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NBA Draft 2025: Five Most Underrated Prospects In College Basketball

Ben Pfeifer Written by Sports EditorBen Pfeifer
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The 2025 class has rightfully been lauded as one of the strongest groups in recent memory. Names like Cooper Flagg, Nolan Traore, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey will headline, but plenty of sleepers will fly unnoticed and be underrated

Let’s discuss five prospects I deem underrated at this point in the draft cycle, using the recent ESPN big board as a rough composite to reference.

Kasparas Jakucionis: 6’5, PG, Illinois

ESPN rank: 15

My rank: 4

As one of the draft class’s most dynamic offensive players, Jakucionis projects as a possible lead initiator at the NBA level. He’s an excellent off-dribble shooter, canning 35% of his five off-dribble threes per game in international youth competition.

Jakucionis pairs that shooting with elite playmaking, especially out of the pick-and-roll. He tossed 17 assists in one ANGT game earlier this year, dicing defenses with his vision, skill and anticipation. He’s not the quickest guard, but Jakucionis has enough juice to work into the paint as a driver.

Prospects with high-level pull-up shotmaking and passing often develop into stars. Jakucionis could be another example of this with the ceiling to thrive as a lead initiator and an off-ball shotmaker. He’s highly underrated at this stage.

Boogie Fland: 6’2, PG, Arkansas

ESPN rank: 32

My rank: 8

Fland followed John Calipari to Arkansas as one of the country’s highest-ranked guards. He might be the best advantage creator in the draft, tilting defenses consistently with his elite handle and burst. Fland shoots off of the dribble at a high level with enough passing vision to capitalize on his own scoring.

His physical tools will be Fland’s largest obstacle to NBA success. Without excellent vertical pop or strength, Fland can struggle to compete on defense and score at the rim. But physical improvement could make him a potent offensive force in the league one day.

We shouldn’t overlook Fland’s advantage creation skills despite his limitations. He’s worth the risk for his possible ceiling of a star-level combo guard at the pro level as an elite shotmaker and space creator.

Noah Penda: 6’7, F, Le Mans

ESPN rank: 50

My rank: 18

Penda represents an often underrated skillset as a brilliant, versatile forward. He’s not the greatest shooter or flashiest scorer, but Penda’s physical and mental tools could lend to a high ceiling. He’s a cerebral off-ball passer with the athletic tools to develop into a strong slasher with handle and overall craft development.

His primary value comes on the defensive end, though, where Penda wins with his elite feel, movement skills and hand-eye coordination. He generates turnovers and plugs up gaps as a help defender, making huge defensive plays that often go unnoticed in box scores.

It may take a few seasons for Noah Penda to contribute on an NBA floor. But players with his unique combination of size, basketball intellect and athleticism shouldn’t be overlooked.

Nique Clifford: 6’6, F, Colorado State

ESPN rank: 80

My rank: 29

After making the NCAA tournament last season, Nique Clifford deserves more buzz. The long, defensive-oriented wing brings unique ball skills that most stoppers can’t match. He’s best on the defensive end though, moving smoothly in all directions to defend the ball and help off of the ball.

He’s a phenomenal passer for a wing, often employing advanced manipulation to free up teammates. His value as a dribbler and secondary creator will be extremely valuable at the next level. Clifford has a chance to handle more on-ball work than most players of his archetype.

Clifford’s three-point shot will be critical to his NBA success and he improved it to 37.5% on moderate volume (six threes per 100 possessions). If Clifford has another successful shooting season, his three-and-D plus skillset could sneak him into the first round conversation.

Brandon Garrison: 6’11, C, Kentucky

ESPN rank: 96

My rank: 21

Garrison’s primary obstacle to draft relevance this cycle will be his playing time. He’ll contend with transfers Andrew Carr and Amari Williams for playing time and may not see much court time. But if he does, Garrison is a first-round talent, especially in a draft without tons of center depth.

At Oklahoma State last season, Garrison flashed his high-end rim protection tools. With incredible length and vertical pop, Garrison skies above the rim to block and alter shots. Garrison boasts the mobility to develop into a versatile pick-and-roll defender.

He’s not just a defender, as Garrison offered glimpses of his playmaking and ball-handling skill in spurts. His skill and touch combined with great athletic tools for vertical finishing make Garrison an intriguing upside bet. Teams seeking high-ceiling bigs shouldn’t overlook the underrated Garrison.

Ben Pfeifer Written by Sports EditorBen Pfeifer
Ben Pfeifer graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in Psychology and Journalism. He has worked in basketball scouting covering the NBA and the draft for over a half-decade, working for various outlets. Now, he covers the NBA, the draft and high school basketball.
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