
2025 NBA Draft: Four Prospects Whose Careers Could Either Flourish or Falter
An analysis of four NBA draft prospects whose future careers are full of potential yet uncertainty.
Fifty-nine players will be drafted into the NBA during the upcoming draft. The confidence in their success varies widely from being a potential Hall of Famer to being uncertain on their future. For instance, there is strong belief that Cooper Flagg will excel, as he is anticipated to be the No. 1 pick. However, other lottery prospects show a range of outcomes, from future All-Stars to total busts.
Here are four notable prospects who stand out and are projected to be first-round picks, but their futures are particularly uncertain:
Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
Fears had an impressive usage rate as a freshman, demonstrating exceptional skills at such a young age. His leadership helped the Sooners secure 20 wins.
Egor Demin, BYU
Demin was instrumental in leading BYU’s strong offensive play last season, boasting a remarkable assist rate. Yet, whether he can contribute defensively is still in question as he needs improvement in shooting consistency.
Noa Essengue, France
Currently in high demand, Essengue left his German team to join the draft. He shows great promise but remains raw in several areas, including shooting.
Will Riley, Illinois
Riley impressed during a strong season for Illinois. While his scoring has shown flashes of brilliance, he may need time to adjust to the physicality of the NBA.