Seventy-five players have been invited to participate in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, which begins Sunday in Chicago. This event provides a platform for top prospects, both local and international, to showcase their skills in front of NBA decision-makers, a vital opportunity to improve their draft stock ahead of the June event.

A significant week in Chicago will kick off with the NBA Draft Lottery on Monday, determining team selections within the top 14. Following this, players will undergo measurements, interviews, drills, and various on-court competitions, including scrimmages.

This week represents a crucial chance for prospects to connect with NBA front offices in an intimate environment—most activities occur within the same area—while allowing plenty of chances for networking among executives. Few occasions generate as much buzz as this annual event, setting the stage for potential shifts in team dynamics in the weeks ahead.

Here are five major storylines to monitor:

1. New Participation Rules

According to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement established since the last Draft Combine, all invited players—except for those with valid excuses must attend and participate in the combine to maintain their draft eligibility. This amendment aims to enhance attendance and competition at the event, addressing the trend of star players opting out of participation. Consequently, this year’s event could feature star talents like Cooper Flagg among the 75 invitees.

2. G League Elite Camp Call-Ups

In the last two years, 13 players from the G League Elite Camp—a precursor to the combine—have advanced to the NBA Draft Combine. Among this year’s invitees from the G League is a talented pool ready to prove themselves, including those names to watch:

• Lamont Butler (Kentucky)
• Sean Pedulla (Ole Miss)
• Dylan Cardwell (Auburn)
• Chucky Hepburn (Louisville)
• Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)

3. Top College Teams Watching Closely

As teams evaluate potential future players, college teams are equally vested in this week’s developments. With the withdrawal deadline for college prospects approaching, this event could reshape the landscape of collegiate basketball. Below are five players whose decisions might influence their respective programs’ trajectories:

• Houston: Milos Uzan
• Michigan: Yaxel Lendeborg
• Duke: Cedric Coward
• Kentucky: Otega Oweh
• Florida: Alex Condon

Houston currently leads Gary Parrish’s latest Top 25, while contenders such as Duke, Michigan, Kentucky, and Florida also appear prominently in the top rankings, all eyeing potential draft candidates.

4. NCAA Tournament Star Walter Clayton Jr. in the Mix

Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida significantly boosted his draft prospects following a stellar NCAA Tournament, averaging 22.3 points and converting 43.5% during the event. His performance helped lift the Gators to a national title and transformed him from a second-round prospect to a potential lottery selection.

5. Notable Stay-or-Go Decisions to Monitor

Several players face critical stay-or-go choices that could impact not only their futures but also the fortunes of their colleges. Watch for:

• Carter Bryant (Arizona)
• PJ Haggerty (Memphis, portal)
• Karter Knox (Arkansas)
• Drake Powell (North Carolina)

Bryant and Powell seem more likely to remain in the draft, while Knox and Haggerty’s decisions depend on their evaluations and potential opportunities.

Players Invited to the NBA Draft Combine

Player	College / Club
Izan Almansa	Perth (Australia)
Neoklis Avdalas	Peristeri (Greece)
Ace Bailey	Rutgers
Joan Beringer	Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)
Koby Brea	Kentucky
Johni Broome	Auburn
(Further players omitted for brevity…)