During the NBA draft, not all prospects get drafted once they decide to enter it. While there are many undrafted players who would go on to become NBA greats, like Ben Wallace, the feeling of getting undrafted might still sting.
Much like every year, there will be some expected snubs, though sometimes, players turn that snub into an opportunity to let other teams know that they will be better and may even have a Ben Wallace type of career that takes them to the NBA championship and then the Hall of Fame.
3 NCAA standouts who might not get drafted at all
Eric Dixon – Villanova
Eric Dixon may be the highest scorer for the 2024-2025 season, but the Villanova big may not get drafted at all despite this. Some mock drafts have him in the late 40’s, while some don’t see him get drafted at all. The Athletic’s CJ Moore explains that he has a really high floor but a limited ceiling, with him struggling to create his own shots when guarded by better athletes.
He is now Villanova’s all-time leading scorer, averaging 23.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game on 45.1% field goal percentage. However, many are still not impressed, especially as the competition in the NBA will be a whole different level, even though he was such an offensive threat on the collegiate level.
Payton Sandfort – Iowa
There is without a doubt that Iowa small forward Payton Sandfort is one of the team’s best scorers, leading the team with 16.7 points per game, as well as being a decent rebounder at six rebounds per game, while also averaging 2.9 assists per game. He can shoot the ball very well and can shoot in bunches, being a troublesome opponent for many.
However, the Iowa standout has one very big weakness, and that is the fact that he is a weak defender. Being a good scorer but a weak defender may be acceptable in college, but he must step his defensive prowess up, especially if he wants to be a wing in the NBA.
Mark Sears – Alabama
Like the other two in the list, Mark Sears has been a phenomenal scorer for his team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. He averaged 18.6 points, 2.9 rebounds. and 5.1 assists per game for a team considered one of the best in the NCAA. He was essential to Alabama’s Elite Eight run last March and is considered one of the team’s leading scorers.
However, the NBA is a much different beast, and many teams might be put off by his lack of height. At 6’1, Sears will be one of the shortest guards in the draft, and he does not have the speed of guards that small. This may lead many teams to snub him in the end.
Related: Top 3 Best Offensive Prospects in NBA Draft 2025
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