OKC Thunder selects Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer 44th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
The NBA champion OKC Thunder selected Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer with the 44th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday.
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season as a senior. Barnhizer shot 41.4% from the field and 26.6% from deep.
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OKC also selected Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber with the 15th overall pick on Wednesday. Both rookies will now join a team that just won its first championship in franchise history.
Here are five things to know about Barnhizer:
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Barnhizer was raised by athletes
Barnhizer was born in South Bend, Indiana, and he was raised by athletes.
His father, Mark, played basketball at Purdue and Auburn. His mother, Heidi, also played softball at Auburn.
More: OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for Thomas Sorber selection, Kings trade in 2025 NBA Draft
Barnhizer committed to Northwestern as a three-star prospect
Barnhizer averaged 32.7 points per game as a senior at Jefferson High in Lafayette, Indiana. That marked the highest average of any player in the state.
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Barnhizer also averaged 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 3.8 steals and 2.6 blocks. He was rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and the fifth-best player in his state for the Class of 2021.
More: New Orleans Pelicans select Jeremiah Fears No. 7 overall in 2025 NBA Draft
Barnhizer spent his entire college career at Northwestern
Barnhizer gradually became a go-to player for Northwestern throughout the years.
After appearing in 11 games as a freshman in 2021, he played in all 34 games as a sophomore. Barnhizer then earned an All-Big Ten third team selection and a Big Ten All-Defensive team selection as a junior with averages of 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals.
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Barnhizer was poised for a strong senior season. But he only played in 17 games before he was sidelined in February with a broken foot.
More: OKC Thunder selects Georgetown center Thomas Sorber 15th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 29: Brooks Barnhizer #13 of the Northwestern Wildcats dribbles up the court against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 29, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by)
Barnhizer is a standout defender
Barnhizer is a standout defender who averaged 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks last season as a senior before he got injured.
He plays with a strong motor and is able to get into passing lanes. He should fit right in on that end of the floor with the Thunder, which posted a league-best defensive rating of 105.7 during the regular season.
Barnhizer's shooting is still a work in progress. If he can develop that part of his game, he could become a serviceable 3-and-D player at the next level.
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More: OKC Thunder trading No. 24 pick Nique Clifford to Sacramento Kings in 2025 NBA Draft
Barnhizer will likely compete for one of Thunder's three two-way spots
OKC is one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and roster spots are limited as a result.
Barnhizer will likely have to compete for one of the Thunder's three two-way contracts. Those spots were held last season by Branden Carlson, Adam Flagler and Alex Ducas.
More: What to know about OKC Thunder offseason: Draft picks, contracts after winning NBA title
Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder selects Brooks Barnhizer 44th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
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