The NBA Draft Combine event included high-stakes 5-on-5 scrimmages that tested players’ abilities under critical observation. This year’s combine spotlighted a group of standout athletes who seized the opportunity to elevate their draft stock with impressive performances on both ends of the court.
Let’s take a look at seven players who left a lasting mark during the scrimmage play.
Scrimmage Standouts Who Boosted Their NBA Draft Stock
Tahaad Pettiford
Pettiford, the freshman guard from Auburn, came into the combine as a bit of an underdog. Standing just over 6’0″ tall without shoes, he’s not the biggest guard, but his game speaks volumes. He was Auburn’s seventh-ever McDonald’s All-American in 2024 and showed why he’s a name to watch.
During the scrimmages, he displayed his elite scoring ability, knocking down shots from deep and driving to the rim with confidence. Some analysts suggest he might return for a sophomore season to solidify his stock, potentially starting 2025/2026 as a preseason All-American.
Otega Oweh
The 6’4” junior from Newark, New Jersey, has been a scoring machine for the Wildcats this season, averaging 16 points per game. What’s even more impressive him is that he scored in double figures in every single game he’s played for Kentucky, a feat only nine other Division I players have matched in 2024/2025.
Draft Risers after the 2025 NBA Combine Scrimmages:
– Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn)
– Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State)
– Maxime Raynaud (Stanford)
– Miles Byrd (San Diego State)
– Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga)
– Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks, NBL)
– Otega Oweh (Kentucky) pic.twitter.com/x7lHsaWvZx— Mike O (@coolguy551_) May 15, 2025
Oweh’s consistency is rare, and if he keeps this up through the postseason, he could join an exclusive club of Kentucky players who’ve scored in double figures every game of a season, a mark not hit since 1988.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser
Niederhauser, 7’0″ tall from Penn State, brought his defensive prowess to the combine and left a lasting impression. He previously played at Northern Illinois, averaged 7.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore in 2023/2024, but his real calling card is his shot-blocking.
He led the Huskies with 2.1 blocks per game last season, and that defensive instinct was on full display in Chicago.
Maxime Raynaud
Raynaud, out of Stanford, also made waves at the combine. The 7’1” center has been a consistent force for the Cardinal, and his skill set translated well in the 5-on-5 setting. His ability to stretch the floor as a shooter while also holding his own in the paint caught eyes.
He knocked down a couple of mid-range jumpers and showed good footwork on both ends of the floor. While he’s not the most athletic big man in the draft, he is a potential late first-round or early second-round pick.
Miles Byrd
San Diego State’s Byrd might not have been on everyone’s radar heading into the combine, but he certainly is now. The 6’7” wing showed off his versatility, scoring from all three levels and defending multiple positions. His length and athleticism allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and finish above the rim in transition.
He didn’t shy away from taking big shots, including a clutch three-pointer in one of the scrimmage games that had the gym wondering. Of course, he’s still a bit raw, but his upside is undeniable.
Ryan Nembhard
Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard proved why he’s one of the best point guards in this draft class. The 6’1” floor general ran his team with strength during the scrimmages, dishing out assists and keeping the offense flowing. His performance at the combine likely boosted his stock, putting him in the conversation for a mid-to-late second-round selection.
Lachlan Olbrich
Olbrich, a 6’10” forward from the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL, showed off his versatility, scoring inside and out while also displaying a high motor on defense.
KEEP READING: 2025 NBA Draft Combine Scrimmage: All Standouts Who Boosted Their Stock
Experience playing professionally in the NBL has given him an edge in terms of maturity, and it showed in Chicago. He’s a name that might not be as familiar to casual fans, but NBA scouts are taking notice.
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