This draft cycle has been a wild ride for fringe prospects. With this year’s class considered a step up from last year’s historically weak one and one of the smallest draft pools in recent memory, we’re seeing significant volatility. Several prospects projected as early second-rounders just weeks ago now have legitimate paths to cracking the Top 25, especially after heating up in scrimmages and shining in athletic testing at the Draft Combine.
One of the biggest storylines this year is the visible impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). We’re hearing about legitimate seven-figure offers for players to return to college instead of heading for the pros. In a section below, we’ll break down the tough stay-or-go decisions, as many prospects must now weigh NBA opportunities versus high-profile, well-compensated returns to school if they still have eligibility.
Most projected lottery picks and top-tier prospects sat out the scrimmages at the Combine, so our evaluations are heavily based on measurements (think wingspan, standing reach, hand size, and agility drills). It’s worth emphasizing that labeling these guys as “losers” or “winners” based on a few days of testing and tape is a misnomer. Basketball is a game of development, and most of these players are still just scratching the surface of their potential.
In any other profession, it’d be odd to call young adults “losers” after a single week on the job, so here, we’re simply spotlighting those who failed to meet public or front-office expectations in Chicago.
This is a winners-and-losers breakdown, but let’s keep perspective. A poor vertical, below-average standing reach, or a slow lane agility drill shouldn’t define a player’s ceiling or future in the league. What we’re highlighting are the key moments and data points that shaped Combine buzz and shifted the draft board – not passing final judgment on these prospects’ careers.
VJ Edgecombe (Baylor, Guard)
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Height (without shoes): 6’4
Wingspan: 6’7.5
Weight: 193.2 lbs
Edgecombe’s explosive athleticism leaped off the charts during athletic testing. His vertical leap and lightning-quick first step were elite, solidifying his status as a top-tier slasher and transition threat. Though official standing reach and hand size numbers weren’t published, his hang time and effortless lift put him in rare air and drew comparisons to a young Victor Oladipo. Edgecombe’s 3-and-D projection is real, as he’s shown the lateral quickness to generate steals and the bounce to finish above the rim. He fits perfectly in today’s pace-and-space NBA, where transition offense and defensive versatility are at a premium.
Drake Powell (North Carolina, Guard/Wing)
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Height (without shoes): 6’5.25
Wingspan: 7’0
Weight: 200.4 lbs
Powell turned heads in every athletic drill, posting a 43″ max vertical and top marks in lane agility and shuttle runs. At 6-foot-6 in shoes, Powell is the prototype of the modern wing, capable of switching across multiple positions in positionless basketball. His advance step and recovery speed were highlights, indicating strong potential as a perimeter defender. His energy on the boards and ability to jump passing lanes should translate into instant-impact secondary break opportunities.
Cedric Coward (Duke, Guard/Forward)
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Height (without shoes): 6’5.25
Wingspan: 7’2.25
Weight: 213 lbs
Coward flashed real versatility in measurements and testing. His impressive wingspan gives him major upside as a combo forward, with the size and length to snag offensive boards and create deflections in zone or man-to-man schemes. His results in agility drills show he can switch and cover ground. Offensively, his shooting off ball screen actions, ability to hunt for his own shot and willingness to dive to the rim will be valued as a role player who thrives in motion offense.
Tre Johnson (Texas, Guard/Wing)
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Height (without shoes): 6’4.75
Wingspan: 6’10.25
Weight: 190.4 lbs
Johnson’s smooth jumper and three-level scoring skillset were evident in shooting drills. His catch-and-shoot mechanics are crisp, and he utilizes the step-back to create separation keeping defenders off balance on the perimeter. While not the most physically imposing, his shot creation and offensive gravity could make him a tough assignment for any defender.
Khaman Maluach (Duke, Center)
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Height (without shoes): 7’0.75
Wingspan: 7’6.75
Weight: 252.8 lbs
Maluach measured nearly 7-foot-1 barefoot with a 7-foot-6.75 wingspan and a 9-6 standing reach – elite big man numbers that scream rim protection and vertical spacing. His testing confirmed his ability to cover ground quickly so he can alter shots in or outside of the paint, defend the pick-and-roll on the perimeter, and finish lobs as a prime alley-oop threat. Maluach is built for the modern run-and-gun NBA and should be a rim runner who anchors a defense.
Liam McNeeley (UConn, Guard/Forward)
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Height (without shoes): 6’6.75
Wingspan: 6’8.5
Weight: 214.6 lbs
McNeeley posted strong numbers in shuttle runs and shooting drills, reinforcing his case as a stretch four. He showed his value as a floor spacer, hitting from deep in the drills, and is a connector within a motion offense. Defensively, his athletic testing shows he will be able to defend closeouts.
Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s, Forward)
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Height (without shoes): 6’8.25
Wingspan: 7’5.25
Weight: 232.4 lbs
Dubbed a “wingspan beast,” Fleming measured with an incredible 7-foot-7 wingspan that projects elite defensive upside with floor-spacing ability. His help side coverage and ability to swat shots set him apart. Fleming’s switchability and defensive instincts – especially as a rim protecting combo forward – make him a high-upside project who can rotate out to the perimeter or lock down the restricted area.
Thomas Sorber (Georgetown, Center)
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Height (without shoes): 6’9.25
Wingspan: 7’6
Weight: 262.8 lbs
Sorber projects as a modern five with a 6-foot-9 frame and a massive 7-foot-7 wingspan. His agility and foot speed stood out in testing, showcasing the tools to hedge and recover in pick-and-roll situations. Sorber’s vertical pop and soft hands on rolls make him a threat as a rim finisher and lob target. His length and athleticism compensate for him being an “undersized” five.
G League Elite Camp Invites
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Tamar Bates (Missouri, Guard/Wing)
Height (without shoes): 6’3.75
Wingspan: 6’10.25
Weight: 191.4 lbs
Bates cemented his status as one of the breakout guards of the pre-draft process, parlaying a strong G League Elite Camp showing into Draft Combine invite. His skillset as a combo guard with a quick first step was on full display in Chicago, where he consistently attacked closeouts, got downhill, and showcased his ability to create offense both in the halfcourt and transition. Bates flashed an improved handle, using sharp crossovers and decisive change-of-pace moves to break down defenders and get to his spots in the mid-range. He measured well for a guard, with a plus wingspan that enhances his defensive versatility and projects him as a potential 3-and-D role player at the next level. His three-point shooting in the scrimmage helped raise his stock, and evaluators noted his commitment to competing on both ends. Bates’s consistent energy, defensive awareness, and comfort operating out of pick-and-roll situations have solidified his profile as a legit draftable prospect.
Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga, Guard)
Height (without shoes): 5’11
Wingspan: 6’2.25
Weight: 175.8 lbs
Nembhard’s floor general instincts and leadership at the point were on full display during the G League Elite Camp and carried over into the Draft Combine, where he played his way into mainstream draft conversations. A classic table-setter, Nembhard impressed with his vision, delivering pocket passes and orchestrating the offense with a veteran’s poise. He also showcased advanced decision-making as a pick-and-roll ball handler. Nembhard’s scrimmage playmaking was matched by a reliable jump shot, shooting the three confidently off the catch and dribble. Defensively, he showed intense anticipation, using quick hands for deflections and providing solid on-ball pressure despite lacking elite size. His combine measurements confirmed what scouts expected: a undersized frame for a lead guard with the requisite quickness to guard his position at the next level.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State, Center)
Height (without shoes): 7’0
Wingspan: 7’3.25
Weight: 242.6 lbs
Niederhauser was one of the most pleasant surprises among bigs at the G League Elite Camp, earning a Combine call-up by flashing a modern big man’s toolkit. With an impressive standing reach and plus wingspan, Niederhauser made a clear case as a rim protector and vertical spacer. In scrimmage play, he excelled in pick-and-roll coverage, showing the mobility to switch or hedge, and showcased his timing as a shot blocker with several emphatic swats. Offensively, he played within himself, finishing strong around the rim and using his length for putback dunks and second-chance points. While still developing as a floor spacer, Niederhauser hit enough free throws and showed touch on short roll situations to intrigue teams looking for a modern 5 who can defend in space and offer rim protection.
Mackenzie Mgbako (Texas A&M, Forward)
Height (without shoes): 6’7.5
Wingspan: 6’10.25
Weight: 216.4 lbs
Mgbako used his wing size and multi-level scoring to raise his stock. His blend of size and skill was evident in measurements, as he checked in with a pro-ready frame and strong wingspan for a forward. On the court, he made his mark as a slasher, attacking closeouts with force and using Euro steps and up-and-unders to finish through contact. Mgbako’s perimeter jumper – especially on spot-ups – looked smooth, as he consistently shot the tres and punished defenders for giving him space. Defensively, he held his own as a switchable forward, using his length and lateral mobility to contest shots and crash the defensive glass.
Lachlan Olbrich (Illawarra Hawks, Forward/Center)
Height (without shoes): 6’8.75
Wingspan: 6’11.25
Weight: 230.2 lbs
Olbrich used the G League Elite Camp and his combine invite to prove he belongs on the NBA radar, displaying the two-way versatility that made him a standout in the NBL and what made him a top recruit for UC Riverside. Olbrich’s measurements confirmed his value as a true modern big – solid height, impressive wingspan, and the agility to move his feet in space. He thrived in scrimmages as a stretch five, popping out to the perimeter to knock down open jumpers and flashing pick-and-pop potential. Olbrich’s feel as a passer out of the high post was evident, hitting cutters and executing ball reversals easily. Defensively, he provided rim protection with timely blocks, boxed out to secure defensive rebounds, and showed the ability to hedge on ball screens without getting burned. His interior toughness, perimeter touch, and basketball IQ have him trending as a sleeper draft-and-stash or two-way contract candidate, especially for teams valuing stretch bigs with pro experience.
Derik Queen (Maryland, Center)
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Height (without shoes): 6’9.25
Wingspan: 7’0.5
Weight: 247.8 lbs
Queen’s athleticism drill numbers lagged behind other bigs, and his shooting form showed a noticeable hitch throughout testing. Without pop in his movement metrics, scouts raised concerns about his ability to provide rim protection and defend in space. With the NBA trending toward bigs who can cover ground on the perimeter and recover in the paint, Queen’s testing may leave teams with questions about his fit as a modern five.
Jase Richardson (Michigan State, Guard)
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Height (without shoes): 6’0.5
Wingspan: 6’6
Weight: 178.4 lbs
Richardson’s measurements were a bit of a letdown coming in well below average for positional size as a combo guard. Without standout vertical or agility numbers, he will need to show he can get separation against the NBA-level athleticism and length in half-court offense. As it stands, his upside projects more as a secondary ball-handler or a spark plug off the bench with a consistent three-point shot.
Ace Bailey (Rutgers, Forward)
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Height (without shoes): 6’7.5
Wingspan: 7’0.5
Weight: 202.8 lbs
Bailey measured just 6-foot-7 barefoot, coming in shorter than expected for a wing that was heralded as a 6-10 jumbo wing all year. That may concern scouts about his switchability on defense, may cap his versatility to be a combo forward and his ability to rebound against NBA-caliber size. For Bailey to maximize his stock, he’ll need to bulk up and prove he can check forwards and battle for boards at the next level.
Danny Wolf (Michigan: Center, Center)
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Height (without shoes): 6’10.5
Wingspan: 7’2.25
Weight: 251.8 lbs
Wolf’s 7-foot-2 wingspan for a near 6-foot-11 frame is solid compared to peers, but his lateral quickness and athleticism tested below average. He already was a question mark in switch scenarios, while his rim protection projects as merely average for his size. At the next level, he’ll need to rely on his pick-and-pop shooting and offensive skills to stick.
Collin Murray–Boyles (South Carolina, Forward)
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Height (without shoes): 6’6.5
Wingspan: 7’0.75
Weight: 239.2 lbs
Once a lottery riser, Murray-Boyles leaves Chicago with the classic tweener label after combine measurements. At 6-foot-6.5 without shoes and with an 8-foot-10 standing reach, he’s undersized for a traditional four and lacks the vertical pop to anchor as a small-ball five. He’s built like a tank at 239 pounds and owns a near 7-foot-1 wingspan (+6.25 differential), but questions remain about his ability to space the floor from the perimeter, be able to guard bigs as a rim protector, and finish inside against bigger players at the next level. His 8.5 inch hand size was one of the smallest at the combine – an underrated factor that can impact rebounding and ball security in traffic.
Still, Murray-Boyles hangs his hat on steel mill, lunch-pail toughness and versatile defense. If he can stretch his range even a bit, he could evolve from a high-floor utility guy to a real rotational asset. Should his rookie year show flashes of consistency, Murray-Boyles could carve out an impact role much like Ryan Dunn has in Phoenix—making his mark as a glue guy who does the dirty work.
Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn, Guard)
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Height (without shoes): 6’0.25
Wingspan: 6’5.5
Weight: 168.8 lbs
Pettiford flashed vertical pop with a 42” leap and put up a solid showing in his first scrimmage, but his combine measurements – just 6-foot-0.25 barefoot with a 6-foot-5.5 wingspan – leave lingering questions about his ability to run the show as a lead guard at the NBA level. Size and length are at a premium for point guards in today’s league, and Pettiford will need to compensate with elite burst, change of pace, and high-level decision-making.
His second scrimmage told a different story: Pettiford struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with 10 points on just 4-of-15 shooting (26.7 FG%), and hit only 1-of-8 from deep (12.% 3P%). While he did notch 3 assists, turnovers (6) and shot selection became an issue. He has the tools to be an explosive change-of-pace guard like Dennis Schroeder, but must prove he can orchestrate the offense, make reads on the fly, and defend bigger guards to carve out a steady NBA role.
Vladislav Goldin (Michigan, Center)
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Height (without shoes): 7’0
Wingspan: 7’5.25
Weight: 253.4 lbs
Goldin’s combine was an uphill battle, as he struggled to make a mark on either end. In his first scrimmage, he shot just 16.7% from the field (1-of-6), went 0-for-1 from three, and finished with 3 points, 2 offensive boards, and little impact outside of one steal. His second outing was more efficient (2-of-3 FG for 66.7%), but he still posted just 4 points, no free throws made (0-for-2), and picked up 2 boards in 14 minutes.
Across both games, Goldin’s limited vertical leap and lack of mobility were exposed. He struggled to protect the rim, was slow on hedge and recovery in pick-and-roll defense, and didn’t offer much as a lob threat or rim runner. He did not have much opportunities to show off his vertical pop or foot speed, but he has two-way upside that today’s NBA values as a bruising big that rebounds well, sets good screens and is a rim-runner big at the five.
Kon Knueppel (Duke, Guard/Wing)
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Height (without shoes): 6’5
Wingspan: 6’6.25
Weight: 219 lbs
Knueppel surprised evaluators with legit size (measuring taller than listed in high school, even barefoot but shorter than listed at Duke), but his Combine lacked any standout athletic ability to write home about nor did he kill the shooting drill, keeping his projection top five projection murky. He definitely will be a top ten pick, and I would be surprised if he did fall into the late lottery. Despite limited burst, Knueppel is one of the best pure shooters and two-way players in this class, playing with poise and floor spacing ability at an elite level. His basketball IQ shines – he competes, makes smart reads, plays tough-nose defense and always seems to be in the right spot.
TOUGH STAY-OR-GO DECISIONS
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Alex Condon (Florida, AMD Best Rank: 31 / Worst Rank: 45):
TBD. Waiting for a draft promise after strong Combine feedback.
Carter Bryant (Arizona, Best Rank: 14 / Worst Rank: 14):
Turning pro. Projected lottery pick.
Cedric Coward (Duke, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Strong buzz, likely to stay in draft but has a $3 million NIL offer from Duke.
Darrion Williams (Portal, Best Rank: 41 / Worst Rank: 44):
TBD. Focused on Combine, may return.
Jamir Watkins (Portal, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Standout scrimmage play, weighing pro vs. transfer.
Karter Knox (Arkansas, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Athletically strong combine showing.
Mackenzie Mgbako (Texas A&M, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Gaining buzz from Elite Camp and Combine.
Miles Byrd (San Diego State, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Plus wingspan, solid scrimmages.
Milos Uzan (Houston, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Still all-in on draft.
Otega Oweh (Kentucky, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Solid stats, NIL offer possible.
PJ Haggerty (Portal, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Strong scrimmage, likely return as lead guard.
RJ Luis (Portal, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Confident in draft, not talking to schools.
Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Needs first-round promise after strong scrimmage.
Thomas Sorber (Georgetown, Best Rank: 22 / Worst Rank: 20):
Turning pro. Great combine, locked in.
Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, Best Rank: 27 / Worst Rank: 28):
TBD. Torn between school and NBA after a standout combine, has a $2.3m NIL deal with Michigan.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State, Best Rank: NR / Worst Rank: NR):
TBD. Rising after great vertical and scrimmage, has a $1.5m NIL offer to return to State College.
Scrimmage & Additional Combine Standouts
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Eric Dixon (Villanova, Forward)
Height (without shoes): 6’7.5
Wingspan: 6’11.5
Weight: 258.6 lbs
Despite being an “undersized” frontcourt player, Dixon turned heads at the NBA Draft Combine with a highly efficient offensive package. Averaging around 15 points between two scrimmages while shooting 54.5% from the field and a blistering 50% from beyond the arc, Dixon showcased his ability to punish mismatches in the post and pop out for pick-and-pop threes. His combination of interior scoring, strength in the paint, and soft touch on the perimeter forced defenses into tough decisions on ball screens. While Dixon lacks ideal size for a true frontcourt, his low-post footwork, quick release on spot-up opportunities, and ability to fight for position make him a prototypical NBA-ready four, that can moonlight as a small-ball five or big three, with legitimate stretch and defensive switch-ability potential at the next level.
Maxime Raynaud (Stanford, Center)
Height (without shoes): 7’0.25
Wingspan: 7’1.25
Weight: 236.8 lbs
Raynaud projected as the blueprint for a modern switch big, putting up near 20 points per game across two combine scrimmages while impacting both ends. His shooting splits—particularly his range out to the three-point line—highlighted rare offensive versatility for a seven-footer. Raynaud impressed with his ability to attack closeouts, finish through contact, and crash the defensive boards. Defensively, he moved well in space, showing the lateral mobility to switch onto wings and protect the rim in help situations. Showed that he can defend in drop coverage especially against transition offense. Raynaud’s blend of size, shooting, and defensive versatility makes him a prototype for teams seeking a big who can anchor bench units and play in positionless lineups.
Otega Oweh (Kentucky, Guard/Wing)
Height (without shoes): 6’4.25
Wingspan: 6’8.5
Weight: 212.6 lbs
Oweh made a case as one of the top two-way wings at the combine, shooting 50% from the field while adding two steals and one block per contest. Oweh’s physicality, quick feet, and defensive motor were evident throughout scrimmage play—he locked down on the perimeter, fought over screens, and jumped passing lanes for easy runouts. Offensively, he finished at the rim, attacked closeouts, and provided enough gravity as a slasher to keep defenses honest. With his athletic profile and ability to impact the game on both ends, Oweh projects as a high-upside defensive specialist with room to grow as a secondary scorer, could be a diamond in the rough as a two-way swingman.
Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, Forward)
Height (without shoes): 6’8.5
Wingspan: 7’4
Weight: 234.6 lbs
Lendeborg’s relentless energy and motor were on full display, averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds per game over the two combine scrimmages. He was a force on the offensive and defensive glass, fighting for boards and generating second-chance points. Defensively, Lendeborg’s versatility stood out as he switched onto smaller players, provided help-side rim protection, and held his own in isolation. His ability to impact the game without plays being called for him, combined with his rebounding instincts and defensive prowess to guard almost every position, have solidified his status as a potential role player and energy forward at the next level.
Javon Small (West Virginia, Guard)
Height (without shoes): 6’1
Wingspan: 6’4.75
Weight: 190 lbs
Small, a high-volume three-point shooter in college (7.3 3PA), didn’t fill up the scoring column during the combine, but made a strong impression with his playmaking and defensive activity. Small averaged an eye-popping 7 assists and 3 steals per game in scrimmages, flashing elite floor general skills and disruptive, pesky instincts on defense. He ran the offense with poise, delivering pocket passes and creating open looks for teammates, while also jumping passing lanes for transition opportunities. Small’s combination of perimeter shooting gravity, court vision, and defensive anticipation positions him as a sleeper guard prospect with intriguing two-way upside.
Hansen Yang (Qingdao Eagles, Center)
Height (without shoes): 7’1
Wingspan: 7’2.75
Weight: 252.6 lbs
Hansen Yang continues to intrigue scouts as a unique big with a developing offensive profile and passing instincts that set him apart from traditional drop coverage centers. Yang’s offensive strengths are rooted in his face-up game—he consistently shoots better from the perimeter than around the rim, flashing a soft touch on spot-up opportunities and the ability to stretch the floor as a pick-and-pop big. His footwork in the mid-range can look awkward at times, but he’s more comfortable and balanced stepping into threes or operating from the elbows. As a passer, Yang displays a good feel from both the high post and the block, regularly dropping dimes to cutters and reading weakside rotations—showing flashes of the kind of passing touch valued in today’s positionless offenses.
Defensively, he is a drop coverage big at best due to lack of athleticism. Yang’s lack of fluidity is evident; he often runs upright, at times resembling someone battling shin splints.
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Article, Basketball, Draft, International, NBA, NCAA, 2025 NBA Draft, 2025 NBA Draft Combine, Ace Bailey, Basketball, Cedric Coward, College Basketball, Collin Murray-Boyles, Danny Wolf, Derik Queen, Draft Combine, Draft Decisions, Draft Fallers, Draft Risers, Drake Powell, Eric Dixon, G League Elite Camp, Hansen Yang, Jase Richardson, Javon Small, Jeremiah Fears, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel, Lachlan Olbrich, Liam McNeeley, Lottery Picks, Mackenzie Mgbako, Maxime Raynaud, NBA, NBA Draft, NBA Prospects, NBA Scouting, NCAA Basketball, Otega Oweh, Prospect Ranking, Rasheer Fleming, Ryan Nembhard, Scouting Report, Tahaad Pettiford, Tamar Bates, Thomas Sorber, Tre Johnson, VJ Edgecombe, Vladislav Goldin, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Yaxel Lendeborg
