NBA Executives of the Year
2025 — Sam Presti, Oklahoma City
2024 — Brad Stevens, Boston
2023 — Monte McNair, Sacramento
2022 — Zach Kleiman, Memphis
2021 — James Jones, Phoenix
2020 — Lawrence Frank, L.A. Clippers
2019 — Jon Horst, Milwaukee
2018 — Daryl Morey, Houston
2017 — Bob Myers, Golden State
2016 — R.C. Buford, San Antonio
2015 — Bob Myers, Golden State
2014 — R.C. Buford, San Antonio
2013 — Masai Ujiri, Denver
2012 — Larry Bird, Indiana
2011 — Gar Forman/Pat Riley, Chicago/Miami
2010 — John Hammond, Milwaukee
2009 — Mark Warkentien, Denver
2008 — Danny Ainge, Boston
2007 — Bryan Colangelo, Toronto
2006 — Elgin Baylor, L.A. Clippers
2005 — Bryan Colangelo, Phoenix
2004 — Jerry West, Memphis
2003 — Joe Dumars, Detroit
2002 — Rod Thorn, New Jersey
2001 — Geoff Petrie, Sacramento
2000 — John Gabriel, Orlando
1999 — Geoff Petrie, Sacramento
1998 — Wayne Embry, Cleveland
1997 — Bob Bass, Charlotte
1996 — Jerry Krause, Chicago
1995 — Jerry West, L.A. Lakers
1994 — Bob Whitsitt, Seattle
1993 — Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix
1992 — Wayne Embry, Cleveland
1991 — Bucky Buckwalter, Portland
1990 — Bob Bass, San Antonio
1989 — Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix
1988 — Jerry Krause, Chicago
1987 — Stan Kasten, Atlanta
1986 — Stan Kasten, Atlanta
1985 — Vince Boryla, Denver
1984 — Frank Layden, Utah
1983 — Zollie Volchok, Seattle
1982 — Bob Ferry, Washington
1981 — Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix
1980 — Red Auerbach, Boston
1979 — Bob Ferry, Washington
1978 — Angelo Drossos, San Antonio
1977 — Ray Patterson, Houston
1976 — Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix
1975 — Dick Vertlieb, Golden State
1974 — Eddie Donovan, Buffalo
1973 — Joe Axelson, Kansas City-Omaha
_____
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
39 minutes ago
- New York Times
Murray State's Dan Skirka and the unlikely rise from juco assistant to the College World Series
OMAHA, Neb. — Mired in a stretch of nine years without a winning season, the Murray State baseball community pondered its plight in 2018. The Racers were down. And to many constituents, little belief existed in their ability to get up. 'Over time, Murray State just kinda froze,' said Matt Kelly, an administrator in athletics at the school since 2004. 'People looked at the state of our athletic department — not just baseball — and they thought, 'We need so many things and we'll never be able to do that.' So they just didn't do any of it.' Advertisement Four years earlier, in 2014, Allen Ward, the Murray State athletic director at the time, had fired baseball coach Rob McDonald. One of McDonald's assistants, Dan Skirka, impressed the administration with his positive attitude and work ethic even in the darkest of times. Ward interviewed Skirka for the open head coaching job. He was 29. 'We just didn't feel like it was something we could do,' Ward said this week as Murray State and its coach, the 40-year-old Skirka, prepared for the first College World Series game in school history, Saturday at 2 p.m. (ET) against UCLA. 'It just wasn't the right time.' Omaha suits The Racers#MCWS x @RacersBaseball — NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 12, 2025 Ward hired Kevin Moulder. He lasted four seasons and won 44 percent of his games in charge of the middling Ohio Valley Conference program. Skirka, meanwhile, spent the same four years at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn., as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. He helped WSCC win 81 percent of its games and finish as runner-up at the Junior College World Series in 2018. The next time, Murray State administrators did not hesitate. 'I've always said the big boys get to pick coaches,' Ward said. 'We have to find coaches.' Kelly encouraged Skirka to express an interest in the job when it came open in the spring of 2018. Friends in the coaching business told him they didn't think he had a shot. But Dave Shelton, the head coach at Walters State, believed in Skirka. In fact, Shelton said, observers around his junior college program often asked which big school was going to hire Skirka away. 'Probably the one who gives him an interview,' Shelton said. 'The reason is, he believes in what he does. And there's nothing fake about Dan Skirka.' Advertisement Skirka nailed the 2018 interview. 'With the questions they asked and my familiarity and my experience at Walters with recruiting and winning, I felt prepared,' Skirka said. 'I thought we could win at Murray. Murray's a place where we don't focus on what we don't have. We focus on what we have. 'And if we focus on great people and develop them on the field and off the field, we can do this.' Murray State went 24-30 in Skirka's first season and has not had a losing season since. This year, the Racers broke through by winning the Missouri Valley tournament in their third season in the league to reach the NCAA postseason for the fourth time in program history and first since 2003. They beat Ole Miss twice at the Oxford Regional — including a 12-11 victory in the decisive seventh game — as the fourth seed of four teams. In the Super Regional, hosted by Duke, the Racers lost Game 1 but bounced back to win the next two to secure their first trip to the College World Series, alongside two teams from the SEC and one apiece from the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and Sun Belt, plus independent Oregon State. Murray State's record is 44-15 as it takes the field at Charles Schwab Field on Saturday against the Bruins. UCLA won the national championship in its most recent trip here 12 years ago, one of 124 national titles that the Bruins claim in NCAA team sports. For Murray State, a university of slightly more than 8,000 undergraduate students in southwest Kentucky near the Tennessee border, that number is two — both in women's rifle. 'You can keep calling us the underdog,' senior third baseman Carson Garner said. 'I think that's what we like to be called. We like when people are doubting us.' At the center of their story is Skirka, the underdog himself who played shortstop at Division II Grand Valley State in Michigan and jumped from junior college assistant coach to Division I head coach at age 33. What the Racers have accomplished already this season in baseball, according to Ward, the former AD who's now retired and living in Murray, rates as 'maybe the greatest accomplishment in Murray State history.' Less than two weeks after Ward hired Skirka in July 2018, the athletic director left Murray State to take the same job at Abilene Christian. Skirka has worked for two interim ADs. In between, Kevin Saal, now the AD at Wichita State, spent four years in charge at Murray State. The rise in Skirka's baseball program came slowly. He won 24 games in 2019, 33 in 2021 after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and 30 in 2022. Advertisement In August 2022, the school hired Nico Yantko as AD. He came from the University of Louisiana, where he served as deputy AD. Yantko played quarterback at Murray State from 2007 to 2009. He and Skirka crossed paths briefly at Murray in 2010 as Yantko completed a Master's degree. More than a decade later, their reunion came with some difficult conversations. Skirka wanted to win. But his program was under-resourced. He had one paid assistant coach in 2018. Yantko listened to his concerns and took action. The AD asked all of his coaches to divide their needs into three categories — one thing they needed at that moment, one thing they needed in 24 months and one thing they needed long term but had never felt empowered to request. Yantko went to work. For baseball, the athletic department added $750,000 over two years to its operational budget. It hired two assistant coaches and updated the weight room. It repurposed space in the football stadium to provide a meeting area for Skirka and a team room for his players. The school provided access for baseball players to nutrition and recovery efforts. For years, Murray State players took batting practice outside at Johnny Reagan Field in the winter. When the temperature dipped below 30 degrees, the Racers piled on layers of clothing. Yantko and Skirka partnered to help deliver an indoor hitting facility. 'Is it what other teams here are hitting in?' Skirka said. 'No. But it's good enough for us to get better. Those little things go a long way. Little by little, every year, we just try to keep this thing rolling.' All of it, Yantko describes as a 'strategic investment.' 'We put Dan in a position to win,' Yantko said. 'He's the type of guy I want to invest in.' Yantko sees in Skirka a reflection of Murray State. 'We're going to be a place that punches above our weight class,' he said. No Murray State baseball players receive cash via NIL deals. They're eligible for cost-of-attendance stipends, capped at less than $6,000 per year, and academic financial aid through the NCAA v. Alston case. Few, if any, programs in the Missouri Valley will offer baseball players a cut of revenue-sharing dollars made possible by the House settlement. They do receive scholarships. And in upcoming years, Murray State aims to fund more than the previous limit of 11.7 — though nowhere close to the 34 scholarships now allowed under the settlement terms. Advertisement Still, the Racers flock to praise Skirka. Multiple players at Murray State said the coach saved their careers. Senior right fielder Dustin Mercer suffered a broken wrist early in his career. Senior center fielder Jonathan Hogart, who's hitting .339 with 22 home runs, endured an injury while at Louisiana Tech in 2023. Both players said they considered giving up baseball before they came to understand the faith that Skirka placed in them. 'That belief in me makes me rise to the occasion,' Mercer said. Shelton, the Walters State coach, learned everything he needed to know in a short time about Skirka. He recommended Skirka for the job at Murray State in 2018. Pick someone else at your own risk, Shelton warned. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿, @dskirka 🏆#GoRacers🏇 | @NCBWA — Murray State Baseball (@RacersBaseball) June 13, 2025 'There's nothing you can say that's bad about him,' Shelton said. 'He's great with the players, great with the parents, he's a great evaluator. I don't know if I've ever met anyone who's met Dan who didn't like him.' Shelton plans to fly to Omaha to watch Skirka and the Racers on Monday in their second CWS game against Arkansas or LSU. Ward, the retired athletic director, has kept a close eye on Murray State through this postseason. He said he marvels at the composure shown by Skirka's players in intense moments. They never look rattled. At times during his ascension at Murray State, Skirka said he reached out via text message to Ward to offer a message of thanks for his faith seven years ago. 'You hired a juco assistant,' Skirka said he once reminded his old boss. 'You weren't a juco assistant,' Ward replied. 'But that's what I was,' Skirka reminded Ward. A juco assistant no more, he ranks as one of the best coaching stories ever on the biggest stage in college baseball.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ex-NBA Player Makes Bold Claim About Nikola Jokic's Superstar Status
Ex-NBA Player Makes Bold Claim About Nikola Jokic's Superstar Status originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The season came to an unfortunate end for the Denver Nuggets, as they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games in the Western Conference semifinals. Some around the NBA were surprised the Nuggets made it as far as they did, considering they fired head coach Michael Malone just days before the end of the regular season. Advertisement Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic did his best to carry the Nuggets to the Conference Finals, especially with injuries to Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon, but ultimately ran out of gas down the stretch. Mar 8, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) attempts to dribble past Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins (0) in the third quarter at Oracle Arena.© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Ex-NBA player makes bold claim about Nikola Jokic Former NBA players DeMarcus Cousins and Chandler Parsons were discussing what makes someone a superstar on Run It Back on FanDuelTV, and some Nuggets fans might not agree with Cousins' take. "Obviously, it's the on-court performance. I think that's the No. 1 thing," Cousins said. "Are you marketable? Can the league sell you? Do people like you? Global impact as well. Once you start having that global impact, obviously, you're going to that superstar status. Advertisement "As great as Jokic is, you can't sell him. You can't market him. He's not this great personality. I had the opportunity to be teammates with him. He doesn't care about the spotlight. He doesn't want to be that type of guy." Many might disagree with Cousins regarding this topic, particularly on the fundamental level of what defines a superstar. It's hard not to consider a five-time All-NBA First Team member and three-time Most Valuable Player award winner a superstar. While Jokic might not be hosting his own podcast anytime soon, that shouldn't exclude him from the conversation about superstars. The Nuggets will likely have an interesting offseason as they look to keep their championship window open and surround Jokic with more reliable pieces. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
NBA mock draft: Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go 1-2. What happens next?
NBA mock draft: Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go 1-2. What happens next? Show Caption Hide Caption Jeremiah Fears enters NBA Draft as one of the youngest prospects Former Ohlahoma star Jeremiah Fears chats with Bryan Kalbrosky about being one of the youngest prospects entering the NBA Draft. Sports Seriously Sure, the 2025 NBA Finals is drawing all the attention, but looming in less than two weeks is the NBA draft. That means that teams across the league — even the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder — are putting the final touches on their draft boards as they sort out needs and the best available players. And while it seems like there's a consensus atop the board, with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper the likely selections at No. 1 and No. 2, it's anyone's guess what happens as the draft unfolds. Here's a look at USA TODAY Sports' NBA mock draft two weeks out from the NBA draft on June 25-26: (Age listed is age at time of the draft; for U.S. college players, height (without shoes) and weight taken at NBA draft combine) 2025 NBA mock draft 1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7¾ , 221, 18 years old 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.4 spg, 1.4 bpg, 48.1% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 84% FT The do-it-all young star led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg, who added more muscle since the start of the year, is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He led Duke to an impressive season, which includes the ACC regular-season title, ACC tournament title and Final Four appearance. He had 30 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a regional semifinal victory against Arizona and 16 points and nine rebounds in a regional final against Alabama. Flagg had 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals in a Final Four loss to Houston. 2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, Rutgers Freshman, guard, 6-4½ , 213, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.4% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 75% FT The lefty stroke will remind some of Jalen Brunson, but Harper has far more size at 6-6 and tremendous length with a wingspan of 6-foot-10. Harper's best asset at the next level might be his versatility to run point and play off the ball. In Rutgers' lone Big Ten tournament game, Harper had 27 points (9-for-21 shooting), eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a double-overtime loss to Southern California. 3. Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, Baylor Freshman, guard, 6-4, 193, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.6% FG, 34% 3PT, 78.2% FT The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke. 4. Charlotte Hornets: Ace Bailey, Rutgers Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7½ , 202, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 bpg, 46% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. 5. Utah Jazz: Tre Johnson, Texas Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 190, 19 2024-25 stats: 19.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 42.7% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 87.1% FT Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim. He had three 30-point games in the past two months, including 39 against Arkansas on Feb. 26. He had 23 points and six rebounds in an NCAA Tournament loss to Xavier. 6. Washington Wizards: Kon Knueppel, Duke Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5, 219, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.7 apg, 47.9% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 91.4% FT He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange, take care of the ball and is money on free throws. In the ACC tournament, Knueppel averaged 21 points (28 against Georgia Tech) and shot 48.6% from the field, stepping up with Flagg injured. He averaged 20.5 points and shot 11-for-22 from the field (4-for-6 on 3s) in two regional games. He had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists in an Elite Eight victory against Alabama, and 16 points and seven rebounds in a Final Four loss to Houston. 7. New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma Freshman, guard, 6-2½, 180, 18 2024-25 stats: 17.1 ppg, 4.1 apg, 4.1 rpg, 1.6 spg, 43.4% FG, 28.4% 3PT, 85.1% FT Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there. Fears scored a season-high 31 points and added five assists and four rebounds in a win against ranked Missouri. Fears had a strong SEC tournament, producing 29 points, six rebounds and five steals plus five turnovers in a victory against Georgia and 28 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals (just one turnover) in a loss to Kentucky. He generated 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in a NCAA Tournament first-round loss to UConn. 8. Brooklyn Nets: Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois Freshman, guard, 6-4¾, 205, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 84.5% FT Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s, and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone. He struggled offensively at the end of the season, shooting 32.5% from the field and committing 24 turnovers in the final four games. He had 16 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament victory against Xavier. 9. Toronto Raptors: Khaman Maluach, Duke Freshman, center, 7-0½, 253, 18 2024-25 stats: 8.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 71.2% FG, 76.6% FT Playing about 20 minutes per game, Maluach is a mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a great aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. In four NCAA Tournament games, Maluach, who played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averages 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shoots 86.9% from the field (20-for-23) and had 14 points and nine rebounds in Elite Eight victory against Alabama. He struggled to make an impact in the Final Four loss to Houston with just six points and no rebounds. 10. Houston Rockets: Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina Sophomore, forward, 6-6½, 239, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.4 agp, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 58.6% FG, 26.5% 3PT, 70.7% FT Although he's a bit undersized for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim and was the SEC's No. 3 rebounder. Murray-Boyles had 35 points and seven rebounds against Arkansas late in the regular season and had 20 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to Arkansas in the SEC tournament. 11. Portland Trail Blazers: Carter Bryant, Arizona Freshman, forward, 6-6½, 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg, 46% FG, 37.1% 3PT, 69.5% FT The athletic forward provides a solid combination of strength and fluidity. He has lateral quickness to stay in front of the ball and the ability to block shots. He can still improve on his technique as a finisher and in scoring efficiency. He will get an increased opportunity to impress scouts and executives at the draft combine if he enters the draft. Bryant scored 12 points and collected five rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes in a victory against Akron in the NCAA Tournament. 12. Chicago Bulls: Derik Queen, Maryland Freshman, center, 6-9¼, 248, 20 2024-25 stats: 16.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 52.6% FG, 76.6% FT An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor. Queen had 27 points, five rebounds and two steals in a Sweet 16 loss to eventual champion Florida. 13. Atlanta Hawks: Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Forward, 6-10, 198, 18 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg, 51.6% FG, 27% 3PT, 70.5% FT The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up. 14. San Antonio Spurs: Asa Newell Freshman, forward, 6-9, 224, 19 2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.3% FG, 29.2% 3PT, 74.8% FT Based off of his size, Newell wouldn't appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season, however, he had 20 points and eight rebounds in a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Gonzaga. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder: Danny Wolf, Michigan Junior, forward-center, 6-10½, 252, 21 2024-25 stats: 13.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.4 bpg, 49.7% FG, 33.6% 3PT, 59.4% FT The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA. Wolf had 21 points and 14 rebounds against Maryland in the Big Ten tournament semifinals and shot 52.9% from the field as the Wolverines won the conference tourney. He had 20 points and six rebounds in a NCAA regional semifinals loss to Auburn. 16. Orlando Magic: Egor Demin, BYU Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 199, 19 2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston. In three NCAA tournament games, he averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.7 rebounds and was 15-for-35 from the field. 17. Minnesota Timberwolves: Liam McNeeley, UConn Freshman, forward, 6-6¾, 215, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 38.1% FG, 31.7% 3PT, 86.6% FT What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth, natural shot and knack for drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He bounced back since suffering an ankle injury New Year's Day that had sidelined him for a few weeks. McNeeley struggled with his shot at times down the stretch. In a Big East tournament loss to Creighton, McNeeley had 13 points on 6-for-20 shooting (0-for-5 on 3-pointers), and in his final eight games before the NCAA Tournament, he shot 34.1% from the field and 28.2% on 3s. In two NCAA Tournament games, he was 8-for-29 from the field, including 3-of-16 on 3s. 18. Washington Wizards: Thomas Sorber, Georgetown Freshman, forward-center, 6-9¼, 263, 19 2024-25 stats: 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.0 spg, 53.2% FG, 72.4% FT The standout freshman required surgery to repair a foot injury suffered Feb. 15 and missed the rest of the season. That could alter his plans for the draft, but Sorber is a stellar inside threat who's just as comfortable cutting to the basket on pick-and-rolls as he is backing down opponents. His rebounding and rim protection will make him an asset, as he continues to grow into his frame. 19. Brooklyn Nets: Jase Richardson, Michigan State Freshman, guard, 6-0½, 178, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 49.3% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 83.6% FT Richardson improved as the season progressed and turned into the Spartans' steady hand with the basketball as a shooter (inside and out) and facilitator. He is an active defender with surprising bouts of athleticism. He also has a knack for collecting rebounds, big plays and poise under pressure. He had an up-and-down NCAA Tournament in four games – 5-for-11 shooting and 15 points against Bryant, 1-for-10 shooting against New Mexico, 20 points on 6-for-8 shooting against Ole Miss, and 4-for-13 shooting against Auburn. 20. Miami Heat: Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Guard, 6-6, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.2 spg, 45.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 72.7% FT He's just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect. 21. Utah Jazz: Joan Beringer, KK Cedevita (Adriatic League) Forward-center, 6-10, 230, 18 2024-25 stats: 5.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 61.5% FG, 58.4% FT Beringer has gained traction among NBA scouts and executives as a mobile big man who can run the pick-and-roll as a screener on offense and guard the pick-and-roll. He doesn't have a lot of experience but his potential, especially as a rim protector, has made him a first-round prospect. Another player who has improved throughout the season. 22. Atlanta Hawks: Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France) Guard, 6-4, 175, 19 2024-25 stats: 12 ppg, 4.8 apg, 1.9 rpg, 40.9% FG, 31.4% 3PT, 72.8% FT Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He's quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers before being waived in February. 23. Indiana Pacers: Will Riley, Illinois Freshman, forward, 6-8¼, 186, 19 2024-25 stats: 12.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 43.2% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 72.4% FT Great size for a shooting guard who can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many, looks for offensive rebounds. His shot is a work in progress but the mechanics are there and he improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. He shot 37-for-72 (51.4%) from the field and averaged 16.3 points in the Illini's final six games. 24. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nique Clifford, Colorado State Fifth-year graduate season, guard, 6-5¼, 202, 23 2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 49.6% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 77.7% FT Clifford is a versatile wing who does a lot of things – scoring, rebounding, passing and defending. He has a quick burst on drives to the basket and can finish with force or finesse. He logged big minutes for Colorado State and was excellent in the Rams' final six games before the NCAA tournament, posting 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 60% from the field, including 54.8% on 3s. He had 36 points against Boise State at the end of the regular season and recorded two double-doubles in the Mountain West tournament. Clifford had 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in an NCAA tournament second-round loss to Maryland. 25. Orlando Magic: Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph's Junior, forward, 6-8¼, 232, 20 2024-25 stats: 14.75 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 1.4 spg, 1.3 apg, 53.1% FG, 39% 3PT, 74.3% FT Fleming is a mobile forward who plays a physical game and has strong footwork to finesse his way around defenders. He likes to get easy buckets in transition, his 3-point percentage in nearly five attempts per game is encouraging and he is valuable in pick-and-rolls as the screener. Defensively, he deflects passes and can protect the rim. Fleming averaged 18.8 points and 7.7 rebounds and shot 58.9% in the last six regular-season Atlantic 10 Conference contests. 26. Brooklyn Nets: Noah Penda, Le Mans (France) Forward, 6-8, 225, 20 2024-25 stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.3 spg, 45.8% FG, 34.7% 3PT, 67.9% FT A solidly-built wing, Penda may not be the most explosive athlete, but he has flashed excellent footwork in the low block, has steady enough ball-handling abilities and can knock down 3s with relative efficiency. Penda has also shown that he can move well without the ball, often slashing through a defense on cuts for easy buckets. Improved as a shooter and scorer as the season progressed. 27. Brooklyn Nets: Walter Clayton Jr., Florida Senior, guard, 6-2, 199, 22 2024-25 stats: 18.3 ppg, 4.2 apg, 3.7 rpg, 1.2 spg, 44.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 85.7% FT Named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, Clayton had 34 points in the national semifinals against Auburn and 11 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the championship victory against Houston. He also scored 30 points in a regional final against Texas Tech and was 21-for-42 from the field in the Gators' final three games. Has range on 3-point shots and can shoot off the dribble or pass but needs to improve as a playmaker and defender. 28. Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain) Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19 2024-25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 41% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 73.9% FT One of Europe's top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He's still raw. 29. Phoenix Suns: Kam Jones, Marquette Senior, guard, 6-5, 205, 23 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 5.9 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.4 spg, 48.3% FG, 31.1% 3PT, 64.8% FT All-Big East first-team selection, Jones is a strong, physical guard who can finish on drives to the rim, possesses solid footwork and isn't afraid of contact. He improved as a playmaker/passer this season and is a solid rebounder with at least 10 five-plus rebound games. The left-hander had a dip in his 3-point shooting percentage this season but has shown the ability to make them off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots as a career 37% shooter from deep. Jones was solid in the Big East tournament with 28 points (11-for-22 shooting, 5-for-10 on 3s), five assists and four rebounds in a victory against Xavier and 24 points (3-for-12 on 3s) and seven rebounds in a loss to St. John's. He had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a NCAA tournament first-round loss to New Mexico. 30. Los Angeles Clippers: Drake Powell, North Carolina Freshman, guard-forward, 6-5¼, 200, 19 2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg, 48.3% FG, 37.9% 3PT, 64.8% FT Active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical and versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court, launch catch-and-shoot 3s and go one-on-one in the halfcourt. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn't possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential. Was an efficient scorer in limited opportunities and can be a solid rebounder from the perimeter.
