The 2025 NBA Draft, slated for June 25-26 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, boasts a deep class of 18-year-olds. Leading the charge are Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, Jeremiah Fears, Noa Essengue and Joan Beringer. Scouts rave about their combination of elite athleticism, global experience and upside skill.
Despite room to refine decision-making and consistency, each prospect carries star potential and fits a team’s need. With franchises eager to develop youth, these five teenagers headline what could be a landmark draft class.
Cooper Flagg – Duke, Forward (Age 18)
Widely regarded as the top prospect, Cooper Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, with the Dallas Mavericks reportedly eyeing him. Known for his do-it-all skill set, Flagg excels on both ends of the floor.
He boasts an impressive freshman campaign at Duke, leading college basketball in Box Plus-Minus and ranking highly among non-centers in Player Efficiency Rating.
Cooper Flagg 2024-25 crunch time highlights 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/7FgTMUN1p9
— Big Osc (@bosbbn) April 6, 2025
Flagg shot 38.5% from three-point range and 84.0% from the free-throw line, showcasing his shooting versatility. His elite passing, defensive instincts, and ability to draw fouls distinguish him, though developing as a primary shot creator remains a growth area.
Ace Bailey – Rutgers, Forward (Age 18)
Ace Bailey stands out for his shooting and size, measuring 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan. A natural scorer, Bailey’s knack for contested jumpers and offensive versatility makes him a potential top-five pick.
He posts a 54.0% true shooting percentage, signaling room for improvement in shot consistency. His ability to create shots and defensive skills require refinement, but his physical gifts and scoring prowess keep him among the draft’s elite wing prospects.
Jeremiah Fears – Oklahoma, Guard (Age 18)
Dynamic guard Jeremiah Fears combines speed, creativity, and clutch scoring to rise as a lottery contender. His freshman season showcased his ability to drive and facilitate, with a 57.0% true shooting percentage and comparisons to Darius Garland.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Fears must polish his decision-making and improve a 28.4% three-point shooting rate. Teams like Utah and Brooklyn see his upside as a versatile combo guard ready to contribute immediately.
Noa Essengue – Ratiopharm Ulm, Forward (Age 18)
Noa Essengue, an athletic 6-foot-10 forward from France, impresses with his mobility and finishing around the rim. With a 62.0% true shooting percentage and a 7-foot wingspan, Essengue offers defensive versatility and the ability to guard multiple positions.
His ball-handling and rim-running form the core of his offensive game. However, his jumper remains a work in progress, and unlocking that shot will be key to maximizing his potential as a modern NBA big.
Joan Beringer – Cedevita Olimpija, Center (Age 18)
A latecomer to basketball, Joan Beringer stands out for his unique combination of size (6-foot-11) and guard-like agility. His defensive versatility and quickness are rare for a center, making him an intriguing developmental project.
Though raw offensively, Beringer’s rapid improvement and physical tools suggest a high ceiling. Teams willing to be patient could reap significant rewards from this intriguing international prospect.
