NBA Draft Shake-Up: Top Risers and Fallers in Early College Hoops!

As the college basketball conference season heats up, NBA scouts are traveling far and wide to observe the leading prospects during the most intense matchups of the year. While early-season games provide valuable insights, the competition heightens in conference play where defenses are better prepared and generally tougher than earlier in the season.

Which NBA draft prospects are currently rising or falling on draft boards? According to the latest rankings from Sports Illustrated, here are the top 30 prospects along with updates on five players whose recent performances have significantly impacted their draft stock.

Egor Demin, G, BYU Cougars (Previously No. 6, now No. 9)

Demin, previously near the top five, has seen a decline in his stock after a subdued start to his conference games. Over six matches against major teams, he’s managed only eight points per game with a poor shooting accuracy of 27%, including just 3 out of 29 from three-point range. Despite being a proficient shooter, this prolonged slump suggests his earlier success might have been anomalous. Nevertheless, he has displayed some excellent passing skills, notably in a recent game against Texas Tech. While Demin has reliable skills due to his size and game understanding, other dynamic players like Kasparas Jakucionis and Nolan Traore might be more appealing to teams at the moment.

Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma Sooners (Previously No. 30, now No. 12)

Initially viewed as a likely multiyear college athlete, Fears’s exceptional freshman season has catapulted him into discussions for a one-and-done exit and possibly a lottery pick. Leading Oklahoma to a strong start with a record of 13-2, his standout 30-point game against Michigan, featuring a decisive late four-point play, caught the attention of many NBA scouts. Facing a tough SEC schedule, scouts are keen to see how his slight build withstands the rigors of intense play, but so far, Fears’s draft prospects have exceeded expectations.

Danny Wolf, F, Michigan Wolverines (Previously not ranked, now No. 17)

Wolf, a remarkable 7-foot athlete, has shown exceptional versatility, often playing as a point guard. Michigan’s coach Dusty May has utilized him in a key role, orchestrating the offense particularly in pick-and-roll situations, which has made Michigan one of the most potent offenses in the nation. While he has had some issues with turnovers, his overall performance and skills for someone of his height are impressive. He has consistently performed well from the three-point line, secured seven double-doubles, and nearly achieved a triple-double several times this season. Despite some concerns regarding his speed and decision-making, Wolf has demonstrated that his skills can translate to the next level, following his notable performance last year with Yale.

Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina Tar Heels (Previously not ranked, now No. 23)

Jackson has caught the attention of many with his scoring prowess, especially in his last 10 games where he has averaged nearly 19 points while shooting an efficient 53% from the field. This includes a series of games where he scored over 23 points, highlighted by a 27-point performance against Notre Dame. Although not the most athletic, his scoring ability is highly valued, and he’s envisioned as a potential key scorer off the bench in the NBA.

Carter Bryant, F, Arizona Wildcats (Previously not ranked, now No. 28)

Bryant’s standout performance at the start of 2025 against Cincinnati, where he scored 14 points in just 15 minutes and made three three-pointers, has marked his emergence. Although still in a relatively minor role on Tommy Lloyd’s squad, his playing time has increased due to a teammate’s injury, showcasing his potential. His size and defensive versatility coupled with his recent shooting success make him an intriguing prospect, likely to be developed in the G League before joining an NBA rotation.

Complete Top 30

1. Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
2. Dylan Harper, PG, Rutgers
3. Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
4. Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois
5. Nolan Traore, PG, Saint Quentin (France)
6. Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
7. VJ Edgecombe, G, Baylor
8. Kon Knueppel, G, Duke
9. Egor Demin, G, BYU
10. Tre Johnson, G, Texas
11. Liam McNeeley, G/F, UConn
12. Jeremiah Fears, PG, Oklahoma
13. Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
14. Hugo Gonzalez, G/F, Real Madrid (Spain)
15. Asa Newell, F, Georgia
16. Derik Queen, F, Maryland
17. Danny Wolf, F, Michigan
18. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
19. Adou Thiero, G/F, Arkansas
20. Will Riley, G, Illinois
21. Drake Powell, G/F, North Carolina
22. Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
23. Ian Jackson, G, North Carolina
24. Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
25. Boogie Fland, PG, Arkansas
26. Alex Karaban, F, UConn
27. Derrion Reid, G/F, Alabama
28. Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
29. Kam Jones, G, Marquette
30. Dink Pate, G/F, Mexico City Capitanes (G League)

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