland switched everything, and Queen held up remarkably well against guards thanks to improved lateral quickness and basketball IQ. But here's the rub: Queen shot just 12.5% from three with enough air balls to fill a highlight reel. He appears closer to 6'9" than his listed 6'10". The offensive brilliance comes with enough question marks to make evaluators nervous. Queen is either going to revolutionize the center position or flame out spectacularly. There's very little middle ground.

**Comp/Upside:** Extremely unique. I don't have a good comp in mind for him now but if he can vastly improve his shooting and develop as a PnR ball handler like what Danny Wolf has done, there is a chance he's a center version of James Harden which is a rare prototype only Trae Young, Luka Doncic, and Caitlin Clark are in as heliocentric players founded by James Harden. His combination of size, guard skills, and offensive creativity could create an entirely new archetype in the NBA - a center who can run an entire offense through pick-and-roll actions while maintaining the ability to score from all three levels. The foundation is already there with his court vision, ball-handling ability, and natural scoring touch. If the shooting develops to complement his playmaking skills, Queen could revolutionize how teams deploy their centers offensively.

- **Collin Murray-Boyles** (PF) - "He's a Robert Horry and Alex Caruso"

Collin Murray-Boyles doesn't fill up box scores with gaudy numbers—he fills them with the kind of winning plays that make championship teams possible. At 6'7.75" with a 7'0.75" wingspan and 239 pounds of muscle, Murray-Boyles operates like a defensive savant who can guard every position and make life miserable for opposing offenses.

The defensive impact is staggering. South Carolina was 12.1 points per 100 possessions better defensively with Murray-Boyles on the floor—one of the largest differentials in the nation. He averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks while providing the kind of switchable defense that modern NBA teams crave. Murray-Boyles can smother point guards on the perimeter or bang with centers in the post, using his combination of strength, lateral quickness, and basketball IQ to make the right play every possession.

Offensively, Murray-Boyles is a post playmaking hub who makes smart decisions and finds open teammates from anywhere on the court. His 58.6% field goal percentage reflects a player who understands his role and executes it flawlessly. The major limitation is shooting—just 26.5% from three and a lack of consistent perimeter touch. But here's the thing about Murray-Boyles: championship teams don't care about limitations when a player does everything else at an elite level.

**Comp/Upside:** Robert Horry and Alex Caruso. The comparison perfectly captures Murray-Boyles' value as a winning player who impacts games beyond stats. Like Horry, he's an undersized forward with elite basketball IQ, defensive versatility, and clutch gene who makes teams better through effort and timely plays. The Caruso element shows in his relentless motor, defensive intensity, and ability to guard multiple positions while providing secondary playmaking. Both comparisons highlight players who became invaluable to championship teams despite not being primary scorers. Murray-Boyles has that same "glue guy" mentality with the physical tools (7'0.75" wingspan) and court awareness to impact winning at the highest level, even if his offensive limitations prevent him from being a star.

[King Ken]

# **Tier 4 - Role Player Potential**

## **Point Guards:**

**Kasparas Jakucionis** - "reminds you a tad of Westbrook impact wise... more of a use his brain than his athleticism type unlike Russ. But he can really hoop. He can get stocks and he's really tough minded."

Jakucionis brings a cerebral approach to the point guard position that emphasizes basketball IQ over raw athleticism. His ability to impact winning through smart decision-making, defensive activity, and tough-minded play makes him an intriguing prospect despite lacking elite physical tools. He excels at getting steals and creating extra possessions while managing the game with veteran-like composure. The main concerns revolve around his athletic limitations and whether he can create enough separation against NBA-level defenders to be an effective scorer and playmaker.

**Comp/Upside:** Westbrook impact wise but using his brain rather than athleticism. If Jakucionis can maximize his basketball IQ while developing his physical tools, he could become the rare point guard who impacts winning through pure feel and instincts. His ceiling involves becoming a steady floor general who makes everyone around him better through positioning, decision-making, and defensive activity, even if he never becomes a dynamic athletic force.

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**Ben Saraf** - "Worst of the bunch but... wouldn't shock me to see him as a lower end starter. Reminds you a bit of Marko Jaric. I think he's far more skilled at the same stage."

At 6'6" barefoot with a 6'8.75" wingspan, Saraf possesses excellent size for a point guard along with advanced skill development that exceeds his physical limitations. His court vision, passing ability, and shooting touch suggest a player who could carve out a role as a secondary playmaker in the right system. The concerns center around his lack of elite athleticism and questionable ability to create advantages against quicker, more explosive defenders. His development timeline may be longer than other prospects, but the skill foundation provides a reasonable floor.

**Comp/Upside:** Marko Jaric but far more skilled at the same stage. Saraf's ceiling involves becoming a versatile guard who can play multiple positions while providing steady playmaking and shooting. His size and skill combination could make him valuable as a backup point guard or secondary ball-handler who brings stability and basketball IQ to winning teams.

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**Nolan Traore** - "Tony Parker comps... one of the most ready to start PGs in this class. He reminds me of TP. I think he's underrated."

Traore displays the kind of polish and readiness that suggests he could contribute immediately at the NBA level. His change-of-pace ability, mid-range shooting, and natural feel for running an offense evoke comparisons to crafty veteran point guards. He excels at finding teammates in advantageous positions while maintaining excellent decision-making under pressure. The limitations come in his physical profile and questions about whether he has the explosive first step needed to consistently break down NBA defenses.

**Comp/Upside:** Tony Parker prototype who's underrated in this class. Traore's ceiling involves becoming a steady starting point guard who manages games through intelligence and skill rather than athleticism. His immediate readiness and polished skill set suggest he could follow Parker's path of maximizing limited physical tools through exceptional basketball IQ and competitive drive.

## **Shooting Guards:**

**Jace Richardson** - "Jared McCain is what I've been told is a good comp. I like his shooting and scoring less and his athleticism and upside more."

Richardson brings superior athletic tools compared to other shooting guards in his range, with the kind of explosiveness and physical gifts that suggest higher upside if everything develops properly. His defensive potential and ability to create advantages through athleticism provide a foundation for NBA success. The concerns revolve around his shooting consistency and offensive polish, areas where he trails behind more skilled prospects. Richardson represents the classic high-upside, low-floor prospect who could emerge as a valuable two-way player with proper development.

**Comp/Upside:** Jared McCain comparison but with more athleticism and upside potential. Richardson's ceiling involves becoming a dynamic two-way guard who impacts winning through superior athletic tools while developing the shooting and offensive skills needed to complement his physical gifts.

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**Will Riley** - "like Ellie Okobo as a prospect. The bust factor is sky high but if he hits, damn, you win! Can shoot the lights out."

Riley possesses elite shooting ability that could make him a valuable floor spacer in the modern NBA, with the kind of range and quick release that creates immediate offensive value. His ability to shoot off movement and in contested situations suggests legitimate three-level scoring potential. The major concerns involve everything else - defensive limitations, athletic questions, and whether he can develop enough secondary skills to stay on the floor when his shot isn't falling. Riley is the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect whose career will likely be determined by shooting variance.

**Comp/Upside:** Ellie Okobo with higher bust factor but massive upside if it hits. Riley's ceiling involves becoming an elite shooter who provides instant offense off the bench while developing enough defensive competence to maintain rotation minutes. His floor is out of the league quickly if the shooting doesn't translate consistently.

## **Small Forwards:**

**Carter Bryant** - "high end defensive talent who's gleague level on offense, his body, 3pt range, and defense is why he's getting consideration in the lottery as well as his age"

Bryant brings elite defensive tools with the size, athleticism, and instincts to guard multiple positions at a high level immediately. His three-point shooting provides enough offensive value to keep him on the floor while his defensive impact makes him valuable to winning teams. The offensive limitations are significant - limited creation ability, inconsistent shooting beyond catch-and-shoot situations, and questions about his ability to contribute meaningfully on that end against NBA defenses. Bryant's young age suggests development potential, but the offensive gaps are substantial.

**Comp/Upside:** High-end defensive specialist whose lottery consideration stems from elite defensive tools and three-point range. Bryant's ceiling involves becoming a versatile wing defender who can guard positions 1-4 while providing enough three-point shooting to space the floor. His defensive impact alone could make him valuable to championship-level teams.

---

**Liam McNeeley** - "vice versa" (high end offense, gleague defense)

McNeeley brings polished offensive skills with excellent shooting ability and court awareness that allows him to contribute immediately on that end. His size and skill combination creates mismatches while his basketball IQ helps him find good shots within offensive systems. The defensive limitations are concerning - lack of lateral quickness, poor defensive instincts, and questions about his ability to guard anyone effectively at the NBA level. McNeeley's offensive ceiling is high, but his defensive floor could limit his overall impact.

**Comp/Upside:** High-end offensive player with significant defensive limitations. McNeeley's ceiling involves becoming a potent offensive weapon who provides scoring and spacing while developing enough defensive competence to avoid being a major liability. His offensive skills could make him valuable as a sixth man if the defensive concerns can be managed.

## **Power Forwards:**

**Asa Newell** - "better defensive, worse offensive John Collins"

Newell possesses superior defensive tools compared to Collins with the size, athleticism, and instincts to impact that end immediately. His shot-blocking ability and rim protection provide clear NBA value while his rebounding and defensive versatility suggest he could guard multiple positions. The offensive limitations are significant - less developed offensive skills than Collins, limited shooting range, and questions about his ability to create or finish consistently against NBA competition. Newell's defensive impact could keep him in rotations while his offensive game develops.

**Comp/Upside:** Better defensive, worse offensive version of John Collins. Newell's ceiling involves becoming a starting-caliber defensive anchor who provides rim protection, rebounding, and versatility while developing enough offensive skills to be a useful contributor on that end. His defensive foundation provides a higher floor than most prospects in this range.

## **Centers:**

**Danny Wolf** - "truly a 7ft Joe Ingles"

Wolf brings unprecedented skill for a seven-footer with elite passing ability, basketball IQ, and shooting touch that creates unique offensive advantages. His court vision and ability to operate as a point center provide value that few players his size can match. The athletic limitations are substantial - poor mobility, limited explosion, and questions about his ability to defend in space or protect the rim effectively. Wolf's skill set is intriguing but his physical limitations could make him unplayable in certain matchups.

**Comp/Upside:** Seven-foot Joe Ingles represents a unique archetype in NBA history. Wolf's ceiling involves becoming a skilled offensive hub who can initiate offense from the center position while providing floor spacing and playmaking. His defensive limitations will always be a concern, but his offensive skills could make him valuable in specific systems and matchups.

---

**Maxime Raynaud** - "skill level for a 5 is insane... We haven't seen anyone like Maxime before"

Raynaud possesses an unprecedented combination of size and skill for the center position, with shooting range, ball-handling ability, and court awareness that creates massive mismatches. His late start in basketball and rapid development suggest significant upside as he continues learning the game. The athletic limitations and defensive concerns are real - questions about rim protection, lateral mobility, and whether he can guard NBA centers effectively. Raynaud's unique skill set could revolutionize how teams deploy their centers offensively.

**Comp/Upside:** Completely unique prospect whose skill level for a center is unprecedented. Raynaud's ceiling involves becoming a matchup nightmare who can stretch defenses to the three-point line while providing playmaking from the center position. His late basketball start suggests he's still scratching the surface of his potential.

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**Thomas Sorber** - "Kurt Thomas comp... clear path to starting in the NBA"

Sorber brings the fundamentals, toughness, and basketball IQ needed to contribute immediately as an NBA center. His post scoring, rebounding, and defensive awareness provide a clear role while his work ethic suggests continued development. The athletic limitations prevent him from being a dominant force, but his skill level and understanding of the game create a high floor. Sorber's path to becoming a starting center involves maximizing his strengths while developing enough athleticism to compete with modern NBA bigs.

**Comp/Upside:** Kurt Thomas comparison suggests a steady, reliable center who impacts winning through fundamentals rather than athleticism. Sorber's ceiling involves becoming a starting center who provides post scoring, rebounding, and veteran leadership while anchoring team defense through positioning and effort.

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**Rasheer Fleming** - "Robert Williams comp... clear path to starting in the NBA"

Fleming combines elite athleticism with improving basketball skills to create significant upside as a modern NBA center. His shot-blocking ability, mobility, and finishing around the rim provide immediate value while his development suggests room for growth. The concerns involve his basketball IQ, decision-making, and whether he can develop the consistency needed to be a reliable rotation player. Fleming's athletic tools give him a high ceiling if he can put together the mental aspects of the game.

**Comp/Upside:** Robert Williams comparison highlights Fleming's athletic tools and rim protection ability. Fleming's ceiling involves becoming a starting center who provides elite shot-blocking, pick-and-roll finishing, and defensive versatility while developing enough offensive skills to be a consistent contributor.

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**Johni Broome** - "floor generals at the 5... if they hit, top 5-7 NBA centers is possible"

Broome brings exceptional basketball IQ and playmaking ability from the center position, with the vision and passing skills to function as an offensive hub. His court awareness and ability to make reads from the post or short-roll situations create unique value. The athletic limitations and defensive concerns could limit his ceiling - questions about rim protection, mobility, and whether he can defend elite NBA centers. Broome's success depends on maximizing his basketball intelligence while developing enough athleticism to compete.

**Comp/Upside:** Taj Gibson level impact player but much bigger as a prospect with different skill-sets. Broome's ceiling involves becoming a floor general at the center position who provides steady production, veteran leadership, and basketball IQ while contributing enough on both ends to be a valuable rotation piece. His basketball intelligence gives him the foundation to have a long, productive NBA career similar to Gibson's impact and longevity.

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**Yanic Konan Niederhauser** - "Lively, Missi, Ware type of fives"

Niederhauser possesses the athletic tools and defensive instincts that have made recent centers like Lively and Missi valuable NBA contributors. His shot-blocking ability, mobility, and finishing around the rim provide clear NBA value while his age suggests significant development potential. The offensive limitations are concerning - limited skill development, poor shooting, and questions about his ability to contribute beyond dunking and defense. Niederhauser's success depends on developing enough offensive skills to complement his defensive tools.

**Comp/Upside:** Lively, Missi, Ware type of center who impacts winning through athleticism and defense. Niederhauser's ceiling involves becoming a starting center who provides elite rim protection and pick-and-roll finishing while developing enough offensive skills to be a complete player. His athletic foundation gives him significant upside if the skills develop.

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**Joan Beringer** - "Lively, Missi, Ware type of fives"

Beringer brings similar athletic tools and defensive potential as recent successful centers, with the mobility and instincts to impact winning immediately. His shot-blocking ability and finishing around the rim provide clear value while his basketball IQ suggests he could develop beyond his current skill level. The offensive limitations mirror other prospects in this archetype - limited shooting, poor ball skills, and questions about creation ability. Beringer's mental approach and work ethic could help him maximize his physical tools.

**Comp/Upside:** Similar to Lively, Missi, Ware in terms of athletic tools and defensive impact. Beringer's ceiling involves becoming a reliable starting center who provides rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll finishing while developing the offensive skills needed to be a complete player. His mental approach could help him exceed expectations.

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**Ryan Kalkbrenner** - "ecosystem 5... could be all NBA with one of those 3 teams"

Kalkbrenner brings unique skills as a screening specialist who could revolutionize how teams deploy their centers offensively. His ability to create advantages through screens, rolls, and positioning makes him valuable in specific systems while his basketball IQ allows him to maximize his impact. The athletic limitations are significant - poor mobility, limited explosion, and questions about his ability to defend in space. Kalkbrenner's success depends entirely on finding the right system that can maximize his unique skill set, likely beginning as a sixth man during his rookie contract.

**Comp/Upside:** Ecosystem center comparable to Jalen Brunson in terms of impact potential - likely a sixth man for most of his rookie contract, but when he becomes a starter, the sky is the limit for his impact. Maybe MVP is completely out of the question but getting MVP votes may not be. His ceiling involves becoming a transformational player who changes how teams think about the center position through his screening and offensive creation abilities. His success is entirely system-dependent with teams like the Hawks, Clippers, or Lakers, but the upside is enormous in the right situation where he could become an All-NBA level contributor.

[King Ken]

# **Tier 5 - Backups and G-Leaguers**

**Walter Clayton Jr.** (PG) - 6'3.25", 199 lbs, Senior, 22.3 years
Clayton is unique as he's an excellent scorer who's a good enough passer to find an effective role in the NBA, but if he's not athletic enough—and we'll know during Summer League—then his time is short. Guys like Clayton are where Summer League is critical for their upside. His 20.2 points and 4.6 assists demonstrate the scoring and playmaking ability that could translate, but the athletic questions are real and substantial.
**Upside:** If he hits, you're looking at a tremendous sixth man who could become a top-end player by his second contract. More unlikely to hit, but if he does, watch out.

**Hugo González** (SF) - 6'6", 207 lbs, International, 19.4 years
A young wing from Real Madrid's system with good size and developing skills across multiple areas. González shows flashes of offensive ability and defensive potential, but needs significant development in all areas to reach NBA level. His age and professional experience provide hope for continued growth.
**Upside:** International prospect who could develop into a useful role player if his shooting and defensive consistency improve over the next few years.

**Noah Penda** (SF) - 6'7", 225 lbs, International, 20.4 years
A versatile forward with good size and well-rounded statistics who can contribute in multiple areas. Penda shows ability to rebound, pass, and defend while providing some offensive production. His physical tools and basketball IQ suggest potential for professional basketball, though likely in European leagues initially.
**Upside:** Could become a valuable role player in international basketball with potential to eventually earn NBA consideration if his skills continue developing.

**Adou Thiero** (SF/PF) - 6'7.5", 218 lbs, Junior, 21.1 years
A productive wing/forward who averaged 19.7 points and 7.6 rebounds while showing good athleticism and defensive activity. Thiero brings energy and versatility but lacks elite skills in any particular area. His motor and physical tools provide a foundation for professional basketball.
**Upside:** Could develop into an energy player who provides defensive versatility and hustle plays as a backup forward in the right system.

**Kam Jones** (PG/SG) - 6'4.5", 202 lbs, Senior, 23.3 years
A senior guard who put up impressive numbers with 20.5 points and 6.3 assists while showing good size for either guard position. Jones combines scoring ability with playmaking skills but his advanced age and athletic limitations reduce NBA potential. His leadership and basketball IQ could translate to professional leagues.
**Upside:** Veteran guard who could provide immediate impact overseas or potentially earn a two-way contract if his shooting efficiency improves.

**Hansen Yang** (C) - 7'2.25", 253 lbs, International, 19.9 years
A skilled big man with excellent size who definitely has shades of Vlade Divac, but he's years away at this stage. Yang shows advanced passing ability and court vision for his size but lacks the athleticism and defensive impact needed for immediate NBA contribution. That's the long-term hope—developing into that Divac-type floor general center.
**Upside:** Floor general type center with Vlade Divac potential who could develop into a valuable backup if he improves his mobility and defensive consistency over 2-3 years of development.

**Bogoljub Marković** (PF) - 6'11", 190 lbs, International, 19.9 years
A young big man with excellent length but needs significant physical development to compete at higher levels. Marković shows some skill development and basketball IQ but requires substantial strength gains and athletic improvement. His age provides time for development.
**Upside:** Long-term project who could develop into a useful big man if he adds significant strength and improves his overall athleticism.

**Drake Powell** (SG) - 6'6.5", 200 lbs, Freshman, 19.8 years
A young wing with good size who showed flashes during limited opportunities as a freshman. Powell needs development in all areas but his physical tools and age suggest potential for growth. His shooting and athletic ability provide a foundation to build upon.
**Upside:** Young prospect who could develop into a solid role player if his shooting consistency and defensive awareness improve significantly.

**Alex Toohey** (SF) - 6'9", 223 lbs, International, 21.1 years
An Australian forward with excellent size and good statistical production including strong defensive numbers. Toohey shows versatility and basketball IQ but needs to improve his overall skill level and athleticism. His international experience provides valuable background.
**Upside:** Could become a valuable international player with potential NBA consideration if his shooting and athletic ability continue developing.

**Sion James** (SF) - 6'5.75", 218 lbs, Senior, 22.5 years
A senior wing who provides leadership and basketball IQ while contributing across multiple statistical categories. James brings veteran presence and good decision-making but lacks elite athletic tools or standout skills. His experience and character make him valuable for team culture.
**Upside:** Veteran presence who could earn opportunities through his basketball IQ and leadership, potentially as a deep bench contributor.

**Chaz Lanier** (SG) - 6'5", 206 lbs, Senior, 23.5 years
A productive senior scorer who averaged 20.7 points while showing good size for a shooting guard. Lanier brings immediate offensive production but his advanced age and defensive limitations reduce NBA potential. His scoring ability could translate to professional leagues overseas.
**Upside:** Proven scorer who could find success in international leagues or potentially earn a training camp invitation if his three-point shooting remains elite.

**Koby Brea** (SG) - 6'7", 202 lbs, Senior, 22.6 years
A tall shooting guard with excellent size and developing offensive skills. Brea shows potential as a floor spacer but needs improvement in multiple areas to reach professional level. His length and shooting touch provide tools to work with.
**Upside:** Size and shooting combination could make him valuable overseas if he improves his overall consistency and defensive awareness.

**Tyrese Proctor** (PG) - 6'5.5", 183 lbs, Junior, 21.2 years
A point guard with excellent size who brings international experience and good basketball IQ. Proctor shows playmaking ability and court awareness but needs to improve his shooting consistency and overall production. His size for the position creates advantages.
**Upside:** Size and international experience could help him develop into a backup point guard if his shooting and decision-making continue improving.

**Rocco Zikarsky** (C) - 7'4.25", 257 lbs, International, 18.9 years
An extremely tall center with impressive physical dimensions but needs significant skill development. Zikarsky shows some shot-blocking ability and rebounding potential but requires extensive work on fundamental basketball skills. His extreme size creates unique opportunities.
**Upside:** Massive upside due to size if he can develop basic basketball skills and improve his overall athleticism and coordination.

**Jamir Watkins** (SG/SF) - 6'6.25", 215 lbs, Senior, 23.9 years
A senior wing who averaged 21.5 points and 6.6 rebounds while showing good versatility and production. Watkins brings scoring ability and experience but his advanced age limits NBA potential. His physical tools and basketball experience could translate to professional leagues.
**Upside:** Veteran scorer who could find immediate success overseas or potentially earn a summer league opportunity with continued shooting development.

**Amari Williams** (C) - 7'0", 262 lbs, Senior, 23.4 years
A center with excellent size who averaged 17.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while showing unique playmaking ability for his position. Williams brings valuable experience and court vision but his advanced age and limited athleticism reduce NBA upside. His passing ability from the center position creates interesting possibilities.
**Upside:** Unique skill set as a passing center could make him valuable in specific systems, particularly overseas where his basketball IQ would be appreciated.

**Eric Dixon** (PF) - 6'8.75", 259 lbs, Senior, 24.4 years
A senior forward who averaged an impressive 24.1 points while showing good size and scoring ability. Dixon brings immediate offensive production but his advanced age significantly limits NBA potential. His scoring touch and experience could translate to professional basketball overseas.
**Upside:** Proven scorer who should find success in international leagues given his production and experience, with minimal NBA potential due to age.

**Micah Peavy** (SG/SF) - 6'7.5", 212 lbs, Senior, 23.9 years
A senior wing who averaged 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals while showing good defensive activity and versatility. Peavy brings veteran experience and two-way ability but his advanced age limits upside. His defensive instincts and basketball IQ provide professional potential.
**Upside:** Defensive-minded veteran who could find opportunities overseas or in developmental leagues through his versatility and basketball experience.

**Jamie Watkins** (SF/PF) - 6'8", 215 lbs, Senior, 23.2 years
A versatile forward with good size who can play multiple frontcourt positions while providing energy and defensive activity. Watkins brings veteran leadership and basketball IQ but lacks elite skills in any particular area. His experience and motor provide professional potential overseas.
**Upside:** Versatile forward who could find success in international leagues through his defensive ability and basketball experience.

**Jojo Tugler** (PF/C) - 6'7", 220 lbs, Senior, 22.8 years
A defensive specialist with freakish measurements - 6'7" with a 7'6" wingspan that creates a rare +11 differential. Tugler is genuinely capable of guarding positions 1-5 at the college level, using his lateral quickness to stay with guards, length to bother wings, and strength/verticality to challenge bigs. His recovery ability and shot-blocking instincts are elite, making him arguably the best defender in college basketball. However, his offensive game is extremely raw with poor free throw shooting and limited finishing ability around the rim. The combination of elite defensive tools and minimal offensive development creates a classic boom-or-bust profile.
**Upside:** Could develop into a versatile defensive anchor who provides elite rim protection and switchability if he can develop any semblance of an offensive game and improve his shooting mechanics.

**Malique Lewis** (SF/PF) - 6'8", 220 lbs, International, 20.5 years
A young international forward with good size and developing skills who shows potential for continued growth. Lewis brings athleticism and defensive ability but needs significant skill development to reach higher levels. His age and international experience provide hope for improvement.
**Upside:** Young international prospect who could develop into a valuable role player if his offensive skills and shooting consistency continue improving.

**Mouhamed Faye** (PF/C) - 6'10", 210 lbs, International, 19.7 years
A young big man with excellent length and developing skills who shows potential as a shot-blocker and rim protector. Faye brings athletic tools and defensive instincts but needs significant offensive development and strength gains. His youth provides time for continued growth.
**Upside:** Athletic big man who could develop into a valuable backup center if he adds strength and improves his offensive consistency over time.

**Ryan Nembhard** (PG) - 6'0.25", 176 lbs, Senior, 22.3 years
A small point guard who averaged 10.8 points and 10.1 assists while showing excellent court vision and playmaking ability. Nembhard brings elite passing skills and basketball IQ but his size and athletic limitations significantly reduce NBA potential. His leadership and decision-making could translate overseas.
**Upside:** Teams will look to his brother Andrew as a reference, but Ryan is different - obviously smaller, he's a better player than his brother at the same stage, but could he overcome the size issue? Elite playmaker who could find success in international leagues where his court vision and basketball IQ would be valued despite size limitations.