It's Movement Time: 2025 NBA Draft Risers, Fallers, & Sleepers
The 2025 NBA Draft is starting to shape up. Here are some risers, fallers, and sleepers to keep an eye on moving forward.
We are in the belly of the beast when it comes to the NBA Draft cycle.
These months will be the key to unlocking everything. Blurry images will suddenly become clear. Hesitations about some prospects will start to be limited. You’ll find yourself seeing a path to some clarification. Some believe that each draft cycle is one long process of madness until Adam Silver walks his way to the podium on draft night.
Imagine playing one of your favorite video games. At some point, you probably played some game that required you reach a “checkpoint”. Those games are also the worst, because if you get ahead of yourself, you could miss reaching that checkpoint before having to go back and start all over again. Once you reach that progression, you start to visualize the next challenge ahead. Then you repeat that process over and over again until you cross the finish line.
The same can be said about the NBA Draft cycle. It’s important to have checkpoints. The beginning of each NBA Draft season is filled with excitement and hope. But “Movement Time” is the most important part of draft season. It’s a time for players to show us their worth. For certain individuals to assert themselves as “this year” guys instead of “hey, maybe let’s revisit this next season.”
There’s still a lot of time left in the cycle for players to start heating up. We’ve seen this in recent drafts, where players can get hot at the perfect time of the year before parlaying that momentum right into the heat of draft season. For now, it’s time to take a look at some players that are trending in each direction, as well as some sleepers to keep an eye on for now and the foreseeable future.
RISERS
Rasheer Fleming | Forward | Saint Joseph’s
Profile: 6’9”, 235
Year: Junior (20)
Every NBA team dreams of adding this type of piece to their roster. Rasheer Fleming has been on the radars of NBA teams over the last couple of years. Heading into the 2024-25 season, Fleming was considered a popular leap candidate given his body of work and ability to check boxes. In so many words, Fleming had all the ingredients that NBA teams were looking for—they were just waiting for one final addition.
As is tradition with many prospects, that “addition” was the outside shot. After seeing Fleming in person before the season, I found myself fascinated by his talent. He’s listed at 6’9”, 235 pounds, but that seems to be a lie. Fleming’s physique in-person makes it seem like he’s a 260-pound NFL defensive end. He plays the game with the nastiness and competitiveness that you’d want in a player of his mold.
Last year, Fleming averaged 10.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game as a sophomore. During that span, he shot 52.8% from the field on 7.6 field goal attempts per game, while shooting 32.4% from downtown.
2023-24:
10.7 PTS | 7.4 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.8 STL | 1.5 BLK
52.8 FG% | 32.4 3P% | 61.2 FT%
7.6 FGA | 3.0 3PA | 2.8 FTA
2024-25 (17 Games):
16.1 PTS | 9.1 REB | 1.4 AST | 1.8 STL | 1.5 BLK
57.1 FG% | 44.2 3P% | 67.8 FT%
10.3 FGA | 4.5 3PA | 3.5 FTA
This year, Fleming has seen his game reach another stratosphere. He’s currently averaging 16.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Fleming is also shooting 57.1% from the field on 10.3 attempts per game and a remarkable 44.2% from downtown on 4.5 attempts per game. When you look at the advanced numbers, you find yourself just as excited. Fleming ranks in the 87th percentile in Transition offense and 100th percentile as a cutter (via Synergy). He also ranks in the 96th percentile in Jump Shots and 90th percentile in catch-and-shoot opportunities.
In scouting, it’s always important to narrow down what a player can and cannot do on the court. But focusing on the negatives can overlook the positives that a player can present at the next level. One of the biggest development achievements with young players is when they realize “what they are” on the basketball court. Rasheer Fleming knows that in order for him to be an asset at the next level, he needs to buy in on the idea of being a nasty 3-and-D player with promising positional size. That’s just what NBA teams want, and that’s why he’s going to continue to trickle up boards. And remember: although he’s a Junior, Fleming won’t turn 21 until July.
Danny Wolf | Big | Michigan
Profile: 7’0”, 250
Year: Junior (20)
A year ago, Danny Wolf was one of those super-sleeper bigs that was a joy to watch on tape. You’d find yourself saying, “hey, this kid can play!". That was at Yale, where Wolf averaged 14.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game as a sophomore. After a trip through the Transfer Portal, the world is getting to see what the Danny Wolf experience is like on full display.
Wolf has been sensational for the Michigan Wolverines this year. He’s an incredibly gifted big man with guard skills and a remarkable feel for the game.
2023-24 (at Yale):
14.1 PTS | 9.7 REB | 2.4 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.3 BLK
47.2 FG% | 34.5 3P% | 71.7 FT%
11.7 FGA | 2.6 3PA | 3.1 FTA
2024-25 (at Michigan)
12.4 PTS | 10.1 REB | 3.9 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.6 BLK
56.5 FG% | 34.8 3P% | 62.3 FT%
8.6 FGA | 2.9 3PA | 2.8 FTA
The tape and production are both impressive with Wolf. He’s skilled enough to go coast-to-coast after hitting the glass before handling the rock and using awesome creativity to throw dimes to teammates. The biggest advantage right now for Wolf is the current depth of the big man position in this class. At some point in every draft class, there’s a drop off in terms of the next “tier” of talent when it comes to specific positions. Sometimes, that could simply be the fact that other players haven’t lived up to the expectations, or that they could be viewed as more of a “project” than a ready-now type of player.
Wolf is heating up as a name who could find himself in the first round. Given his size and offensive versatility, he’s going to be viewed by NBA front offices as a player who could offer a dangerous wrinkle to a roster, especially as a connecting piece.
Asa Newell | Big | Georgia
Profile: 6’10”, 220
Year: Freshman (19)
Coming into the 2024-25 NCAA season, Georgia freshman big man Asa Newell was drawing some intrigue as a potential lottery candidate. Newell has a foundation of tools that makes him a fun player moving forward. At first glance, you might see Newell as a lengthy big man who looks like his frame is just waiting to fill out. Once you turn on the tape, you start to see flashes. Eventually, those flashes start to double down and the picture starts to get clearer.
The best basketball for Newell is still miles ahead. But the foundation is starting to look extremely fun. There’s always a player that continues to entice you with the more film you get your hands on—personally, that’s how I feel with Newell.
First 8 Games
15.4 PTS | 6.1 REB | 1.1 AST | 1.4 STL | 1.4 BLK
56.4 FG% | 17.6 3P% | 58.3 FT%
11.8 FGA | 2.1 3PA | 3.0 FTA
Last 8 Games
15.5 PTS | 7.4 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.0 BLK
60.3 FG% | 40.0 3P% | 80.0 FT%
9.8 FGA | 1.9 3PA | 3.8 FTA
What has caught my attention with Newell is his ability around the basket. He’s a quick leaper who can attack the offensive glass with a relentless motor. While he’s battling on the offensive glass, Newell does a great job of keeping the ball high and shows touch around the basket. Too many times with young bigs, you’ll see them get an offensive board before wanting to bring it down and inviting sharks in the paint around a sinking ship. Instead, Newell keeps the ball up and goes up for quick attempts with his length and touch.
Newell will be an intriguing one to monitor for NBA teams. He’s been a consistent player for the Bulldogs throughout the year so far and still looks to have some untapped two-way potential. The outside shot is a massive swing skill for him. If teams are convinced it’s legit, he’s going to be a riser. Although the recent numbers look good (40% from 3 and 80% at the line in last eight games), the sample size has been small.
Ace Bailey | Forward | Rutgers
Profile: 6’10”, 205
Year: Freshman (18)
Ah yes, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Let’s have ourselves a little conversation about Ace Bailey. The hype machine heading into the cycle painted a picture that Bailey had a chance to be in the running for the first-overall selection. Reality would tell you that the only way that was happening was if Bailey hit the ground running at full speed and put up Kevin Durant-at-Texas-type numbers. (For those of you that don’t remember, that’s 25.8 PTS and 11.1 REB on 47/40/81).
You can throw any advanced number at the screen you want. You can focus on the lack of assists or the shot selection, etc. Here’s what you need to know…
NBA teams are going to love him.
Teams are not evaluating prospects as a finished product. They are looking at these players as what they can become by the time the player reaches their second and third contracts. What does that player look like if the developmental trajectory is what we believe in? Bailey has become one of the most polarizing prospects of the 2025 NBA Draft class. You can find yourself buying or selling stock each day, depending on what side of the bed you woke up on.
But this process with the talented freshman was going to be a lengthy one. If you were building a scoring forward in a laboratory, it would look like Ace Bailey. He’s around 6’10” and has shot-making ability that doesn’t come around often for a player of his size.
Bailey has plenty of “warts” in his game, which was expected given his youth and body of work coming into his freshman season. The early portion of the season featured plenty of film that would create headaches. Bailey’s performances seemed to be a roll of the dice when considering his consistency. You’d get two impressive showings before another game that would leave you scratching your head. Bailey’s year is going to require a full slate of evaluation in order to monitor progression and see (hopefully) strides in improvement. His recent play has given hope that things could be starting to slow down for the talented freshman.
November (6 Games):
18.8 PTS | 5.8 REB | 0.7 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.7 BLK | 1.8 TOV
46.7 FG% | 37.9 3P% | 80.0 FT%
15.3 FGA | 4.8 3PA | 3.3 FTA
December (5 Games):
17.4 PTS | 9.8 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.4 STL | 1.4 BLK | 3.2 TOV
48.1 FG% | 23.5 3P% | 41.2 FT%
15.8 FGA | 3.4 3PA | 3.4 FTA
January (4 Games):
21.2 PTS | 8.0 REB | 1.0 AST | 1.2 STL | 2.2 BLK | 1.0 TOV
42.5 FG% | 38.5 3P% | 56.5 FT%
18.2 FGA | 6.5 3PA | 5.8 FTA
NBA scouts will have the recent 39-point showing in their minds when it comes to Bailey, as it was an opportunity for him to show what he could do as “the guy” again with star teammate Dylan Harper out. Things are trending in the right direction for the talented forward, but there are still plenty of questions that need clarification for Bailey as the season progresses. Right now, he’s starting to heat up again as a player that could find himself back in the mix for that third-overall pick.
Ian Jackson | Guard | North Carolina
Profile: 6’4”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
There was some intrigue coming into this cycle with Ian Jackson as a potential name to monitor in lottery discussions. It’s not hard to see why. Jackson is lightning in a bottle when it comes to his ability on the offensive side of the ball. He’s got some fun burst to his game and has the tools to be an electric weapon in transition at the next level. With his size and competitiveness, there’s also a path in which Jackson could have some untapped two-way potential waiting to be unlocked.
This was going to be a lengthy one. Jackson had the tools to be a splashy prospect at North Carolina as a freshman, but given roster construction, it looked like it could take some time for minutes to open up. Eventually, Jackson started to see his opening for extended run with the Tar Heels squad. Opportunity is everything with prospects and young players, and Jackson took advantage of the chance.
In his first ten games of the season, Jackson averaged 10.8 points per game in 20 minutes. Although they weren’t eye-opening numbers, his consistency from the field (47/42/84) looked like it deserved some more playing time from the staff.
First 10 Games:
10.8 PTS | 2.8 REB | 0.7 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.1 BLK
47.0 FG% | 42.4 3P% | 84.2 FT%
8.3 FGA | 3.3 3PA | 1.9 FTA | 20.0 MIN
Last 6 Games:
23.2 PTS | 4.7 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
54.5 FG% | 42.9 3P% | 67.6 FT%
14.7 FGA | 7.0 3PA | 6.2 FTA | 35.0 MIN
It just takes time for some of these players to showcase why they were such highly-touted prospects. Recently, Jackson has been fantastic for the Tar Heels. He’s averaged 23.2 points per game in his last six games, while shooting 42.9% from three. In those six games, Ian has finished with 20 or more points in all but one game (18 points against SMU). Jackson has been the definition of a microwave scorer, and he’s a fantastic asset for the Tar Heels. Scouts are going to want to see if the passing can be unlocked, as Jackson has been primarily a score-first weapon as of late. If those flashes can come around consistently, he’s going to be climbing boards.
Johni Broome | Big | Auburn
Profile: 6’10”, 240
Year: Senior (22)
Each draft class presents an interesting dilemma. You’ll find an upperclassmen that is having a ridiculous type of year when it comes to production. Sure, they might be older, but could this player be “NBA-ready” sooner than others? Auburn Tigers big man Johni Broome has been ridiculous this year. He’s been a dominant force on both sides of the ball and has been one of the main reasons why Auburn has been a force in the college basketball world.
Broome recently suffered a sprained ankle against South Carolina and it was reported that an MRI avoided the scare of Broome potentially needing surgery. Still, Broome is expected to miss some time while he gets healthy.
Coming into the year, the 2025 NBA Draft class had plenty of names that offered longterm upside at the big man position. But as we see with every draft class, sometimes those “ideas” could suddenly become bigger projects than expected. With the current state of the 2025 class, there’s a clear dropoff at some point when it comes to the big men. That’s when players like Broome could become intriguing talents for NBA teams looking for frontcourt additions.
2023-24:
16.5 PTS | 8.5 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 2.2 BLK
54.8 FG% | 35.4 3P% | 61.5 FT%
11.4 FGA | 2.3 3PA | 5.2 FTA
2024-25:
17.9 PTS | 10.7 REB | 3.3 AST | 0.8 STL | 2.7 BLK
54.7 FG% | 28.6 3P% | 61.8 FT%
13.3 FGA | 2.6 3PA | 4.3 FTA
At the start of the year, Broome looked like a player that was destined for the second round. Now, he’s looking like a talent that could find himself in the mix near the end of the first. NBA teams are starting to hunt for frontcourt depth earlier than expected, as it’s become a luxury to have multiple bigs that you can rotate and that can offer versatility on both sides of the floor, especially if they can fit your given system. Broome has shown that he can make an impact at a high level on both sides of the ball. For teams picking near the end of the first round, especially playoff contenders, Broome will be an enticing name.
FALLERS
Nolan Traore | Guard | Saint Quentin
Profile: 6’4”, 184
Year: N/A, born in 2006 (18)
One of the most dangerous parts of scouting usually involves the unknown. Coming into the year, international guard Nolan Traore was trending as a name that should be firmly in the conversation in the top 7 of this class. After a fantastic showing at last year’s Nike Hoop Summit, Traore carried that momentum into an impressive summer overseas. The buzz continued to gain traction, as Traore offered the potential of a shifty floor general with feel and floor spacing potential.
Still just 18 years old, Traore has been overseas playing for Saint Quentin this year. It’s become a rollercoaster of a season so far for Traore, as inconsistent play and turnovers resulted in a shift to the bench. The million dollar question has suddenly presented itself like an elephant in the room. Is this a young guard in a tough situation? Was the foundation of performances before this year just a mirage? There’s sure to be plenty of NBA teams that are going to be intrigued with Traore, regardless of the rough couple of months. He’s a crafty ball-handler that can make difficult plays look easy when he’s rolling. The months leading up to the draft will be big for Traore, as he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills to NBA decision-makers. For now, teams are most likely going to be eager to get an in-person evaluation on Traore.
2023-24 (40 Games):
16.6 PTS | 2.9 REB | 5.7 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.2 BLK | 3.2 TOV
44.4 FG% | 30.0 3P% | 75.3 FT%
12.9 FGA | 5.2 3PA | 4.8 FTA | 27.0 MIN
2024-25 (22 Games):
10.9 PTS | 2.0 REB | 4.8 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.0 BLK | 2.3 TOV
34.7 FG% | 25.8 3P% | 70.4 FT%
10.7 FGA | 4.4 3PA | 3.2 FTA | 22.1 MIN
Personally, the film has always left me wanting more. When I find myself feeling that way after months after evaluation, I start to ask myself whether I’m trying to create something that’s just not there. Traore will be an ultimate test for evaluators. How patient can you be with your process? He’s going to require a complete sample evaluation to see what type of projection he could offer moving forward. For now, it seems as if we continue to wait to see if things can start to turn around for the talented guard.
Egor Demin | Guard | BYU
Profile: 6’9”, 190
Year: Freshman (18)
After a sensational start to the year, NBA Draft fans were drooling over the tools that BYU freshman guard Egor Demin showcased. But that’s when one of the most important tips in scouting came into play: never get too high or too low from a stretch.
Since his blazing start to the year, Demin has come back down to earth. There’s been some impressive flashes, but the consistency hasn’t been similar to what we saw from Demin to start the year. At 6’9”, the freshman guard is one of the most sensational playmakers you’ll see in recent memory. Demin has remarkable gifts on the court when it comes to his vision and anticipation as a distributor. At the beginning of the season, the hope was that the outside shot was going to be consistent enough to offer a higher ceiling than most had expected. Early on, it looked promising, as Demin was shooting 44.1% from deep on 4.9 attempts after his first seven games.
First 7 Games:
14.3 PTS | 4.9 REB | 6.3 AST | 1.9 STL | 0.9 BLK
56.9 FG% | 44.1 3P% | 57.9 FT%
Last 5 Games:
7.4 PTS | 3.6 REB | 6.4 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.4 BLK
30.2 FG% | 10.0 3P% | 64.3 FT%
That idea has suddenly cooled off, as Demin went on to make just one three-point attempt in his next five games on 21 attempts. Conference play is always a big test for young prospects, and Demin is going to have plenty of opportunities to bounce back and re-establish his draft stock. After months of looking at Demin as a potential top 5 candidate, it looks like he’s trending towards being an upside swing at some point in the lottery. Demin missed some time with an injury, but still hasn’t delivered on the early season flashes at a consistent level since returning.
The hope is that Demin can start to put forth a couple promising performances to balance out the rough stretch. For now, he’s going to be a name that requires a close eye moving forward.
Will Riley | Wing | Illinois
Profile: 6’8”, 195
Year: Freshman (18)
Any time you have a bucket-getting machine on the perimeter with size and a smooth stroke, you’re going to have fans in NBA front offices. Illinois freshman Will Riley was generating buzz coming into the 2024-25 NCAA season, given his previous foundation of work and offensive upside. Early on, it looked as if Riley could be a serious party crasher in this class. When Riley is on, it’s not hard to see why he could become such an intriguing perimeter threat down the road.
Riley got off to a fantastic start to the year. After his first five games, Riley posted averages of 15.4 points per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 50.0% from downtown. Although listed at 6’8”, Riley looks even bigger on the court. The question from the beginning of the year was how would Riley deal with the physicality at the collegiate level. There’s no denying the offensive tools he has to work with. Riley is a smooth operator who can stretch the floor from the parking lot.
November (7 Games):
15.4 PTS | 4.6 REB | 1.9 AST | 0.3 STL | 0.4 BLK
47.4 FG% | 50.0 3P% | 66.7 FT%
10.9 FGA | 5.1 3PA | 3.9 FTA | 25.3 MIN
December (5 Games):
8.6 PTS | 3.2 REB | 1.0 AST | 0.2 STL | 0.0 BLK
28.2 FG% | 13.0 3P% | 75.0 FT%
6.5 FGA | 4.6 3PA | 4.8 FTA | 20.5 MIN
January (4 Games):
5.8 PTS | 2.8 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.2 STL | 0.2 BLK
30.8 FG% | 16.7 3P% | 83.3 FT%
6.5 FGA | 3.0 3PA | 1.5 FTA
As the season has progressed, Riley’s thin frame has started to show cause for concern. The talent is still special, and Riley will firmly be a name to monitor on draft boards. Although there’s plenty of season left, he’s trending as a name that should be at the top of lists for next year as a breakout/leap candidate.
SLEEPERS
Sergio De Larrea | Guard | Valencia Basket
Profile: 6’5”, 180
Year: N/A, born in 2005 (19)
Each year, there seems to be an overseas prospect that slowly starts to generate some intrigue. Personally, one of my favorite international sleepers that should be firmly on “draft-and-stash” sickos’ watchlists is Spanish guard Sergio De Larrea. The 19-year-old guard has been playing this year with Valencia Basket and is cementing himself as a legit name to monitor for draft fans.
Sergio checks some boxes rather quickly with his film. He’s got good size for a floor general and plays the game with good poise. He’s not going to wow you with his athleticism, but he’s a high feel talent that understands how to make you play to his speed. When you dive into the film, Sergio has you wanting more due to his overall intrigue. You can see a world in which he’s a smart player who can do a lot of the little things at a high level.
2023-24 (30 Games with CB L’Horta Godella):
13.7 PTS | 4.5 REB | 3.5 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.2 BLK
43.0 FG% | 33.9 3P% | 74.4 FT%
10.0 FGA | 3.6 3PA | 5.2 FTA | 26.2 MIN
2024-25 (21 Games with Valencia Basket):
6.1 PTS | 2.1 REB | 2.9 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.2 BLK
52.5 FG% | 48.6 3P% | 77.1 FT%
3.8 FGA | 1.7 3PA | 1.7 FTA | 12.1 MIN
Whether it’s making the right read or finding lapses in the defense off the ball for backdoor cuts, there’s a veteran-like mentality to his game. It will be interesting to monitor his progression the rest of the year, and he’s a sleeper that seems like he could be generating plenty of fans in front offices.
Darrion Williams | Forward | Texas Tech
Profile: 6’6”, 225
Year: Junior (21)
Going back to last year, there always seemed to be fun tools to work with when it came to Texas Tech forward Darrion Williams. Now, the 6’6” forward has become a serious riser in NBA Draft circles due to a strong season. Williams has been the definition of a Swiss army knife for the Red Raiders. He can play a wide range of roles on the offensive side of the ball given his playmaking and feel for the game.
NBA teams are always looking for players that can check boxes and impact the game in a number of different ways. Williams brings that to the table with good size and productivity. The feel for the game is what makes you buy into the tools Williams has. He’s not going to wow you with his athleticism, but his processing speed is impressive for a player of his position. The outside shot also has some funkiness to its mechanics, although it has been consistent enough to think it can be respectable moving forward.
2023-24:
11.4 PTS | 7.5 REB | 2.5 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.3 BLK
49.4 FG% | 45.8 3P% | 87.5 FT%
2024-25:
16.3 PTS | 5.7 REB | 5.0 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.5 BLK
48.6 FG% | 36.5 3P% | 82.8 FT%
Much like Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 NBA Draft selection Dillon Jones, Williams is going to be a bit of a “dealer’s choice” when it comes to NBA teams. He’s incredibly versatile on the offensive side of the ball and will have NBA teams imagining he can be a gadget-type player on that side. But questions will remain about fit and defensive consistency.
Chaz Lanier | Guard | Tennessee
Profile: 6’4”, 199
Year: Senior (23)
What are they putting in the water in Tennessee? A year after the Volunteers hit the transfer portal and found gold with 2024 NBA Draft selection Dalton Knecht, the Volunteers seem to have found another dangerous offensive weapon. Chaz Lanier spent four years of his collegiate career at North Florida—a bit of a late bloomer, Lanier has been fantastic for the Volunteers this year.
While Lanier will be an older prospect, there’s no denying he has the ability to be a deadly asset from the perimeter. Lanier is going to be drafted for the player he is now and teams won’t be thinking there’s magically going to be another aspect of his game that’s suddenly unlocked. He’s a bucket-getting machine who has a clear desire to score. At some point of the draft, the term “specialist” starts to generate some excitement, especially if teams are looking to find a new wrinkle in their rotation. As we’ve seen time and time again, NBA teams will always be looking for floor spacers.
2023-24 (with North Florida):
19.7 PTS | 4.8 REB | 1.8 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.3 BLK
51.0 FG% | 44.0 3P% | 88.0 FT%
13.1 FGA | 7.5 3PA | 3.4 FTA
2024-25 (with Tennessee):
19.0 PTS | 3.3 REB | 1.3 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.1 BLK
42.9 FG% | 43.7 3P% | 76.7 FT%
15.4 FGA | 8.4 3PA | 2.7 FTA
While Lanier might not have the most versatility on the offensive side of the ball, he’s a quick-shooting threat that can get hot in a hurry. He’s going to be a name that deserves attention moving forward, especially if Tennessee can continue to have a strong year and make a little run in the tournament.
Maxime Raynaud | F/C | Stanford
Profile: 7’1”, 250
Year: Senior (21)
One of my favorite parts of any draft cycle is when a player starts to be so productive, you can’t ignore it any longer. It’s that sort of realization where you say to yourself “okay, enough is enough.” Originally born in France, Maxime Raynaud has been an absolute monster this season. The Stanford big man is quickly becoming one of my favorite sleepers in this class. At first glance, you think Raynaud is going to be this lumbering giant who beats people around the basket and can hit the occasional outside shot.
Well, he does that too. But there’s a lot more to his game that’ll get you in your feelings. The versatility with Raynaud continues to get me excited. He can hit from well beyond the perimeter before putting the ball on the ground and showcasing some impressive footwork. There are good flashes of touch with both hands, as well as some nastiness around the glass. Raynaud simply has some plays on film that leave you laughing out loud and quickly looking for the “rewind” button.
2023-24:
15.5 PTS | 9.6 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.8 BLK
56.7 FG% | 36.1 3P% | 78.4 FT%
11.1 FGA | 1.9 3PA | 2.8 FTA
2024-25:
20.9 PTS | 11.5 REB | 1.8 AST | 1.0 STL | 1.0 BLK
50.4 FG% | 35.5 3P% | 72.2 FT%
15.9 FGA | 4.8 3PA | 4.5 FTA
For a player of his size, there’s just too many instances in which you find yourself in disbelief that he can move around so easily, but there’s still work to be done with Raynaud when it comes to overall physicality. Teams are always looking for a potential diamond in the rough at some point in the draft, or a player who can find a way to become an important asset in their rotation. While Raynaud might not be a perfect prospect, his set of tools would be very challenging to pass up if teams are looking for some frontcourt depth, especially in the early-to-middle second round.