The 2025 NBA Draft Combine picks are causing a stir, especially in college hoops circles. A bunch of standout NCAA players, like Florida’s Will Richard, got snubbed, while some lesser-known guys from the G League Elite Camp made the cut.
That move has left fans and analysts questioning and wondering how these decisions are made and why proven college talent keeps getting overlooked.
NCAA Standouts Snubbed for G League Call-ups
Normally, the Combine’s where top college players get a real shot to show off in front of NBA scouts and execs. But this year, five guys from the G League Elite Camp got the nod instead of some well-known NCAA names.
And that’s kicked off a heated debate: is the league betting too much on raw potential instead of rewarding consistent college performance?
These five players: Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga), Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana, TAMU commit), Tamar Bates (Missouri), Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State), Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks) from the G League Elite Camp ended up getting invites to the Combine, and let’s just say, not everyone’s thrilled about it.
These five top-performers at the G League combine have been called up to the NBA Draft combine 👀
Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga)
Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana, TAMU commit)
Tamar Bates (Missouri)
Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State)
Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks) pic.twitter.com/DiCiCmtm88— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 12, 2025
These players did show flashes during the camp, without a doubt. But they’re getting picked over college players who’ve been grinding it out and showing up game after game. That’s tough to swallow if you’re someone like Will Richard, who’s proven himself on a big stage.
Some folks feel like the NBA is chasing upside a little too hard, banking on raw potential instead of giving props to players who’ve already proven they can ball at a high level. It feels like a shift, and not everyone’s on board with it.
There are supporters of the G League players, too. They’ll tell you the Elite Camp gives overlooked prospects a shot to shine, and sometimes, all it takes is one great showing to catch a scout’s eye.
Still, this whole situation highlights that ongoing tug-of-war between “potential” and “proven.” The NBA wants the next breakout star, but that can come at the cost of players who’ve already shown they belong. And until there’s a better balance, this debate isn’t going anywhere.
Fan Outcry Over Snubbed NCAA Players
Fans took to X to express their frustration after the 2025 NBA Draft Combine invitations were announced, highlighting several NCAA stars they felt were unjustly overlooked.
One user exclaimed, “Randoms over Will Richard??? Wow.”, a sentiment echoed by another who questioned, “Will Richard?????”, with a third fan asking, “Will Richard???”, emphasizing the shock over the Florida Gators guard’s exclusion.
North Carolina supporters were equally vocal, with one fan stating, “RJ robbed”, referring to Tar Heels guard RJ Davis’ absence despite his All-American season. Louisville fans also voiced their discontent, with a user calling the omission of guard Chucky Hepburn “f**king bullsh*t”, reflecting the widespread disbelief among the fanbase.
Missouri’s Caleb Grill drew attention as well, with a fan noting, “No Caleb Grill is crazy!”, pointing to the guard’s solid SEC performance. Another user mentioned, “No Caldwell. He had a good combine”, likely referring to TJ Caldwell from Mississippi, though some may have confused him with NBA veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
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The reactions weren’t all negative, as one fan cheered for a selected player, saying, “Mgbako my goat do ur sh*t”, while another dismissed the entire list as “a bunch of bullsh*t”. These responses highlight the passionate investment of NCAA fans in the draft process.
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