As the basketball world turns its attention to Chicago for the 2025 NBA Draft Combine on May 11-18, one of the most anticipated strength tests will again be the bench press. With 75 elite prospects looking to impress scouts, the 185-pound bench press challenge remains a fascinating parameter of raw upper-body strength.
The record of 27 reps set by Jason Keep in 2003 has stood for over two decades. Among this year’s participants, Johni Broome and Derik Queen can emerge as frontrunners to challenge the leaderboard, though history suggests bench press dominance often comes from unexpected players.
Who Will Get the Most Bench Press Reps at the NBA Draft Combine?
Auburn’s Johni Broome brings a 6’10”, 240-pound frame with three years of SEC competition. Auburn’s strength program, renowned for producing NBA-ready big men like Walker Kessler, has prepared Broome well. His low-post physicality and rebounding prowess (9.0 rebounds per game) suggest he has the upper-body foundation to excel.
Maryland freshman Derik Queen presents as a fascinating dark horse candidate. Despite his youth, Queen’s 6’10”, 245-pound build and high school football background as a tight end could translate to impressive bench press numbers. His ability to leverage strength while battling for rebounds demonstrates functional power that might shine in Chicago.
Watch for international prospect Izan Almansa, whose 6’9″ frame was tested in Australia’s physical NBL. Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. could surprise as a rare guard contender, leveraging three years in Florida’s elite conditioning program.
Arkansas junior Adou Thiero has a 6’8″, 220-pound frame and played two seasons at Kentucky’s top-tier strength program before transferring.
His father, former NBA player Osman Thiero, emphasized weight training during his development, which could pay dividends on the bench press platform. Michigan’s 7’0″ center Danny Wolf is another sleeper with strong core engagement.
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While top prospects like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey possess elite athleticism, their leaner builds may limit their bench press output. History shows that players with multiple years in collegiate strength programs often outperform freshmen, regardless of draft position.
The battle for bench press supremacy offers these physically mature prospects a chance to boost their draft stock while showcasing the kind of functional strength NBA teams value when facing veteran players.
As scouts gather in Chicago, they’ll be watching for raw numbers and the functional strength that helps players hold positions against veteran NBA bodies and maintain durability throughout their careers.
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