From May 11-18, Wintrust Arena in Chicago hosted the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, spotlighting prospects ahead of the June 25-26 draft in Brooklyn. Shooting drills—featuring spot-up attempts, off-the-dribble jumpers, and movement shooting—played a key role in assessing offensive upside.
Best Shooters Emerging from 2025 NBA Draft Combine Drills
The combine arrived as draft buzz peaked following Monday’s lottery, where the Dallas Mavericks landed the No. 1 pick and an opportunity to draft projected top selection Cooper Flagg. The event served as a proving ground for elite shooters, many of whom boosted their draft stock through standout performances in these critical evaluation categories. Here are top 5 shooters:
Mark Sears, PG, Alabama – 83%
Alabama’s Mark Sears emerged as the top shooter at the combine, posting a stellar 83% mark across shooting drills. He topped three of the four exercises, going 26-of-30 on off-dribble midrange attempts, 21-of-25 on spot-up threes, and 25-of-27 in the side-mid-side three-point drill.
While his athletic metrics were average, his shooting efficiency stole the spotlight. Sears, a First-Team All-American, averaged 21.5 points per game in 2024-25, shooting 43.6% from beyond the arc (108-for-247) and 85.7% from the line. Once ranked No. 78 in ESPN’s rankings, he’s now in strong position as a late second-round steal.
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee – 77%
Lanier delivered as expected, showcasing one of the smoothest strokes in the field. The Tennessee guard shot 77% during drills, excelling in spot-up and movement shooting. Measuring 6-foot-3.75 and 205.8 pounds, he pairs size with skill.
His verticals and agility scores—third-highest no-step leap and fourth-best max vertical—backed up his offensive tools. In 2024-25, Lanier averaged 19.7 PPG while shooting 45.6% from three (106-of-232). A 44% shooter at North Florida the previous year, his trajectory now points toward late first-round consideration.
Ryan Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga – 73%
Known primarily for his playmaking, Nembhard turned heads with his 73% showing in catch-and-shoot scenarios. His precision complemented his 2024-25 line: 11.9 PPG, 9.5 APG, 36.4% from deep (36-of-99), and 80% FT shooting. The Gonzaga guard’s ability to stretch defenses elevates his appeal as a second-round option.
PJ Haggerty, SG, Memphis – 73%
Haggerty bounced back from a slow start—just 60% early—to finish with a 73% overall shooting clip. The Memphis guard scored 22.1 PPG on 40.5% shooting from both the field and beyond the arc (49-for-121) in 2024-25. His improved combine performance adds intrigue to his stock, though his draft decision may hinge on NIL opportunities.
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John Tonje, SG, Wisconsin – 72%
Rounding out the top five, Tonje impressed with a 72% mark. The Wisconsin standout had a prolific 2024-25 season, averaging 19.6 PPG on 46.5% FG, 39% from three (71-of-182), and an impressive 91% from the line. His efficient, multi-level scoring makes him a strong candidate in the mid-second round (projected picks 40–48).
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