When the world thinks of the NBA Draft, the schools that first pop up are often the bluebloods. Historically, powerhouse programs have pumped out NBA-ready talent consistently.
But every year, a few names make it past the velvet rope to make noise in the draft. They’re not from power conferences, but their game speaks louder than college legacies. And despite a lack of Cinderella runs in this year’s March Madness, the underdog stories are alive.
Top 5 Under-the-Radar Programs to Watch During 2025 NBA Draft
1. Saint Joseph’s | Atlantic 10 Conference
The Atlantic 10’s best, Rasheer Fleming, will be at the NBA 2025 draft. Fleming last season, as a junior, hit 65% on twos and 39% from deep. The Brooklyn Nets are rumored to potentially land him as the No. 27 pick. He has the size that lets him guard, and his rebounding is great, too. To add on, Fleming won’t even be 21 on draft night, which brings a major upside to his potential for a team like the Nets.
Rasheer Fleming spot-up 3-point shooting drill pic.twitter.com/lz7OLh5FWZ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025
2. Nevada | Mountain West Conference
Kobe Sanders is Nevada’s standout player. He is 6-foot-8, and his numbers say he is NBA-ready. Sanders has 15.8 PPG, nearly five assists, and shooting splits that are plug-and-play ready. He might not be the most athletic in the gym, but he has poise in pick-and-rolls and isolation plays. Sanders is a second-round sleeper with a good upside.
Breaking down Pick & Roll reads with 6’8 Nevada guard Kobe Sanders. The 23-year-old ranked in the 85th percentile nationally as a high-volume PnR operator this season. Shows real patience, feel, and finesse at his size. Comfortable in the mid-range. pic.twitter.com/r7YgCHtwFL
— Jacob Myers (@League_Him) June 6, 2025
3. Colorado State | Mountain West Conference
Nique Clifford of Colorado State has been putting up numbers in Fort Collins and generated a ton of buzz in the NCAA Tournament. He has been averaging 18.9 a night with 10 boards. When it comes to efficiency, Clifford has 67.6% at the rim and 37.7% from deep. The March Madness spotlight put him on the radar, and now he just might be basking in the glory during the Draft.
4. Washington State | West Coast Conference (WCC)
Cedric Coward is one of the most spoken about names going into the draft. He started his collegiate journey at Division III and is now a potential first-round pick. After the combine drills, his stock only went up. Coward went on to shoot 72% on twos over his career, and had 39% from three. Coward was supposed to play for Duke this upcoming season post-transfer; however, he has let the Blue Devils dream go for the NBA hardwood courts.
NEWS: Washington State wing Cedric Coward has received a green room invite to attend the NBA Draft with his family, a source told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/IaXICfwl3P
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 19, 2025
5. Gonzaga | West Coast Conference
Ryan Nembhard is a potential second-round pick from a mid-major. His 9.8 assists per game, near 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and ability to pick-and-roll make him one of the most advanced floor generals in the draft.
There is a concern about his 5-foot-11 frame and scoring hesitancy, but that can change with time. To add on, he has NBA blood in his veins. His brother, Andrew Nembhard, plays for the Pacers and has already proven that Nembhard’s pedigree should not be taken lightly.
