In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Big Ten Conference came out with the most number of picks. On Wednesday night, June 25, as the Barclays Center witnessed the NBA’s next generation securing their spots, eight Big Ten players heard their names called in the first round, outpacing all other conferences. Below, we have shared all the Big Ten players who have successfully secured their spot in the NBA.
All Big Ten First-Round Picks At The NBA Draft 2025
- No. 2: Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers – San Antonio Spurs
- No. 5: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers – Utah Jazz
- No. 13: Derik Queen, C, Maryland – New Orleans Pelicans (via Atlanta)
- No. 20: Kasparas Jakučionis, PG, Illinois – Miami Heat (via Golden State)
- No. 21: Will Riley, F, Illinois – Washington Wizards (via Utah)
- No. 25: Jase Richardson, SG, Michigan State – Orlando Magic
- No. 27: Danny Wolf, PF/C, Michigan – Brooklyn Nets
- No. 30: Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State – Los Angeles Clippers
The Big Ten’s haul began early and ended up at the top. Rutgers led the list with two picks: point guard Harper, selected No. 2 by the San Antonio Spurs, and forward Bailey, taken at No. 5 by the Utah Jazz. Harper, praised for his playmaking instincts, gives San Antonio a dynamic lead guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Bailey, a jumbo wing with high upside, landed in Utah despite a rocky pre-draft process.
1st round NBA Draft picks by conference:
Big Ten 8
SEC 5
ACC 4
Big 12 3
Big East 2
WCC 1
Mountain West 1#NBADraft— Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) June 26, 2025
Maryland’s Queen, a skilled center, went No. 13 to the New Orleans Pelicans via a trade with Atlanta. Despite concerns about his conditioning, Queen’s exceptional hands and passing ability earned him a top-10 prospect nod.
Illinois contributed two picks: point guard Jakučionis (No. 20, Miami Heat via Golden State) and forward Riley (No. 21, Washington Wizards via Utah). Jakučionis, valued for his basketball IQ, landed in Miami’s development system, while Riley, a 6-foot-8 wing, represents a long-term investment for the Jazz.
Michigan State’s Richardson, a combo guard, was picked No. 25 by the Orlando Magic, bringing shooting and versatility to a team needing backcourt depth. Michigan’s Wolf, a 7-foot playmaking big, went No. 27 to the Brooklyn Nets, offering rare passing skills for his size. Rounding out the Big Ten’s impressive showing, Penn State’s Niederhauser, a 7-foot athletic center, was selected No. 30 by the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Big Ten’s eight first-round selections showed off its ability to produce diverse talent, from dynamic guards like Harper and Richardson to versatile bigs like Queen and Wolf. This marks a high point for the conference, which has seen its draft stock rise in recent years. As these players transition to the NBA, their success will further elevate the Big Ten’s reputation.
