One of the fun aspects of the NBA Draft isn’t just about seeing where the already well-known top stars (Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, etc.), but also some players who weren’t expected to be draft picks in the past. In some overly optimistic mock drafts a year ago, several names weren’t listed who ultimately ended up being taken in the first round.
Here’s a list of four specific names who ended up being the biggest overall risers in the 2025 NBA Draft that weren’t expected before.
Jeremiah Fears - No. 7 pick to New Orleans Pelicans
A year ago, Fears was a reclass player who wasn’t even a five-star prospect. He ended up being able to carry Oklahoma to the NCAA Tournament and being a top-10 draft pick, seemingly out of nowhere. The talented combo guard looks to be the next lead guard for the Pelicans.
Cedric Coward - No. 11 pick to Memphis Grizzlies
A year ago, Coward transferred from Eastern Washington to Washington State in the WCC. He only played seven games this past season, but his combine performances and shooting ability allowed him to be a shocking lottery pick. Turns out it was the right move not to stay at Duke after committing to them from the transfer portal.
Nique Clifford - No. 24 pick to Sacramento Kings
Clifford spent his first three years at Colorado with underwhelming stats as a result. He went to Colorado State, where, in his fifth year, he was an All-American caliber player, producing 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, and 4.4 apg. The 6’5 guard was one of two non-power conference players picked in the first round, benefiting from the final COVID year given to him.
Yanic Konan Neiderhauser - No. 30 pick to Los Angeles Clippers
The 6’10 forward spent his first two years at Northern Illinois, where he wasn’t even a double-digit contributor. But after transferring to Penn State, Neiderhauser produced 12.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, and nearly three blocks a game, showcasing his elite athleticism. He was the last pick in the first round and arguably the biggest surprise, considering that he wasn’t even a top-100 portal pickup a year ago.