The 2025 NBA Draft level guard class is top-heavy, headlined by one clear-cut, can’t-miss expertise in Dylan Harper. Behind him are two potential All-Stars in Jeremiah Fears and Nolan Traore, together with a dynamic late-game nearer in Walter Clayton. Past that, the depth drops off, with just a few intriguing second-round sleepers however no ensures. It’s not a very deep group general, however the prime tier (3-4) provides actual long-term worth.
1. Dylan Harper 6-6 215 PG/SG Rutgers Fr.
Age: 19.3 | Peak (barefoot): 6′4.5″ | Wingspan: 6′10.5″ | Weight: 213.2 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′6″ | No-Step Vert: 30.5″ | Max Vert: 36.5″
2024–25 Stats: 20.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.1 TOPG, 1.0 SPG, 35% 3PT, 75% FT
Harper initiatives as one of many most secure bets amongst lead guards within the 2025 class due to his sturdy bodily instruments, mature flooring recreation, and management intangibles. At 6’6” and 215 kilos, he brings a uncommon mix of power, poise, and composure to the backcourt. Robust, aggressive, and unselfish, Harper elevates these round him and embraces defensive challenges—hallmarks of a new-era lead guard. He has superior taking pictures skill for his age, good decision-making, and infrequently forces the problem offensively. Although not a high-end vertical athlete, he compensates with tempo, craft, and elite really feel. His recreation is regular, environment friendly, and ready-made for professional basketball, with the very best flooring of any level guard prospect on this class. Whereas Rutgers’ inconsistency barely dimmed his highlight, Harper was nonetheless a transparent impression participant, and there was even a short stretch early within the course of—earlier than Cooper Flagg’s perimeter shot absolutely got here round—the place some evaluators floated Harper because the potential No. 1 general choose. The son of a longtime NBA veteran, he brings superior poise and maturity to each possession. Whether or not as a place to begin guard or high-level connector, Harper seems to be like a right away contributor with long-term starter worth.
2. Jeremiah Fears 6-4 180 PG Time beyond regulation Elite 2006
Age: 19.2 | Peak (barefoot): 6′2.5″ | Wingspan: 6′5.25″ | Weight: 179.6 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′2.5″ | No-Step Vert: 32.5″ | Max Vert: 36.5″
2024–25 Stats: 17.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT
Coming off a real breakout season, the powerful Chicago flooring common blends toughness, scoring punch, and a balanced scoring-plus-passing strategy that units him other than most teenage lead guards. The Time beyond regulation Elite platform gave Fears the runway to showcase a elegant deal with, lightning change-of-pace strikes, and a decisive pull-up recreation that retains defenders guessing. Although he isn’t an explosive leaper, his first-step burst and physique management let him carve out paint touches and manipulate assist rotations. His imaginative and prescient is superior—he retains the ball hopping with out over-dribbling—but he can nonetheless shift into assault mode when a lane opens. The clear swing ability stays three-point consistency: his mechanics are clear, however fluctuating percentages permit defenders to duck below screens, capping his menace degree. Defensively, he competes with trademark Chicago toughness, however restricted dimension curbs his switchability in opposition to greater guards. Nonetheless, that chip-on-the-shoulder mentality fuels two-way potential, and if the jumper improved, Fears has a excessive ceiling. As an upside level guard who can rating, facilitate, and run in transition, he provides intriguing long-term upside—and the balanced offensive profile to earn early rotational minutes.
3. Nolan Traore 6-4 185 PG France 2006
Age: 19.1 | Peak (barefoot): 6′3.0″ | Wingspan: 6′8.0″ | Weight: 175.0 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′5.5″ | No-Step Vert: 28.0″ | Max Vert: 34.0″
Traore (pictured) is likely one of the most intriguing worldwide prospects and guards within the 2025 class and has the instruments to emerge as one of many true steals of the mid-lottery. He struggled taking pictures early within the season, which uncovered areas in want of polish, significantly in half-court settings. However what separates him is his uncommon pace mixture—he’s arguably the quickest guard within the class with the ball in his palms. His north-south burst, lengthy strides, and live-dribble explosiveness permit him to interrupt down defenses in transition and assault gaps with relentless drive. He additionally brings huge defensive potential, within the mould of previous French lottery level guards, however seems to have higher all-around ability and the arrogance to deal with the leap to the NBA recreation extra shortly. Defensively, he performs with an edge, utilizing his size and quickness to strain opposing guards and drive turnovers. Whereas his exterior shot stays inconsistent, he’s proven indicators of progress each as a pull-up shooter and a catch-and-shoot choice. He’s nonetheless studying to handle tempo and broaden his playmaking reads, however the bodily basis and motor are plain. If the jumper stabilizes, Traore might develop right into a dynamic two-way lead guard with all star potential.
4. Walter Clayton 6-3 200 PG/SG Florida Jr.
Age: 22.3 | Peak (barefoot): 6′2.0″ | Wingspan: 6′4.0″ | Weight: 199.0 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′1.5″ | No-Step Vert: 29.5″ | Max Vert: 37.0″
2024–25 Stats: 18.3 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 38.6% 3PT, 87.5% FT
The lynchpin of Florida’s NCAA-title run, Clayton is an explosive scorer with real NBA vary who repeatedly buried massive photographs in strain moments. Compact but highly effective at 6’3”, he thrives off the dribble, attacking greater defenders with confidence and leveraging his fast, high-release stroke each off motion and in pick-and-roll pull-ups. He’s identified for his clutch shot-making skill, usually rising to the event late in video games—a trait that enhances his attraction as a possible bench scorer on the subsequent degree. Whereas not a pure level guard, Clayton has develop into a extra prepared passer and is studying to regulate tempo. Nonetheless, his decision-making and assist-to-turnover ratio require additional refinement. Defensively, his power permits him to compete in opposition to bodily guards, however he’ll want to enhance his lateral quickness and close-out self-discipline. Together with his battle-tested mentality, deep taking pictures, and talent to rise in massive moments, Clayton profiles as a high-confidence, high-leverage shot maker with actual NBA utility. If his playmaking and protection proceed to enhance, he might develop right into a dependable combo guard who develops right into a starter,
5. Tyrese Proctor 6-5 185 PG/SG Duke Jr.
Age: 21.2 | Peak (barefoot): 6′4.25″ | Wingspan: 6′7.25″ | Weight: 183.2 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′4.5″ | No-Step Vert: 30.5″ | Max Vert: 36.5″
2024–25 Stats: 12.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 40.5% 3PT, 68.0% FT
A clean combo guard with good dimension and really feel, Proctor made strides throughout his junior season at Duke, even when the leap many anticipated didn’t absolutely materialize. At 6’5”, he sees over defenses, operates comfortably in pick-and-roll, and performs with a managed tempo that displays his maturity and understanding of the sport. His finest attributes stay his poise, decision-making, and willingness to share the ball. He’s extra of a rhythm shooter than a deep-range menace, and he nonetheless struggles to constantly strain the rim—his lack of vertical explosiveness limits his ending in visitors. Defensively, he has the size and instincts to be strong, however his competitiveness and toughness shall be examined on the subsequent degree. These issues had been magnified in Duke’s NCAA Event loss, the place Proctor had a late-game meltdown that included a number of key errors and indecisive performs, elevating legit questions on his confidence in clutch moments. He’ll must show he can reply higher below strain and take command when the stakes are highest. Nonetheless, his IQ and unselfish strategy give him high-floor worth as a secondary ball-handler who can play off a main creator. If he turns into extra assertive and sharpens his edge, there’s rotation or starter upside.
6. Ben Saraf 6-6 200 PG/SG Israel 2005
Age: 19.2 | Peak (barefoot): 6′5″ | Wingspan: 6′7.5″ | Weight: 202 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′6″ | Max Vert: 31.5″
2024–25 EuroCup Stats: 12.8 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.2 RPG, 22.2% 3PT, 78.0% FT
A artful Israeli combo guard and assured scorer, Saraf is likely one of the extra intriguing worldwide backcourt prospects within the class and is gaining early second-round attraction. At the moment enjoying within the European finals with Ratiopharm Ulm, Saraf has impressed along with his clean deal with, superior footwork, and fearless shot-making. Although some view him extra as a taking pictures guard, he’s listed right here as a degree guard (with Kasparas Jakucionis slotted on the two) as a result of his rising on-ball tasks. Whereas not an explosive athlete and possessing a slender body, Saraf compensates with timing, contact, and the power to create area utilizing change of tempo and angles—significantly in pick-and-roll and isolation actions. He’s able to producing offense with out elite separation, however his exterior shot stays inconsistent—simply 22% from three this season, down from 29% final yr. He flashes imaginative and prescient however should develop into a extra dependable facilitator and decision-maker in structured units. Defensively, he struggles in opposition to faster guards and lacks the bodily instruments to modify or deal with contact constantly, with inconsistent effort at occasions. Nonetheless, his scoring instincts, creativity, and worldwide polish give him an actual shot at listening to his identify early within the second spherical, particularly if he continues to develop as a playmaker and commits extra absolutely on the defensive finish.
7. Javon Small 6-2 190 PG/SG West Virginia Sr.
Age: 22.5 | Peak (barefoot): 6′1.0″ | Wingspan: 6′4.75″ | Weight: 190.0 lbs
Standing Attain: 8′0.0″ | No-Step Vert: 33.0″ | Max Vert: 40.5″
2024–25 Stats: 18.6 PPG, 5.6 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 35.3% 3PT, 88.0% FT
A dynamic playmaker with vertical athleticism, Small brings scoring instincts and offensive aptitude however continues to wrestle with gaining constant separation—significantly in isolation. Now getting into his senior yr at West Virginia following earlier stops at East Carolina and Oklahoma, he’s proven spectacular leaping skill off two toes, main to spotlight finishes in transition and on cuts. Nonetheless, his skill to beat defenders off the dribble within the half court docket stays restricted, usually counting on contested jumpers. His deal with is regular, and he’s able to pulling up off the bounce, however his effectivity and deep taking pictures consistency nonetheless go away room for enchancment. As a passer, Small reveals strong instincts and might function in pick-and-roll, although he’s extra scorer than true facilitator. Defensively, he’s restricted by dimension and lateral quickness, and should wrestle to carry his personal in opposition to greater or extra explosive guards. Regardless of the bodily limitations, Small performs with confidence and competitiveness. He’ll must refine his separation instruments and off-ball worth to stay, however he’s a potential second-round or two-way prospect with scoring punch and vertical pop with potential to thrive in the precise system.
8. Sean Pedulla 6-1 180 PG Ole Miss Sr.
Age: 22.8 | Peak (barefoot): 6′1″ | Wingspan: 6′2″ | Weight: 199.0 lbs
Standing Attain: 7′10″ | 2024–25 Stats: 15.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 39.2% 3PT, 82.5% FT
A troublesome, underrated creator with good really feel, deal with, and imaginative and prescient, Pedulla enters the draft as a seasoned senior after transferring to Ole Miss from Virginia Tech, the place he quietly put collectively a extremely productive school profession. Recognized for his poise and steadiness, he’s a talented ball-handler who constantly makes the precise reads, particularly out of the pick-and-roll. His imaginative and prescient and timing permit him to handle the stream of an offense, and he’s comfy in late-clock or strain conditions, usually delivering key passes or well timed pull-up jumpers. Whereas his flooring recreation is polished, his bodily profile poses issues—at 6’1” with a slight body and common athleticism, he struggles to complete over size and provides restricted defensive versatility. He’s extra fast than quick and lacks vertical pop, traits that will restrict his upside in in the present day’s NBA. Nonetheless, Pedulla’s toughness, management, and understanding of the sport give him an actual shot to carve out a task as a change-of-pace reserve guard. If he can show himself defensively and knock down photographs constantly, he might stick as a reliable, low-mistake choice on a two-way contract or deep roster spot.
9. Ryan Nembhard 6-0 175 PG Gonzaga Sr.
Age: 22.3 | Peak (barefoot): 5′11.0″ | Wingspan: 6′2.25″ | Weight: 175.8 lbs
Standing Attain: 7′10.0″ | No-Step Vert: 26.5″ | Max Vert: 32.5″
2024–25 Stats: 10.5 PPG, 9.8 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 40.4% 3PT, 77.0% FT
Nembhard is a high-IQ flooring common with wonderful imaginative and prescient and poise who enters the draft as one of the skilled and polished lead guards out there. A real pass-first level guard with sturdy bloodlines—he’s the youthful brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard—he performs with the identical calm demeanor, superior really feel, and management qualities. His deal with is tight, his passing is well timed, and he excels in pick-and-roll play, constantly organizing the offense and making good reads. He’s run high-level programs at each Creighton and Gonzaga and acts as an extension of the coach on the ground. Nonetheless, his dimension—simply 6’0” and 175 kilos—makes sticking within the NBA an actual problem. He will be focused on switches, struggles to complete over size, and lacks the defensive versatility groups usually demand from rotation guards. His taking pictures has improved however stays streaky, particularly past NBA vary. Nonetheless, his older brother has exceeded expectations within the league, and Ryan is lower from the identical fabric—powerful, clever, and unselfish. If he can show himself defensively and knock down open photographs constantly, Nembhard has an opportunity to carve out a long-term position as a gentle backup for a playoff-caliber group.
10. Mark Sears 6-0 185 PG/SG Alabama Sr.
Age: 23.3 | Peak (barefoot): 5′10.75″ | Wingspan: 6′2.0″ | Weight: 183.4 lbs
Standing Attain: 7′8.5″ | No-Step Vert: 31.0″ | Max Vert: 37.5″
2024–25 Stats: 18.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 2.9 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 34.5% 3PT, 84.4% FT
A robust, compact scoring guard with elite three-point taking pictures contact and a tough-minded strategy, Sears emerged as one of the environment friendly and impactful backcourt gamers in school basketball throughout his senior season at Alabama. Constructed low to the bottom however with wonderful core power and stability, he shot over 40% from three on excessive quantity, recurrently hitting momentum-swinging photographs and exhibiting deep vary with confidence. Whereas not a real lead guard, he’s a succesful decision-maker who retains the ball transferring and infrequently turns it over. His mature flooring recreation and taking pictures gravity give him rapid offensive worth, particularly as a secondary choice. Nonetheless, his dimension stays a limiting issue—at 6’1”, he lacks positional versatility, isn’t a vertical menace on the rim, and will wrestle to defend a number of positions on the NBA degree. He’ll must show he can deal with defensive strain and play successfully off the ball to maximise his match. Nonetheless, Sears’ power, poise, and perimeter taking pictures make him an interesting second-round goal with taking pictures, low-mistake, and in a position to contribute in stretches.
