NBA Draft Shock: VJ Edgecombe Climbs Toward Top Three Spots!

The NBA All-Star break often arrives later in the season, marking a pivotal moment for teams to either gear up for the playoffs or start planning for the future. For those squads already looking toward the 2025-26 season, the upcoming summer holds promise thanks to a strong draft pool, prominently featuring Cooper Flagg, who is widely expected to be the top pick. Sports Illustrated has recently updated its comprehensive ranking of the top prospects for the 2025 draft.

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils
2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Bears
5. Khaman Maluach, Duke Blue Devils
6. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Fighting Illini
7. Egor Demin, BYU Cougars
8. Liam McNeeley, UConn Huskies
9. Kon Knueppel, Duke Blue Devils
10. Nolan Traore, Saint Quentin (France)
11. Tre Johnson, Texas Longhorns
12. Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)
13. Will Riley, Illinois Fighting Illini
14. Derik Queen, Maryland Terrapins
15. Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
16. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Sooners
17. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
18. Danny Wolf, Michigan Wolverines
19. Joan Beringer, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)
20. Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s Hawks
21. Adou Thiero, Arkansas Razorbacks
22. Asa Newell, Georgia Bulldogs
23. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Gamecocks
24. Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Hoyas
25. Carter Bryant, Arizona Wildcats
26. Ian Jackson, North Carolina Tar Heels
27. Drake Powell, North Carolina Tar Heels
28. Alex Condon, Florida Gators
29. Jase Richardson, Michigan State Spartans
30. Nique Clifford, Colorado State Rams
31. Alex Karaban, UConn Huskies
32. Noah Penda, Le Mans (France)
33. Johni Broome, Auburn Tigers
34. Boogie Fland, Arkansas Razorbacks
35. Labaron Philon, Alabama Crimson Tide
36. Kam Jones, Marquette Golden Eagles
37. Miles Byrd, San Diego State Aztecs
38. Michael Ruzic, Joventut (Spain)
39. Darrion Williams, Texas Tech Red Raiders
40. Derrion Reid, Alabama Crimson Tide
41. JoJo Tugler, Houston Cougars
42. Maxime Raynaud, Stanford Cardinal
43. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton Bluejays
44. Eric Dixon, Villanova Wildcats
45. Chaz Lanier, Tennessee Volunteers
46. Walter Clayton Jr., Florida Gators
47. JT Toppin, Texas Tech Red Raiders
48. Kanon Catchings, BYU Cougars
49. RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s Red Storm
50. Isaiah Evans, Duke Blue Devils

Dylan Harper, Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Harper’s season has seen its challenges, including early January absences due to illness followed by a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for two additional games. Despite these setbacks, he exhibited resilience, particularly in a commanding performance against Illinois. However, his shooting has been inconsistent since, and with Rutgers sitting at a 12-14 record, the team is barely hanging on for a spot in the Big Ten tournament. Despite the team’s struggles, Harper’s standout moments have solidified his position as a likely top-three draft choice, alongside his teammate Ace Bailey.

VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Bears 

VJ Edgecombe has been a revelation in the Big 12, overcoming an early-season shooting slump to excel in conference play. The 6’5″ guard is now shooting 44.8% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc, demonstrating his scoring prowess alongside impressive defensive skills. Despite a leaner frame, Edgecombe’s agility and explosive moves make him a formidable force in transition.

Liam McNeeley, UConn Huskies

Following a month sidelined by an ankle injury, McNeeley has made a strong comeback, marked by three consecutive games scoring in double digits, including a standout 38-point, 10-rebound performance in a victory at Creighton. Previously pegged mainly as a three-and-D player, these recent displays suggest a greater scoring capability than previously thought. His competitive nature, honed from his days in high school and AAU basketball, is highly valued by teams looking for late lottery picks.

Will Riley, Illinois Fighting Illini

Riley has been on an upward trajectory, particularly impressive given that many freshmen experience a mid-season slowdown. Averaging 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists over his last six games, Riley has demonstrated advanced shot-making skills that trace back to his high school days. Although he has a slight build and lacks explosive athleticism, his creative ability to generate shots and improving comfort in catch-and-shoot situations have been notable. While still considered somewhat of a project, his blend of height and shooting skill provides a solid foundation with significant scoring potential.

Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s Hawks

Fleming has emerged as the standout prospect among his former high-profile AAU teammates, which includes DJ Wagner, Mackenzie Mgbako, and Aaron Bradshaw. Now in his junior year at Saint Joseph’s, the powerfully built 6’9″ forward has significantly improved his game, averaging close to 15 points and nine rebounds. His ability to impact the game on both ends, evidenced by his balance of threes, steals, and blocks, makes him an appealing choice for teams drafting in the later part of the first round.

Alex Condon, Florida Gators

Condon has been a key player in Florida’s rise as a potential top seed and contender for the national championship. His versatile offensive skills and toughness have been crucial, especially highlighted in a game against Auburn where he posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Despite suffering an ankle injury in the following game, Condon’s late development in basketball, coupled with his background in Australian rules football and water polo, presents a unique profile that could intrigue teams towards the end of the first round. Another year at Florida might boost his draft stock even further.

RJ Luis Jr., St. John’s Red Storm

Luis has been instrumental in St. John’s pursuit of its first Big East championship in over three decades. Known for his relentless energy and athleticism, Luis has excelled as a defensive specialist while showing improvements in his shooting, making him a potential late-game hero. His progress this season may carve a path for him in the NBA, focusing on defensive prowess and timely shot-making.