Context:

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is a pivotal event for the 13 teams that failed to make the playoffs, as their representatives gather in Chicago with hopes of securing the No. 1 overall pick. Cooper Flagg, a standout player from Duke, is the top prospect, noted for his defensive prowess and game-changing potential, while Dylan Harper, the son of NBA champion Ron Harper, holds the second spot with his impressive guard skills. VJ Edgecombe from Baylor is another promising player, known for his athleticism and defensive capabilities, despite an inconsistent season. Ace Bailey from Rutgers is a polarizing figure due to his talent and shot selection, while Khaman Maluach from Duke impresses with his rapid improvement and defensive contributions. The draft board features a mix of seasoned college players and international talents, each bringing unique skills and potential to the NBA landscape.

Dive Deeper:

• Cooper Flagg, a Duke freshman, is the unanimous top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, having earned first-team All-American honors with impressive averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, and is seen as a transformative talent for any franchise.

• Dylan Harper from Rutgers, despite his team's lack of success, is highly regarded as the second-best prospect, bringing a strong game sense and potential as a lead guard, attributed to his NBA lineage as the son of Ron Harper.

• Baylor's VJ Edgecombe is recognized for his athleticism and defensive potential, being a part of the Bahamian lottery pick lineage, though his season was marked by highs and lows, he remains a resilient and promising defender.

• Ace Bailey from Rutgers displays undeniable talent with an average of 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, yet his penchant for difficult shots makes him a controversial figure among scouts, though his potential defensive impact is notable.

• Khaman Maluach from Duke continues to develop rapidly, standing out in defense with his 7-2 stature and 250-pound frame, offering a promising future as a rim protector and lob threat, with his ceiling being highly unpredictable.

• Kon Knueppel is celebrated as the best 3-point shooter in the draft, achieving a 40.6% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc and 91.4% from the free-throw line, adding value with his size and playmaking ability.

• Jeremiah Fears made a significant impact at Oklahoma as a freshman with averages of 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, displaying leadership and competitive spirit, making him a valuable prospect for teams seeking a future point guard.

• NBA Draft season has long been upon us, but it shifts into another gear with the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.

• On Monday, May 12, representatives from 13 of the 14 teams that failed to make the NBA Playoffs will converge in Chicago with hopes of the ping pong balls bouncing in their favor to win the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. The past has proven that a little lottery luck can go a long way in building a winner.

• For fans of those 13 teams, the draft lottery provides clarity on when their squad will be on the clock, but who they might select is a different story. With that in mind, The Sporting News has you covered with a big board of the top 60 prospects currently in this year's draft process.

• Here's an updated top 60, based on March Madness showings, new draft declarations, and early returns from the pre-draft process.

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• NBA Draft prospects 2025

  1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

  • Age: 18
  • Position: G/F
  • Height: 6-9
  There have been some changes throughout the top 60, but expect this to remain the same: Flagg is the undisputed top prospect in this class.

• During his lone season at Duke, Flagg was as good as advertised, earning consensus first-team All-American honors while also picking up several national player of the year awards — averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists for a 35-win team will do that for you.

• Flagg projects to be an immediate game-changer, with his defensive capabilities standing out as his most league-ready trait. His athleticism, offensive talent and feel for the game make him a generational prospect capable of quickly changing the fate of the franchise with which he lands.

• MORE: Why Cooper Flagg is a can't-miss No. 1 prospect

• 2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

  • Age: 19
  • Position: G
  • Height: 6-6
  There won't be much debate at No. 2, either, as Harper has long established himself as the second-best prospect in 2025. The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, Dylan is a big guard with a great feel for the game.

• Rutgers didn't experience much team success this season, but that shouldn't be held against Harper. At 6-6, he represents the future of what will be valued at the lead guard position and has all the tools to make an immediate impact wherever he lands.

• 3. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor | Bahamas

  • Age: 19
  • Position: G
  • Height: 6-4
  Edgecombe had somewhat of an up-and-down season at Baylor, but the highs should leave everyone encouraged for the future.

• He is set to join the growing line of Bahamian lottery picks to make an impact in the league and will do so thanks to exceptional athleticism and a strong frame. Edgecombe projects to be a game-changing defender thanks to his physical attributes, and he remains unfazed by big moments, a product of his role with the senior men's national team.

• 4. Ace Bailey, Rutgers

  • Age: 18
  • Position: G/F
  • Height: 6-10
  Bailey could prove to be one of the most polarizing prospects in this class, but his talent is undeniable. Throughout his freshman season at Rutgers, Bailey displayed the ability to consistently make tough shots, though his tendency to take tough shots could be a cause for concern.

• He finished his lone season of college ball with averages of 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and he has the frame to become an impactful player defensively. Some issues will need to be addressed, but Bailey may very well be the most talented prospect in 2025.

• MORE: How does the NBA Draft Lottery work?

• 5. Khaman Maluach, Duke | South Sudan 

  • Age: 18
  • Position: C
  • Height: 7-2
  It's hard not to be impressed by Maluach, who continues to improve at an accelerated rate, given how new basketball still is to him. The 7-2 center eats up space and was one of the biggest driving forces behind the Blue Devils' stingy defense in 2024-25.

• Factor in Maluach's 250-pound frame and his athleticism, and he has a floor of being a consistent rim-protecting lob threat. Maluach's ceiling is very hard to predict, as he has several skills that he can continue to add, many of which depend on where he lands. Don't be surprised if he has one of the best careers out of all of the 2025 prospects.

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