Jonathan WassermanDecember 26, 20242025 NBA Draft: Surprise Risers Teams Need to Be Watching
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Heading into Christmas break, the 2025 NBA draft conversation consists of brand-new names and others who’ve altered scouts’ viewpoints.
There was currently buzz around the inbound freshmen class that includes Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. It’s looking even much deeper now after 6 weeks, as a handful of unforeseen potential customers have actually gotten in the one-and-done conversation with remarkably reliable execution and effect.
As constantly, we’ve likewise seen breakout upperclassmen who’ve either enhanced behind closed doors throughout the offseason or feel more comfy after moving schools.
These are the gamers who’ve moved the needle the most through 10-15 video games.
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma PG
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Upgraded forecasted draft variety: Nos. 3-10
With brand-new attention around Jeremiah Fears’ early production, explosive production highlights and 10-0 start, he assisted confirm and contribute to the buzz with 30 points and a game-winning four-play play to beat Michigan last Wednesday.
His shotmaking won the Sooners that video game, however on the whole, his benefit development has actually stood apart the most up until now. The eye test discovers a level of ball-handling speed and burst for Fears to continue getting to his areas at the next level. Protectors nearly appear like they have no opportunity of remaining in front of him outdoors flooring or ball-screen scenarios. His doubt and dribble relocations are strongly quick and abrupt.
NBA groups ought to be drawn to his capability to use pressure with his shift speed, jets for turning the corner, manage to alter instructions and footwork working in traffic.
He’s matching that blow-by burst with floater touch, motivating pull-up shooting capability and sufficient vision and passing ability to take advantage of his gravity into efficient playmaking.
Naturally, a freshman with a 31.8 portion use has actually been turnover vulnerable, and his three-point variety isn’t a strength. Worries is likewise one of college basketball’s youngest potential customers who’ll still be 18 years old on Day 1 of NBA training camp.
Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s PF
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Upgraded draft variety: Late preliminary to mid-second round
Rasheer Fleming has actually now scored 25 points or more in 3 of 4 video games. And though it’s come versus underwhelming competitors, he formerly produced and impressed versus Texas, Texas Tech and Villanova.
He’s the only gamer in the nation with a minimum of 20 3s and 20 dunks. When you consider his protective playmaking, he’s on track to sign up with a list of gamers (which most just recently consists of Zion Williamson and Tari Eason) who have actually provided a special rate of simple baskets, shotmaking, obstructs and takes.
