2025 NBA Draft Top 100 Prospect Rankings: Scouting Reports

CBS Sports presents its fifth and final update to the 2025 NBA Draft prospect rankings. Released ahead of this year`s annual draft, this comprehensive list reflects a consensus board compiled by our team of basketball experts, upholding a long-standing tradition.

The final rankings include a few notable adjustments. Texas guard Tre Johnson climbed from No. 5 to No. 3, moving ahead of Ace Bailey, who is now ranked No. 4. VJ Edgecombe of Baylor remains at No. 5. Jeremiah Fears and Collin Murray-Boyles, previously No. 7 and No. 8 after the NBA Draft Combine, dropped out of the top 10 to No. 11 and No. 12, respectively. Khaman Maluach and Carter Bryant made significant moves into the top 10, securing spots at No. 8 and No. 10, with Bryant reaching his highest ranking of the cycle.

Final NBA Draft Prospect Rankings

As voted on by CBS Sports Staff (Top 10)

Top 10 Scouting Reports

1. Cooper Flagg | Duke | SF | 6-8

Summary: Cooper Flagg is an exceptional talent, regarded as one of the top prospects of the past decade. As the No. 1 high school recruit, he led Duke to a 35-win season that reached the Final Four, where his team ranked No. 1 in offensive and No. 5 in defensive efficiency. His well-rounded game and impact on both ends make him a versatile prospect.

Rating: 98.5

Pro Comparison: Scottie Pippen

Strengths

• Elite defensive skills with natural timing and instincts, excelling at altering and blocking shots.
• Possesses the passing vision of a lead guard, understanding defenses and executing complex passes with ease.
• Exhibits great shooting touch from anywhere, demonstrated by 38.5% from three and 84% from the free-throw line.

Weaknesses

• Can improve his post-up defense. He sometimes reaches, potentially putting him out of position.
• Post positioning defensively can be inconsistent; occasionally loses awareness of the basket or fails to leverage his body effectively.

About

• Led Duke in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocks during their 35-win season.
• Became the fourth freshman in college basketball history to win Naismith National Player of the Year.

2. Dylan Harper | Rutgers | PG | 6-5

Summary: The son of former NBA player Ron Harper and brother of Ron Harper Jr., Dylan Harper was a five-star recruit. In his single season at Rutgers, he was second among all freshmen in points per game (19.4) and sixth in assists per game (4.0) among qualified players.

Rating: 95

Pro Comparison: Cade Cunningham

Strengths

• A smart scorer who easily reaches his preferred spots, averaging 19.4 points and 4.0 assists while hitting 33.3% of threes with high usage.
• Crafty defensive player, using tactical pokes and prods; led Rutgers in steals.
• Controls game pace effectively with his handle, passing, and scoring; had multiple games with 25+ points and 6+ assists.

Weaknesses

• His jump shot sometimes features a noticeable hitch, leading to a flat trajectory; shot poorly on pull-up threes and twos at Rutgers.
• While a good athlete, questions remain about whether he possesses the elite athleticism needed for top-tier lead guards.
• Dealt with various injuries and illnesses during his freshman year, including ankle issues and a knee procedure prior to the season.

About

• One of two five-star recruits ever to sign with Rutgers out of high school.
• Awarded MVP honors at the 2024 McDonald`s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic.

3. Tre Johnson | Texas | SG | 6-5

Summary: A former top-10 national recruit, Johnson is expected to be Texas`s first one-and-one player drafted in the top 10 since Jaxson Hayes in 2019. He led all freshmen in scoring in 2024-25, averaging 19.9 points per game, the highest among all SEC players.

Rating: 93.5

Pro Comparison: Malik Monk

Strengths

• High-level scorer, ranking seventh nationally among major conference players in points per game (2024-25) and shooting 39.7% on threes in a high-usage role.
• Developing as a playmaker, showing promise as a passer and expanding his game beyond just scoring, despite needing to reduce turnovers.
• Possesses an electric quick release on his shot, rating highly on catch-and-shoot opportunities and knowing when to attack quickly.

Weaknesses

• Not always an aggressive attacker despite his size, tending to settle for shots; poor finishing numbers at the rim and on layups.
• Shows potential as a defender but lacks strength; can be easily moved by larger opponents inside the paint.
• Needs to improve comfort shooting from the top of the key, which would make him more dynamic off the dribble and in transition.

About

• A Dallas native, he was named SEC Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-SEC in 2024-25.
• Ranked seventh nationally among major conference players in points per game.
• His father, Richard Johnson Jr., played college basketball at Baylor and Midwestern State.

4. Ace Bailey | Rutgers | SF | 6-8

Summary: The highest-ranked signee in Rutgers history, Ace Bailey was a five-star recruit (No. 2 nationally) and the 2024 Mr. Georgia Basketball. He chose Rutgers over prominent programs and earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors in his freshman season.

Rating: 93.5

Pro Comparison: Brandon Ingram

Strengths

• Impressive size and skill for his age (doesn`t turn 19 until August 2025), with a 6-10 frame and fluid agility.
• A prolific scorer capable of getting a bucket from anywhere; possesses a quick release and craftiness, needing little space to shoot over defenders.
• A reliable shooter, ranking highly on catch-and-shoot opportunities, especially when guarded.

Weaknesses

• Defensive effort can be inconsistent, sometimes getting caught ball-watching and losing track of his man.
• Free throw shooting is a concern (69.2%), potentially indicating future struggles with three-point consistency.
• Despite physical gifts, he often settles for jumpers and lacks consistent assertiveness or aggressiveness attacking the rim; tends to finish off one foot.

About

• One of two five-star recruits in Rutgers program history, alongside teammate Dylan Harper Jr.
• His parents were college basketball players: mother at West Virginia, father at Houston.
• Goes by the nickname `Ace` due to his success in multiple sports.
• Earned Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior, averaging impressive points, rebounds, and assists.

5. VJ Edgecombe | Baylor | SG | 6-4

Summary: A five-star athlete from the Bahamas, Edgecombe had a standout freshman season at Baylor under coach Scott Drew. Ranked No. 5 in his high school class, he earned All-Big 12 and Big 12 Rookie of the Year honors in 2024-25.

Rating: 93

Pro Comparison: Victor Oladipo

Strengths

• Dynamic athlete with explosive leaping ability.
• Smooth in his movements and possesses a fluid shot; made 34% of his threes as Baylor`s second-leading scorer.
• Long-striding player who plays smart, knows when to cut off-ball, and excels at driving to the basket.

Weaknesses

• Limited scoring versatility; rates poorly on dribble jumpers and short shots according to Synergy data.
• Needs to continue improving ball-handling skills; rated poorly on pick-and-rolls as the ball-handler and averaged nearly two turnovers per game.

About

• A native of Bimini, Bahamas, with experience on the FIBA circuit alongside Buddy Hield and Deandre Ayton.
• A five-star recruit who was a stellar scorer at Long Island Lutheran and a McDonald`s All-American.
• Received back-to-back Gatorade Player of the Year awards in New York during his high school career.

6. Kon Knueppel | Duke | SF | 6-5

Summary: A highly-sought shooter with one of the most dangerous offensive games in the class. Knueppel was a crucial player alongside Cooper Flagg on a Duke team that won 35 games and reached the verge of a national title game. Known for his composure and controlled style of play.

Rating: 93

Pro Comparison: Austin Reaves

Strengths

• Elite shooter, hitting 40.6% of 3-pointers on high volume and missing only 9 of 128 free throws at Duke.
• Unaffected by defenders when shooting, ranking highly on guarded shots from deep.
• A smart player who uses savvy and body control to overcome a lack of athleticism; rated well on shots at the rim.

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve versatility as a shot-maker; very reliable on set shots but struggled on dribble jumpers and handoffs.
• Foot speed and lateral quickness need improvement; struggled defending screens at Duke.
• Relies too heavily on his right hand for finishing; developing confidence with his left hand would enhance his scoring threat.

About

• A prolific high school scorer (26.4 ppg as a senior) who became a five-star recruit before choosing Duke.
• Earned Jordan Brand Classic invite and Wisconsin Mr. Basketball honors.
• Instantly became a star at Duke, finishing as the second-leading scorer while shooting 40.6% from three.

7. Kasparas Jakucionis | Illinois | PG | 6-5

Summary: A Lithuanian guard who played one college season, leading Illinois in usage rate, points, and assists on a 22-win team. Jakucionis has professional experience from his mid-teens, playing in Lithuania and with FC Barcelona`s junior, reserve, and first teams.

Rating: 92

Pro Comparison: Spencer Dinwiddie

Strengths

• Smooth lead guard who gets to his spots effectively and plays to his size.
• A crafty scorer who consistently finds ways to finish, rating highly on finishing at the rim and in isolation as a college freshman.
• Pace and poise are key; compensates for lack of athletic pop with playmaking and finesse, showing promise as a primary facilitator.

Weaknesses

• Prone to turnovers despite flashes of excellent passing; had a high turnover rate compared to assist rate and ended his college season with multiple games of six turnovers.
• Limited success as a shooter; shot 31.8% on threes at Illinois and rated poorly as a jump shooter.
• Might be role-confined in the NBA due to high turnovers (suggesting secondary playmaker) and shooting struggles (suggesting primary playmaker); needs significant improvement in shooting or reducing turnovers to be consistently effective.

About

• A one-and-done player from Illinois, born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania.
• Has professional experience with Vilnius and FC Barcelona, plus FIBA circuit experience, helping Lithuania win the U16 European Championship.
• Named to the All-Big Ten Freshmen Team.

8. Khaman Maluach | Duke | C | 7-1

Summary: A center from South Sudan who grew up in Uganda after fleeing conflict. He started basketball at 13, developed at NBA Academy Africa, and became a five-star recruit, spending one season at Duke.

Rating: 92

Pro Comparison: Mitchell Robinson

Strengths

• Game-altering length, measuring 7-2 with nearly a 7-7 wingspan at the NBA Draft Combine.
• Considered a high-character person by teammates and coaches.
• Projects as a future defensive anchor with great anticipation, regularly blocking or altering shots using his length.
• Stellar finisher near the basket, leading major conference players in offensive rating and rating highly on finishing at the rim.

Weaknesses

• Still a raw prospect, having played organized basketball for only a few years; needs to improve positioning and fundamentals.
• Unproven shooter, taking only 16 three-pointers at Duke (making four); played with a hand injury glove, which may have affected shooting.
• Can be too passive, especially playing alongside co-stars; needs to learn when to be more assertive offensively.

About

• Discovered basketball at 13 and was scouted at a camp hosted by Luol Deng.
• Joined NBA Academy Africa in Senegal before attracting attention from top college programs.
• Played for South Sudan`s national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and helped them qualify for the 2024 Olympics.
• Earned All-ACC Honorable Mention and ACC All-Rookie Team honors.

9. Derik Queen | Maryland | C | 6-9

Summary: A Baltimore native and part of the elite Montverde Academy team. Queen was a five-star, top-15 recruit who chose to play for Maryland under coach Kevin Willard, earning All-Big Ten and Freshman of the Year honors in his single college season.

Rating: 92

Pro Comparison: Alperen Sengun

Strengths

• Highly skilled for his size with nimble feet and soft hands, allowing him to operate effectively in tight spaces and catch passes.
• A graceful ball-handler for his position, capable of advanced passing reads and acting as a playmaker.
• Dynamic scorer with an effective old-school post game, finishing at a high level around the basket with both hands.
• High basketball IQ, processing the game quickly and anticipating plays; potential to be a trusted decision-maker or even a playmaking hub.

Weaknesses

• Defensive capabilities may be limited; Maryland often positioned him to minimize defensive liabilities. Not very quick laterally, which could make defending in space challenging.
• May need to reduce his size to optimize potential; currently has a thicker frame and conditioning could be a factor for a full starter`s workload.
• Three-point shooting is only theoretical at this point, hitting only 7 of 35 attempts (20%); an efficient post scorer but currently lacks the consistency of a modern stretch big.

About

• McDonald`s All-American and Co-MVP of the 2024 game; a top-15 consensus five-star recruit.
• Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten.

10. Carter Bryant | Arizona | SF | 6-7

Summary: A California native who was a prolific high school player, earning invites to the McDonald`s All-American game and Jordan Brand Classic. A top-30 recruit, he signed with Arizona and spent one season with the Wildcats.

Rating: 82

Pro Comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith

Strengths

• Ideal frame for a big wing, measuring 6-6.5 without shoes with a 6-11.75 wingspan and 8-10 standing reach.
• Projects into a clear role; showed defensive potential in a limited role and was highly effective on catch-and-shoots, as a jump shooter, and finishing at the rim.
• A prolific scorer in high school, averaging 22.1 points and 13.7 rebounds and named Pacific Coast MVP as a junior.

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve his ability to create offense; had limited opportunities at Arizona and appeared uncomfortable when initiating; utilizing his size and strength to attack is key.
• While shooting 37.1% from three is respectable, he has room for improvement, especially given his usage in a smaller role; needs to be consistent in catch-and-shoot situations.

About

• A prolific California high school player and McDonald`s All-American; a top-30 consensus national recruit.
• His father, D`Cean Bryant, played college basketball at Long Beach State.
• One of four freshmen last season with at least 150 rebounds, 35 assists, 35 blocks, and 35 steals.