The day when a young boy’s life changes for eternity. The day when a boy becomes a man.
The 2025 NBA Draft is officially upon us.
Some say it's the day when hard work pays off. Others say it’s the day when hard work begins.
Despite that, some prospects have strengths that set them apart from the rest of the draft class. Looking at current skills and future projections, here are some superlatives for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Best Player (not named Cooper Flagg): VJ Edgecombe
VJ Edgecombe's report card has check marks scattered across it. It is hard to believe he will not be a successful player in the NBA.
When a young player is as athletic as Edgecombe, they tend to use that athleticism as a crutch. That description does not describe Edgecombe’s play style. He is fearless and will take a smart shot rather than a reckless attack at the rim.
However, this athleticism has allowed him to be a legit defensive threat on the perimeter. If he can add IQ into the mix, he will be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.
Edgecombe is young and gifted. An NBA front office will wrap up that gift and deliver their head coach a promising present that can blossom into greatness.
Honorable Mentions: Dylan Harper, Tre Johnson, Cedric Coward
Best Kept Secret: Cedric Coward
It is hard to believe an older draft prospect has room to grow. Yet, with one year of experience at a major program, Cedric Coward is believed to have room to grow.
A six-game sample size was enough for NBA front offices to tell Coward to commit to the draft process instead of transferring to Duke. The senior has showcased the ability to score on all levels of the court at an efficient level.
There are two big questions regarding Coward’s ceiling — his health and playing time against elite competition. Despite that, he has passed all tests with flying colors.
Coward is a walking bucket who is going to be a hard prospect to pass up on.
Honorable Mentions: Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, Jamir Watkins
Most Likely To Disappoint: Egor Demin
Some things may be admirable about Egor Demin’s game. At moments, he is a great passer, which pairs nicely with his size.
However, his poor IQ has held him back from becoming an elite passer. Pair this with the fact that he can not shoot is a major concern.
A reality check is coming towards Demin.
Honorable Mentions: Ace Bailey, Liam McNeeley, Derik Queen
Best Shooter: Tre Johnson
Tre Johnson is so comfortable scoring at all levels on the court that he might as well set up beds everywhere.
Against elite-level competition, Johnson averaged 19.9 points per game while shooting 42.7% from the field, 39.7% from three and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
Some may consider his shot selection questionable. However, it must be realized he was playing for a mediocre Texas Longhorns roster. I highly doubt he will have to take as many challenging looks at the NBA level.
Even then, he has showcased the ability to make those tough baskets.
Honorable Mentions: Koby Brea, Kon Knueppel, Ace Bailey
The Swiss Army Knife: Nique Clifford
Nique Clifford can flat out do anything on the basketball court at a high level.
18.9 points per game, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 49.6% shooting from the field, 37.7% from deep and 77.7% from the charity stripe.
People need to comprehend how insane it is that a six-foot-six guard is averaging 9.6 rebounds per game. That is a man who wants to win more than anyone else.
If you want to win basketball games, you want to have Clifford on your team.
Honorable Mention: Cooper Flagg
Best Defender: Collin Murray-Boyles
There is nothing on the defensive side of the ball that Collin Murray-Boyles can not do.
Despite being just six-foot-seven, Murray-Boyles averaged 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. The sophomore never missed a day in the weight room, as his physique has allowed him to dominate the SEC.
Even with a shorter stature, his aggression and size will allow him to be strong in the paint, yet light on his feet as a perimeter defender.
Honorable Mentions: Rasheer Fleeming, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Adou Thiero
Best Role Player: Kon Knueppel
The NBA has showcased the importance of having elite role players. The stars need a sidekick. Batman needs his Robin. Kon Knueppel is the missing piece to any puzzle.
He can shoot, play physical and make the right play. Despite not being the most athletic, he has the IQ and grit to make up for it.
Honorable Mentions: Nique Clifford, Carter Bryant, Sion James