The 2025 NBA Draft highlights a resurgence of elite college programs, with standout freshmen and sophomores preparing to enter the league. As front offices finalize evaluations and prospects wrap up pre-draft workouts, Duke and Kentucky have emerged as frontrunners in talent production.
CBB Power Programs Set to Shape the 2025 NBA Draft
This class is considered deep, even with some athletes remaining in school due to attractive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. This year’s story is about standout players and the renewed dominance of college basketball’s traditional powerhouses in shaping NBA futures.
Duke
With five high-level prospects, Duke tops the list of NBA-ready talent. Freshman Cooper Flagg (6-8, 221) headlines the group and is projected as a potential top pick. He is joined by fellow freshman Khaman Maluach (7-1, 253), a towering rim protector.
Get to know NBA Draft prospect Cooper Flagg, the do-it-all, two-way forward from Duke!
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First-year forward Kon Knueppel (6-5, 219) adds shooting and physicality, while junior Tyrese Proctor (6-4, 183) returns as a steady backcourt presence. Senior Sion James (6-5, 218) offers veteran leadership and perimeter defense.
Kentucky
The Wildcats bring four draft-caliber players into the 2024–25 campaign. Senior Amari Williams (6-10, 262) anchors the frontcourt with strength and rebounding. On the perimeter, Kentucky has a dynamic trio in Koby Brea (6-6, 202), Jaxson Robinson (6-6, 192), and Wake Forest transfer Andrew Carr, who rounds out their deep, experienced core.
Alabama
The Crimson Tide returns a trio of experienced prospects. A senior power forward, Grant Nelson (6-10, 230, brings floor spacing and shot-blocking. Mark Sears (5-11, 183), a senior point guard, is known for his quickness and scoring. At center, Clifford Omoruyi (6-11, 250) provides elite rim protection and rebounding.
Auburn
Auburn’s frontcourt is stacked with senior talent. Johni Broome (6-9, 249) offers inside scoring and rebounding, while Dylan Cardwell (6-11, 255) complements him with physical defense and size in the paint.
Illinois
The Illini feature two high-upside freshmen in Kasparas Jakucionis (6-5, 205), a playmaking guard with international polish, and Will Riley (6-8, 186), a skilled wing with shooting potential.
Rutgers
Freshman duo Dylan Harper (6-5, 213) and Ace Bailey (6-8, 203) headline a transformative recruiting class. Harper is a strong-bodied guard with elite court vision, while Bailey brings elite athleticism and defensive upside on the wing.
North Carolina
UNC’s top freshman prospect is Drake Powell (6-5, 199), a physical and versatile wing defender with offensive upside. He’ll play a key role on a Tar Heels team that is expected to contend nationally.
Florida
Florida boasts a backcourt stacked with seniors. Walter Clayton Jr. (6-2, 199) leads the Gators in scoring and playmaking. Alijah Martin (6-2, 210) brings two-way toughness, while Will Richard (6-4, 206) offers versatility and shooting.
Arizona
The Wildcats feature freshman Carter Bryant (6-7, 215), a skilled wing with scoring instincts. Arizona’s projected draft stock is further supported by returning guards Caleb Love and Kylan Boswell.
UConn
Freshman Liam McNeeley (6-7, 215) is a highly touted forward entering a championship-level system. He pairs with returning leader Alex Karaban to give the Huskies strong frontcourt production.
Missouri
Veteran guards Tamar Bates (6-4, 191) and Caleb Grill (6-3, 205) give the Tigers perimeter scoring, shooting, and physical defense.
KEEP READING: Could Your Favorite College Star Go Top 5? Ranking Fan-Favorite Prospects Before NBA Draft Night
St. John’s
RJ Luis Jr. (6-6, 210), a junior wing, combines size and athleticism. Transfer forward Zuby Ejiofor brings rebounding and interior toughness to the Red Storm lineup.
Michigan
The Wolverines bring size with junior Danny Wolf (6-11, 252), a stretch big with passing ability, and senior Vladislav Goldin (7-0, 253), a traditional post scorer and rim protector.
Tennessee
Senior Chaz Lanier (6-4, 206) enters as one of the nation’s top scorers, while Igor Milicic Jr. adds size and European skill to the frontcourt.
Georgetown
Freshman big man Thomas Sorber (6-9, 263) gives the Hoyas interior strength. Senior Micah Peavy (6-6, 212) provides slashing ability and defensive presence on the wing.
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