As the 2025 NBA Draft looms, reports suggest that league executives are growing doubtful about the readiness of top college prospects.
Despite Cooper Flagg’s dominant star turn at Duke and Rutgers’ dynamic scoring duo of Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, who lit up scoreboards, skepticism and doubts persist regarding the overall strength of this year’s draft class.
College Basketball Analyst Challenges NBA Draft Depth Narrative
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla recently pushed back against criticism of the 2025 draft class, stating, “I am hearing it’s not a great draft after Flagg and Harper.”
He continued, “But Kobe (No. 13), Kawhi (No. 15), Giannis (No. 15), Devin Booker (No. 13), Jalen Williams (No. 12 pick), Donovan Mitchell (No. 13 pick), Ty Haliburton (No. 11 pick), Zach LaVine (No. 13). I can go on and on.”
I am hearing it’s not a great draft after Flagg and Harper.
But Kobe (No. 13), Kawhi (No. 15), Giannis (No. 15), Devin Booker (No. 13), Jalen Williams (No. 12 pick), Donovan Mitchell (No. 13 pick), Ty Haliburton (No. 11 pick), Zach LaVine (No. 13). I can go on and on.
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) June 18, 2025
While top picks often earn fame, the 1996 NBA Draft reminds us that greatness can’t be predicted. That year, middle first-round picks like Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, chosen 13th and 15th, would surpass expectations and lead franchises for decades.
10 out of the 30 first-rounders in 1996 earned All-Star honors during their career, thus showing that middle and late first-round picks can also develop into stars.
Fraschilla’s perspective challenges the idea that early selections are the only ones who will have successful careers. Success stories like Bryant and Nash prove that talent isn’t confined to the top picks, and that it can emerge from anywhere and defy preconceived notions.
Current college stars are making strong cases for their NBA futures. Cooper Flagg dominated at Duke, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four.
The 18-year-old became just the fourth freshman named Associated Press men’s college basketball player of the year. “It’s been an incredible year with a really great group of people,” Flagg told reporters after winning the honor.
KEEP READING: Draft Insider Reveals 2 Teams To Watch for Ace Bailey if the Polarizing Prospect Slides out of Top-5 Picks
At Rutgers, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey formed a historic duo, becoming the first freshman pair in the Big Ten since 1992 to score 500 points each. Bailey posted 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
One of his most memorable performances was a 39-point explosion against Indiana that tied the program’s single-game freshman scoring record. Harper, meanwhile, averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
There are also some talented potential second-round picks like West Virginia’s Javon Small, who demonstrate the depth available beyond the perceived top tier.
Small averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while earning All-Big 12 First Team honors. Scouts note his exceptional shooting ability, which includes an 87.1% free-throw percentage over four college seasons.
2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th in 2018, and players like him prove that talent exists beyond just the top pick.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard propelled his squad to a franchise-record 68 regular-season wins while averaging 32.7 points per game. Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC are now one win away from the NBA title.
