College basketball is in full swing, and during this exciting season, many upcoming freshman stars are quickly grabbing attention from scouts around the country and emerging as some of the hottest prospects for the NBA lottery picks come the next draft season. Of these emerging talents, five names stand out above the rest: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecomb, and Kasparas Jakucionis.
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Cooper Flagg (Duke University)
The 6’9” shooting guard Cooper Flagg is arguably the top rising talent in college basketball. Originally from Maine, he began his high school career at powerhouse Nokomis Regional before heading to Duke. From the moment he arrived, expectations were high due to his versatility and offensive power, which he showcased in his debut with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
His record-breaking 42-point game against Notre Dame in January set both Duke and ACC freshman scoring marks. Drawing comparisons to Andrei Kirilenko and Scottie Pippen, Flagg has cemented himself as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
With Flagg in top form, the Duke Blue Devils are heavy favorites to win the ACC Tournament, currently sitting at -320 odds—drawing plenty of wagers from those backing them to go all the way. These wagers can be placed at many of the best offshore sportsbooks, which offer bettors key advantages, including faster payouts, diverse payment options, competitive odds, and enticing promotions like welcome bonuses, free bets, reload bonuses, and risk-free bets (source: https://www.cardplayer.com/betting/best-offshore-sportsbooks). For Blue Devils fans looking to add extra excitement to their team’s championship run, these options provide plenty of ways to get in on the action.
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Dylan Harper (Rutgers University)
The highly versatile 6’6” guard, Dylan Harper, brings impressive defensive coverage and strong offensive scoring ability to the Rutgers team, making him one of the standout college basketball players catching everyone’s attention.
Harper has elevated the Rutger’s all round game tremendously with his incredible court vision, ability to score crucial points, and defensive coverage all of which are great qualities any basketball player train their whole career to perfect and is why many scouts have compared the budding talent with the likes of NBA legends such as Cade Cunningham and James Harden.
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Ace Bailey (Rutgers University)
Harper isn’t the only impressive talent at Rutgers—his teammate, Ace Bailey, has drawn just as much attention. The Rutgers dynamic duo is truly elevating the team to new heights this season. Standing at 6’10”, Bailey’s scoring prowess and athletic ability make him a constant offensive threat, particularly in transition. On January 2, 2025, Bailey showcased his elite scoring ability by dropping 39 points against Indiana, tying the Rutgers freshman scoring record. His natural scoring talent evokes comparisons to Rashard Lewis and Michael Porter Jr., highlighting his considerable potential.
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Kasparas Jakucionis (University of Illinois)
The University of Illinois features Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6'6" playmaker with impressive shooting touch and court vision, drawing comparisons to Luka Doncic. While still refining his defense, his offensive skill set and basketball IQ make him a valuable prospect for NBA teams seeking backcourt versatility. That skill set was on full display during Illinois' matchup against Indiana, where he put up 21 points and 5 assists, further cementing his status as a key playmaker.
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VJ Edgecombe (Baylor University)
The 6’5” shooting guard has made a name for himself in college basketball, catching scouts' attention with explosive athleticism and two-way proficiency. His game blends aggressive drives with an improving perimeter shot, leading to crucial baskets for Baylor. Defensively, his awareness, anticipation, and quickness disrupt opponents, solidifying his projection as a top-five draft pick.
Final Thoughts
These five freshmen haven’t just contributed—they’ve reshaped their programs. As March Madness approaches, NBA scouts are closely evaluating their pro potential. With strong development, this 2025 draft class could be one of the most exciting in years.
