As the 2024-25 men's college basketball season kicks off, the anticipation for the 2025 NBA Draft is heating up. With seven months to go before teams make their selections, many top prospects are stepping into the spotlight and showcasing their skills. Among them are standout players like Duke's Cooper Flagg, Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, and the dynamic freshman duo from Rutgers, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.

Arguably, one of the most anticipated clashes of the season will be the Champions Classic this Tuesday, featuring Duke against Kentucky at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. This high-profile matchup marks the debut of Flagg and presents a first major test for Wildcats coach Mark Pope, who has taken over from the esteemed John Calipari, now coaching at Arkansas.

As the NBA season progresses, ESPN draft gurus Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo are leaning heavily on their scouting expertise and insights from league executives to piecing together this initial mock draft. The order of the first round, as projected by ESPN’s BPI forecast, reflects the expected performance of teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.

The Projected First Round

1. **Washington Wizards - Cooper Flagg, SF/PF, Duke** The Wizards, undergoing a significant rebuild, would embrace the opportunity to add Flagg—a player who has already made waves with his impressive statistical output in early games. Expect to see his ball-handling and shooting skills being tested as Duke faces stronger opponents.

2. **Utah Jazz - Airious "Ace" Bailey, SG/SF, Rutgers** The Jazz, currently struggling, are focusing on rebuilding and drafting a player of Bailey's potential would be a strategic move. However, he is sidelined currently due to a minor injury but is projected to shine when he returns.

3. **Toronto Raptors - Dylan Harper, PG/SG, Rutgers** With injuries plaguing their roster, the Raptors are positioned well for a top draft pick. Harper's versatility and scoring ability make him an attractive option to add to their young core, alongside Scottie Barnes.

4. **Portland Trail Blazers - VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor** Known for his athleticism, Edgecombe's ability to contribute on both ends of the court will be invaluable to the Blazers. His mixed results show promise, and fans will be eager to see how he develops further this season.

5. **Detroit Pistons - Nolan Traore, PG, Saint Quentin (France)** With an improved start compared to last season, the Pistons are looking to bolster their perimeter talent. Traore's crafty shot creation and vision have caught scouts' eyes, making him a solid contender for the Pistons.

6. **San Antonio Spurs - Kon Knueppel, SG/SF, Duke** The Spurs are eager to enhance their roster around Victor Wembanyama, and Knueppel’s shooting ability could be a perfect fit. His performance against top teams will be crucial in bolstering his draft stock.

7. **San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta) - Egor Demin, PG/SG, BYU** Demin is making waves with strong performances, and the Spurs will be watching closely as his competition intensifies.

8. **New Orleans Pelicans - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke** With injuries affecting their roster, the Pelicans may look to bolster their frontcourt with Maluach, who has shown promise despite not yet facing elite competition.

9. **Brooklyn Nets - Tre Johnson, SG, Texas** Johnson’s scoring prowess has led to early success at Texas, and he could add immense value to the Nets’ young core.

10. **Charlotte Hornets - Liam McNeeley, SG/SF, UConn** McNeeley's versatility and strong fundamentals make him an excellent addition for the Hornets as they navigate the season.

11. **San Antonio Spurs (via Chicago) - Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina** If the Bulls struggle, the Spurs could benefit from this pick to select Powell, a strong two-way player with significant upside.

12. **Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers) - Hugo Gonzalez, SG/SF, Real Madrid (Spain)** Gonzalez has a steep road ahead, with limited playing time, but offers intriguing potential if he can break through in the EuroLeague.

13. **Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento) - Ben Saraf, PG/SG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)** Saraf’s strong playmaking and scoring instincts make him a player to watch as he continues to build on his success in Europe.

14. **Houston Rockets - Collin Murray-Boyles, PF/C, South Carolina** Murray-Boyles has the potential to become a key contributor, especially with his ability to score and rebounding skills.

15. **Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee) - Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Arizona** Bryant's versatility and potential make him an exciting draft option for the rebuilding Nets.

16. **Indiana Pacers - Kasparas Jakucionis, PG, Illinois** Jakucionis' early performances suggest he may be one of the top freshmen to watch as his role expands.

17. **Brooklyn Nets (via New York) - Noa Essengue, PF, Ratiopharm Ulm** Essengue's ability to score and draw fouls could make him an appealing choice for the Nets.

18. **Orlando Magic - Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona** The Magic may look to bolster their frontcourt, and Krivas's size and skill should make him a prime target.

19. **Atlanta Hawks (via LA Lakers) - Will Riley, SG/SF, Illinois** Riley’s sharp shooting and scoring instincts will be invaluable as the Hawks continue to build their roster.

20. **Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami) - Asa Newell, PF, Georgia** Newell's impressive debut shows he has the potential to contribute immediately at the next level.

21. **Utah Jazz (via Minnesota) - Derrion Reid, SF/PF, Alabama** Reid's development will be closely monitored as he seeks to prove his capabilities in a competitive environment.

22. **Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia) - Michael Ruzic, PF, Joventut (Spain)** Ruzic’s potential could attract teams, but his injury may complicate his draft scenario.

23. **Memphis Grizzlies - Kanon Catchings, SF/PF, BYU** Catchings has the tools to be a valuable wing player for Memphis.

24. **Dallas Mavericks - Derik Queen, C, Maryland** A standout in his debut, Queen carries high expectations as he continues to adapt to college basketball.

25. **Orlando Magic (via Denver) - Jalil Bethea, SG, Miami** Bethea's shot-making ability makes him an exciting prospect for the Magic’s backcourt.

26. **Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix) - Donnie Freeman, PF, Syracuse** Freeman’s length and defensive skills may intrigue the Nets as they look to bolster their roster.

27. **Golden State Warriors - Alex Karaban, PF, UConn** A proven contributor at UConn, Karaban could provide valuable depth to the Warriors.

28. **LA Clippers (via Oklahoma City) - Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton** Kalkbrenner’s strong start emphasizes his potential as a two-way player.

29. **Utah Jazz (via Cleveland) - Adou Thiero, SF/PF, Arkansas** Thiero's versatility on defense could make him an attractive option for the Jazz.

30. **Boston Celtics - Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane (Australia)** Zikarsky needs to capitalize on his playing opportunities to boost his draft prospects after a slow start to the season.

The 2025 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be incredibly talented, and scouts will be closely monitoring these prospects as the season unfolds. With every game, these young athletes will have the opportunity to solidify their standings and possibly change the fate of their teams in the pursuit of basketball glory!

Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth analysis as we follow these young talents to the draft and beyond!