The 2025 NBA Draft is right around the corner, and several college basketball stars are eagerly awaiting the moment their names are called out. The Big Ten Conference could make a strong impact with several promising prospects in this year’s draft class. As we gear up for Wednesday, here’s a look at the top ten Big Ten players who could hear their names in the first round.
Top 10 Big Ten prospects that can be selected in 1st NBA Draft Round
1. Dylan Harper
Dylan Harper is the consensus No. 2 pick in this year’s NBA draft. The Rutgers freshman phenom led the team in scoring (19.4 ppg), assists (4.0 apg), and steals (1.4 spg) this season. The 6’6” guard stands out due to his size and shot-creation abilities. The former five-star recruit has the versatility and athleticism that should allow him to thrive at the next level.
2. Ace Bailey
Harper’s Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey is also a top Big Ten recruit. He and Harper made for a dynamic duo this season, as Bailey led the Scarlet Knights in rebounding (7.2 rpg) and blocks (1.3 bpg). The 6’8” forward is a sharp shooter, having shot 46.0%, including 34.6% from beyond the arc. Bailey has admirable abilities on both sides of the ball, but has not visited any NBA team facilities. He was projected as the No. 3 selection for a long time but has since fallen to the No. 6 – No. 8 range due to his lack of communication with teams.
3. Kasparas Jakucionis
Illinois star Kasparas Jakucionis can expect to hear his name called in the first round. The Lithuania native is coming off an impressive freshman campaign in which he led the Fighting Illini in scoring (15.0 ppg) and assists (4.7 apg). At 6’6”, Jakucionis is a sizable guard and has the makings of a primary playmaker. Although he isn’t projected to be a top-10 pick, Jackucionis will most likely be a first-round selection.
4. Derik Queen
Derik Queen is looking ahead to his NBA career after a standout freshman season at Maryland. The 6’10” center led the Terrapins in scoring (16.5 ppg) and rebounding (9.0 rpg). Queen thrives at grabbing boards, and his rebound average was tied for 32nd in the nation. He has good speed for his size and works well generating offense. The center has defensive depth and an NBA-ready skill set. ESPN has Queen being selected No. 15 to the reigning NBA champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
5. Danny Wolf
After beginning his college career with two seasons at Yale, Danny Wolf became a certified Big Ten legend at Michigan this season. In his junior campaign, he led his team in rebounds (9.7 rpg) and added 13.2 ppg and 3.6 apg. He highlighted his defensive capabilities with 1.4 bpg and 0.7 spg. The 7’0” center is known for his versatility and ability to select shots and is expected to be drafted late in the first round.
Danny Wolf
7 footer with a handle ✅
Rebounding + shot disruption ✅
Floor spacing ✅
P&R threat ✅Needs to shoot with more consistency, including at the free throw line, but his high motor, guard-like instincts and handle for someone his size makes him unique. pic.twitter.com/7DiksvoPEk
— DraftCentral (@draftcentralnet) June 20, 2025
6. Will Riley
Jackucionis’ teammate Will Riley could find himself as a first-round selection. The 6’8” forward was a role player off the bench for Illinois this season and put up 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 43.2%, including 32.6% from beyond the arc. He is a solid athlete and a team player who could be picked up late in the first round.
7. Jase Richardson
Jase Richardson is looking to be picked up in the first round after an impressive freshman year at Michigan State. The guard appeared in all but one game for the Spartans in his freshman campaign, making 15 starts. He proved himself as an efficient scorer, averaging 12.1 ppg while shooting 49.3%, including 41.2% from three. Richardson has a high ceiling that could earn him a first-round pick.
8. John Tonje
John Tonje will likely fall to the second round of Wednesday’s draft, but there’s still hope that the Wisconsin guard could be selected in the first round. Tonje played this past season with the Badgers after previous stints at Colorado State and Missouri. His 19.6 ppg led the Badgers in scoring this season, and he added 5.3 rpg and 1.8 apg. The 6’5” guard is an admirable shooter, averaging 46.5%, including 38.8% from beyond the arc. Tonje’s scoring ability and physicality make him stand out, but he likely won’t be selected until the second round.
9. Brice Williams
Brice Williams became a star in his two seasons at Nebraska. The two-year starter led the team in scoring (20.4 ppg) and assists (2.9 apg) this season and added 4.1 rpg and 1.1 spg. The 6’7” guard is a strong shooter from anywhere on the court, averaging 47.1%, including 37% from three. Williams is a talented player in the paint and is projected to be picked up in the second round of the NBA draft.
10. Vladislav Goldin
Vladislav Goldin is aiming to begin his professional basketball career after a dominant senior season at Michigan. In his sole season with the Wolverines, he led the squad in scoring (16.6 ppg) and blocks (1.4 bpg). He dominated at grabbing boards with 7.0 rpg and shot 60.7%, tied for ninth best in the country. Goldin is a projected second-round pick.
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