The 2025 NBA Draft taking pictures guard class stands out as one of many deepest positional teams on this yr’s area. Led by explosive top-tier abilities like VJ Edgecombe and [Player Tre Johnson], this group combines athleticism, scoring potential, defensive instruments, and flexibility throughout a number of backcourt roles. What really units it aside is its total depth—there may very well be as many as 8–10 taking pictures guards chosen within the first spherical. The category options a variety of ability units, from bodily downhill slashers to easy shot-makers and secondary creators, with various ranges of speedy readiness and long-term upside. It’s a powerful yr to put money into the wing.
1. VJ Edgecombe
6-5 180 SG/PG Baylor Fr.
Age: 19.9 | Peak (barefoot): 6′4.0″ | Wingspan: 6′7.5″ | Weight: 193.2 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′5.5″ | No-Step Vert: 30.0″ | Max Vert: 38.5″
2024–25 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 34% 3PT, 78% FT
Edgecombe is likely one of the most electrical athletes and high-upside prospects within the 2025 draft class—a dynamic two-way wing with explosive leaping potential, elite defensive instruments, and a quickly evolving offensive recreation. With a chiseled body, 6’7.5″ wingspan, and a 38.5″ max vertical, he bodily overwhelms opponents on each ends. He brings relentless vitality, big-time defensive versatility, and elite anticipation—averaging over 2 steals per recreation, impacting with each his on- and off-ball protection. Offensively, he’s an aggressive downhill attacker who makes use of his energy, pace, and physique management to strain the rim and end by means of contact. He thrives in transition, performs nicely off the ball, and attracts fouls constantly whereas displaying flashes as a shooter (34% 3PT, 78% FT). Although nonetheless uncooked as a creator and passer, he’s made actual strides and had breakout moments, together with a 30-point recreation vs. Kansas State. Edgecombe was a late bloomer who got here to basketball later than many friends, which raises questions on how shortly he’ll regulate to the NBA leap—nevertheless it additionally provides intrigue concerning his untapped potential. Courting again to highschool, he’s proven occasional flashes of combo-guard imaginative and prescient, and with NBA growth, there’s an opportunity he emerges as one of many high gamers in the whole draft.
2. Tre Johnson
6-6 190 SG Texas Fr.
Age: 19.3 | Peak (barefoot): 6′4.75″ | Wingspan: 6′10.25″ | Weight: 190.4 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′5.00″ | No-Step Vert: 32.0″ | Max Vert: 37.5″
2024–25 Stats: 19.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.7 TOPG, 0.9 SPG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT
One of the vital polished three-level scorers within the 2025 draft class, Johnson delivered a standout freshman marketing campaign at Texas, main the SEC in scoring at 19.9 PPG on environment friendly taking pictures splits. At 6’6” with a 6’10” wingspan and elite stability as a shot-maker, he constantly creates separation with polished footwork, tight handles, and a powerful arsenal of jumpers—off the bounce, the catch, or in motion. Johnson performs with tempo and poise, and his methodical, fluid strategy permits him to dictate tempo and assault defenses with precision. Whereas primarily a scorer, he’s proven improved imaginative and prescient and really feel as a passer, notably in pick-and-roll conditions. Although not a real facilitator, his 2.5 assists per recreation mirror added worth as a secondary playmaker. Defensively, Johnson has the size and body to be impactful, however his consistency and energy waver—he’ll want to purchase in additional on that finish to maximise his two-way potential. Nonetheless, his pure scoring instincts, high-level contact, and wonderful effectivity—almost 40% from three and over 87% from the road—make him a extremely efficient offensive weapon. Whereas there have been some maturity questions coming into his freshman yr, Johnson impressed scouts along with his work ethic, reportedly waking up each day at 6 a.m. for taking pictures and fitness center periods. Ending twenty first nationally in scoring as a freshman, he validated the hype and now tasks as a possible top-5-8 decide with long-term lead-scorer potential.
3. Nique Clifford
6-6 200 SG/SF Colorado State Sr.
Age: 23.4 | Peak (barefoot): 6′5.00″ | Wingspan: 6′8.00″ | Weight: 198.6 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′6.00″ | No-Step Vert: 30.0″ | Max Vert: 37.0″
2024–25 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 75.3% FT
An extended, athletic wing with a mature body and well-rounded ability set, Clifford emerged as one of many high senior risers within the 2025 class after a breakout season at Colorado State. Measuring 6’6” with a reported 6’8” wingspan, he provides wonderful positional rebounding (9.6 RPG), sturdy defensive instincts, and rising offensive polish. He took on a a lot bigger offensive position as a senior, averaging 18.9 factors and 4.4 assists per recreation whereas showcasing good decision-making and pick-and-roll really feel. Clifford is especially efficient attacking closeouts, ending in transition, and utilizing his size and management to create environment friendly seems to be. Although not a pure shooter, he confirmed marked enchancment as a flooring spacer—hitting 37.7% from three—and flashed some mid-range shot-making. Defensively, he strikes nicely laterally, competes throughout a number of positions, and contributes as a assist defender with well timed rotations. Whereas he could not mission as a main creator or high-ceiling scorer, his toughness, motor, and regular two-way manufacturing give him actual enchantment. Clifford nonetheless must tighten his deal with and develop larger consistency on catch-and-shoot makes an attempt, however his versatility and mature recreation make him a powerful late lottery to early-20s decide with plug-and-play potential on the wing.
4. Kasparas Jakucionis
6-6 205 SG/PG Illinois Fr.
Age: 19.1 | Peak (barefoot): 6′4.75″ | Wingspan: 6′7.75″ | Weight: 205.2 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′3.5″ | No-Step Vert: 28.5″ | Max Vert: 35.0″
2024–25 Stats: 13.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.8 APG, 3.7 TOPG, 1.0 SPG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT
Jakucionis is a poised, versatile Lithuanian guard who adjusted shortly to the school recreation after arriving from FC Barcelona and have become some of the productive freshmen within the Large Ten. At 6’6” and 205 kilos, he blends dimension, energy, and really feel with a affected person, deliberate model that matches nicely in half-court settings. He ranked sixth within the convention in assists and averaged 5.7 rebounds, displaying worth as a secondary playmaker and ball-mover. Jakucionis excels in pick-and-rolls, the place he makes use of his physique, angles, and timing to control defenders and make good reads, although he could be overly reliant on ball screens to realize separation. Whereas some see long-term level guard potential, it’s seemingly he settles into extra of a combo position—able to dealing with lead duties in stretches however not a full-time flooring basic. Defensively, he makes use of positioning and IQ to remain efficient however lacks lateral pace and may battle to comprise faster guards. Whereas his three-point share dipped to 31.8%, he’s a greater shooter than the numbers recommend—hitting 84.5% from the road—and simply wants to enhance at creating clear seems to be from vary. Turnovers have been additionally a difficulty (3.7 per recreation), usually as a consequence of upright drives or forcing passes below strain. Nonetheless, Jakucionis’ toughness, imaginative and prescient, and worldwide polish give him late lottery to mid-first spherical enchantment as a sensible, well-rounded backcourt piece.
5. Will Riley
6-9 185 SG/SF Illinois Fr.
Age: 19.4 | Peak (barefoot): 6′8.25″ | Wingspan: 6′8.75″ | Weight: 185.6 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′8.00″ | No-Step Vert: 27.5″ | Max Vert: 32.0″
2024–25 Stats: 12.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.3 SPG, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT
Riley is a easy, lengthy wing with intriguing shot-making potential, secondary playmaking flashes, and room to develop bodily and skill-wise. A former five-star recruit from Canada, he earned Large Ten Sixth Man of the 12 months honors as a freshman at Illinois and punctuated his yr with an eye-opening first-round NCAA event efficiency towards Xavier that highlighted his expertise and composure on an enormous stage. He owns a fast, pure launch and buried 47 threes, working comfortably off the bounce—particularly pulling up going proper. Regardless of a wiry body and missing elite athleticism, he’s aggressive attacking the rim, absorbing contact and ending by means of bumps. Lack of explosiveness is a gentle concern, however his 6-9 dimension and size assist him rise over defenders for clear seems to be, and he’s added roughly 10 kilos this previous yr. Defensively he reveals instruments but nonetheless performs too upright, dropping monitor off the ball, and he can battle ending over size. Uneven pre-draft exercises have cooled some early buzz and should slide him towards the late first spherical, but his lengthy strides, pure really feel, and offensive upside maintain him firmly within the dialog as one of many draft’s extra compelling long-term tasks. A group will seemingly should be affected person along with his growth, however the long-term payoff may very well be important.
6. Hugo Gonzalez
6-6 223 SG/SF Actual Madrid (Spain)
Age: 19.4 | Peak (barefoot): 6′6.25″ | Wingspan: 6′10.75″ | Weight: 222.7 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′5.5″
2024–25 Stats (Liga ACB): 5.2 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 44.4% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 77.3% FT
González is a easy, bodily gifted wing with long-term upside who has lengthy been thought of one of many high abilities in his age group in Spain. Enjoying for powerhouse Actual Madrid, he received caught in a numbers recreation on a veteran-laden roster, which restricted his minutes and total manufacturing in the course of the 2024–25 season. Nonetheless, he managed 5.2 factors and a pair of.5 rebounds per recreation in Liga ACB play whereas flashing intriguing shot-making, bodily instruments, and straight-line driving potential. González measured nicely on the NBA Draft Mix and boasts a powerful body, lengthy arms, and fluid motion that give him appreciable enchantment as a long-term growth mission. His three-point shot (27.1%) stays inconsistent, and he’s nonetheless studying the right way to affect video games constantly within the half courtroom, however his mixture of dimension, coordination, and pedigree make him a professional mid-to-late first-round candidate for groups betting on bodily traits and long-term potential.
7. Jase Richardson
6-2 180 PG/SG Michigan State Fr.
Age: 19.7 | Peak (barefoot): 6′0.5″ | Wingspan: 6′6.00″ | Weight: 178.4 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′2.5″ | No-Step Vert: 30.5″ | Max Vert: 38.0″
2024–25 Stats: 11.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.2 TOPG, 1.1 SPG, 38.9% 3PT, 86.0% FT
An explosive scoring guard with sturdy basketball instincts and NBA pedigree, Richardson impressed as a freshman at Michigan State, displaying maturity, shot-making, and poise past his years. Although barely undersized at 6’2”, he performs quick, managed, and environment friendly—attending to his spots with a pointy first step and tight deal with, and flattening photographs at a excessive charge from all three ranges (38.9% 3PT, 86% FT) whereas hardly ever forcing the motion. His mechanics are easy and repeatable, and he’s simply as comfy off the ball as on, darting by means of handoffs and screens to search out clear seems to be. Defensively, he competes with depth, utilizing fast lateral motion and a 6’6″ wingspan to strain the ball and leap passing lanes. Whereas not a pure facilitator or lead guard, he limits errors and makes good reads out of ball screens and in transition. After lacking a full yr, Richardson has bounced again nicely from a highschool knee damage, and that not seems to be an enormous concern for groups. Together with his environment friendly scoring, defensive tenacity, and really feel, he provides actual two-way worth as a late-first to early-second spherical choice.
8. Tamar Bates
6-5 190 SG Missouri Sr.
Age: 22.3 | Peak (barefoot): 6′3.75″ | Wingspan: 6′10.25″ | Weight: 191.4 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′7.00″ | No-Step Vert: 27.5″ | Max Vert: 33.5″
2024–25 Stats: 13.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 50.8% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 94.6% FT
Bates is likely one of the best and underrated senior wings within the 2025 draft, providing elite taking pictures contact, size, and maturity after a breakout season at Missouri. A lefty with easy mechanics and polished footwork, he shot 50.8% from the sector, 39.7% from three, and an elite 94.6% from the free-throw line—rating among the many greatest pure shooters within the class. Although he has a wiry, skinny body and is unlikely to ever be a bodily presence, his 6’10” wingspan and robust really feel permit him to make well timed rotations and disrupt passing lanes defensively. Offensively, he performs a disciplined, team-first model and thrives in catch-and-shoot and mid-range pull-up conditions. Changing into extra assertive shall be key to unlocking extra of his scoring potential, however his potential to area the ground and make sound choices ought to translate nicely to a complementary NBA position. Bates has quietly risen in the course of the pre-draft course of, impressing in exercises and interviews, and will sneak into the late first spherical as a plug-and-play shooter with long-term worth.
9. Chaz Lanier
6-5 206 SG Tennessee Sr.
Age: 23.5 | Peak (barefoot): 6′3.75″ | Wingspan: 6′9.00″ | Weight: 205.8 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′5.5″ | No-Step Vert: 33.0″ | Max Vert: 39.0″
2024–25 Stats: 14.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 TOPG, 44.3% 3PT, 87.2% FT
Chaz Lanier broke out as some of the environment friendly scoring guards in school basketball throughout his super-senior season, rising as a go-to choice able to carrying a top-tier program. A robust, compact 6’5” wing with a 6’9” wingspan, Lanier shot 44.3% from three and 87.2% from the road, showcasing elite taking pictures contact and confidence each off the catch and off motion. He performs with maturity, toughness, and poise, making good reads and ending with angles moderately than burst. Whereas his age (23.5) and perceived restricted upside take away a number of the intrigue, latest drafts have proven that groups are extra keen to worth speedy contributors of their twenty second and twenty third years—former Vol Dalton Knecht being a major instance, even when he fell additional than anticipated. Lanier’s sturdy positional instruments and confirmed athleticism (39” vertical on the Mix) give him plug-and-play enchantment, particularly for playoff-caliber groups searching for environment friendly, low-maintenance wing depth.
10. Kam Jones
6-4 200 SG/PG Marquette Sr.
Age: 23.3 | Peak (barefoot): 6′3.25″ | Wingspan: 6′6.00″ | Weight: 202.4 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′4.5″ | No-Step Vert: 24.5″ | Max Vert: 31.5″
2024–25 Stats: 19.2 PPG, 5.9 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 48.3% FG, 31.1% 3PT, 64.8% FT
Jones is a artful shot creator and left-handed scoring guard who emerged as one of many Large East’s high offensive threats as a senior, averaging almost 20 factors and 6 assists per recreation for Marquette. A four-year contributor, he performs with a playground-like aptitude, utilizing slick handles, hesitations, and modifications of tempo to interrupt defenders down in isolation and function successfully in ball screens. He’s a wizard with the ball—in a position to create area regardless of a slower first step—and owns a refined floater recreation and deep bag of mid-range counters. Whereas not an explosive athlete, Jones performs with management and really feel, displaying improved playmaking imaginative and prescient and toughness on each ends. Defensively, he competes and makes use of his sturdy body and 6’6” wingspan to carry his personal, although NBA size could trouble him. Taking pictures stays a swing space—he hit simply 31.1% from three and 64.8% from the road as a senior—and he could be turnover-prone when pressured into tough seems to be. Nonetheless, his creativity, isolation scoring potential, and veteran poise give him second-round or two-way enchantment as a reserve shot-maker and pick-and-roll guard.
