While the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is all but set in stone with Cooper Flagg, there are still 59 other picks to be made. With all eyes on the college basketball world in March, it makes this one the most important times of the season for players to prove that they are worthy of being in the NBA and either help or hurt their draft stock. The Big 12 has been one of the best leagues this season and will showcase some of the top teams and players in the sport at the Big 12 tournament.
Here are 5 players who can rise or fall on 2025 NBA Draft boards in the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament.
As a 6’9” guard who can handle the rock, Demin was a highly touted prospect coming into this season that has overall not lived up to the hype. His biggest problem has been shot making, as he is shooting 28.3% from the three point line, which is a big issue since it is one of the biggest differences between the college and professional level. The freshman has been a great facilitator though, averaging the third most assists in the Big 12 at 5.6, but with that comes his 3.0 turnovers per game which is the second highest in conference. If the Cougars want to make some noise in the postseason they will need Demin to play better which could revive his stock.
Outside of the solid top three prospects of Flagg, Bailey, and Harper, Edgecombe is believed to be the clear next guy. While Baylor has not had the best year as a team, Edgecombe has had a great individual season. The number three recruit in the 2024 class is averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, but he has failed to reach double figures in three of Baylor’s last six games. I do not see Edgecombe breaking into the top three which leads me to believe all he can do is hurt his draft stock.
Bryant has been getting more and more minutes as the season has gone on and is a guy to keep a close eye on in March. He has not been a prolific scorer averaging just 6.5 ppg, but has been very impressive around the rim on both the offensive and defensive ends. He has a great build at 6’8” 220 lbs and has shown the ability to shoot it from deep. Bryant should be a first round pick, and could fly up draft boards with a strong showing when all eyes are watching.
After an impressive freshman season at New Mexico, Toppin declared for the 2024 NBA Draft before ultimately deciding to come back to the college level and transfer to Texas Tech. He has been phenomenal this season leading the Raiders in both points (17.8) and rebounds (9.2) and has done so against much better competition in the Big 12. Toppin has been playing his best ball as of late with six double-doubles in his last eight games including games with 41 and 15 against Arizona State and 30 and 14 against Colorado. He has also been shooting much better from behind the arc which has been a big knock on his NBA profile. Toppin has been improving his stock all season long and I expect no different if he takes his play of late into tournament action.
Momcilovic is another guy who has been playing well lately, especially in terms of scoring which gives a big boost to his stock. He has great size and a unique ability to score from all three levels. In his sophomore season he has improved his three point percentage to just over 40% which will certainly catch the attention of NBA scouts as it comes with a player who stands at 6’8”. With Momcilovic being a guy who is not for sure leaving for the league after this season, all he can do is help his stock down the stretch.