NBA Draft: Top 5 draft prospects from outside the high-major ranks

While the high-majors will always make up the lion’s share of the picks in the NBA Draft, there are some gems from outside those ranks who get selected. Looking at the most recent draft in 2025, some of the “mid-major” players who got picked included Cedric Coward (Washington State) at 11, Nique Clifford (Colorado State) at 24, and Rasheer Fleming (St. Joe’s) at 31.

This year, there aren’t as many clear-cut draftable guys in the mid-major ranks. However, there are some who have a good chance of hearing their names called on draft night. Here’s the top five names to watch. 

1. Allen Graves - Santa Clara Broncos

• 2025-26 stats: 11.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg

Graves is a 6’9 forward who earned WCC Rookie of the Year and all-league honors. Considering he came off the bench and had limited numbers, including shooting 41% from deep on 92 attempts, it’s the analytics and metrics that have him in the position to get drafted in the first round.

Graves did have some big outings, including 30 points and 13 rebounds against Washington State. We’ve seen a number of WCC stars, including multiple outside of Gonzaga, succeed in the NBA. Graves projects as an athletic forward that can space the floor and guard other frontcourt players from 3-5. 

2. Izaiyah Nelson - South Florida Bulls

• 2025-26 stats: 15.9 ppg and 9.6 rpg

The 6’11 forward started 106 games in four years at Arkansas State and South Florida. Nelson is coming off a career year as a senior, earning American Player of the Year and Defensive POY honors. Nelson produced 19 double-doubles, including 25 points and 12 rebounds on the road against Alabama, one of the top teams in the country.

In a draft that doesn't have a ton of big men, Nelson has a real shot at getting picked in the second round. He’s a big body that can rebound and defend at a high level, and while he doesn’t space the floor, there’s a need for centers who can be playable against legit NBA bigs. 

3. Peter Suder - Miami OH RedHawks

• 2025-26 stats: 14.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 4.0 apg

Suder led the RedHawks’ historic campaign, earning MAC Player of the Year honors. The 6’5 guard also had five games of at least 20 points, including 27 in the NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee, along with a career-high 37 in OT over Buffalo.

Suder shot 42% from three-point range and showed he can handle and rebound the ball as well. Look for him to get a role as a capable bench guard who can do it all as a possible second-round pick.

4. Aaron Nkrumah - Tennessee State Tigers

• 2025-26 stats: 17.7 ppg and 5.5 rpg

The 6’6 forward has been a standout mid-major player in the draft and the combine process. Nkrumah earned OVC Player of the Year honors, shooting 35% from deep and averaging nearly 3 steals per game, good for second in the nation.

Nkrumah is a quality athlete who has held his own against high-major players and projects to be a “3 and D” player at the next level. He’s an underrated passer as well, which should only help the prospect's stock ahead of the draft.

5. Rafael Castro - George Washington Revolutionaires 

• 2025-26 stats: 15.3 ppg and 9.1 rpg

After two years as a role player at Providence, Castro became a star at GW, earning two all-league honors. He was also a two-time All-Atlantic 10 on defense, including a combined 236 steals and blocks in the last two years.

The 6’10 big man is a back-to-the-basket big man who doesn’t shoot, but did shoot around 64% from the field overall. Similar to Nelson, Castro is a capable big man who can rebound and defend at the next level. 

Honorable Mentions to watch include Graham Ike (Gonzaga), Jaden Henley (Grand Canyon), and Dylan Andrews (Boise State)

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