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USA Today
12-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA mock draft: Who ESPN has OKC Thunder selecting after March Madness
2025 NBA mock draft: Who ESPN has OKC Thunder selecting after March Madness After Florida won the national championship over Houston, the college basketball world will shift its focus from March Madness to the NBA draft. The NCAA Men's Tournament allows for the best college prospects to shine on the year's biggest stage. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, it'll be another draft cycle they could own several first-round picks depending on how the lottery shakes out. They have their hands inside several cookie jars with the highest upside swings being the Philadelphia 76ers' top-six protected pick and the LA Clippers' first-round swap rights. After the Gators captured the championship, ESPN's draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo released a 2025 NBA mock draft. The playoffs are around the corner, but for 14 teams, their next big date will be the draft lottery. They froze the standings for this exercise. This means the Thunder only had two draft picks in this upcoming draft. Here's who Givony and Woo have mocked to OKC as it hopes to capture a championship: No. 20 (via Clippers): Carter Bryant, Arizona Profile: 6-foot-8, 220 pounds, 19 years old, forward Stats: 6.5 points on 46% shooting, 4.1 rebounds, one assist, one block, 37.1% 3-point shooting, 69.5% free-throw shooting What ESPN said: "Bryant carved out a key bench role in what was a successful freshman season for Arizona. His strong frame, defensive versatility, passing and 3-point marksmanship (37.6%) make him an appealing developmental target for NBA teams, despite his limitations as a ball handler. Bryant will have an opportunity to help his case in predraft workouts, where his shooting and athleticism should stand out. He's not quite NBA-ready, but his profile could rise over the next couple of months. He would be a solid addition to Oklahoma City's deep roster at this stage of the draft." No. 45 (via Hawks): JT Toppin, Texas Tech Profile: 6-foot-9, 225 pounds, 19 years old, forward Stats: 18.2 points on 55.4% shooting, 9.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.9 blocks, 32.7% 3-point shooting, 67.6% free-throw shooting
Fox News
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
2025 NBA Draft: Which lottery hopeful is the best fit for Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg had a remarkable freshman season at Duke. On a Blue Devils team that claimed a No. 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Men's Tournament and reached the Final Four, Flagg showcased his ability to be a leading source of offense — attacking the rack, playing in isolation and boasting a respectable perimeter jumper. He also wreaked havoc on the defensive end, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 48.1/38.5/84.0. Flagg ended the season with ACC All-Defense honors and was named the ACC Player of the Year. Unfortunately for Flagg, his freshman campaign ended in cataclysmic fashion, as Duke blew a six-point lead in the final minute of play against Houston in the Final Four. Flagg will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While the lottery balls will determine who picks where, Utah, Washington, Charlotte, New Orleans and Philadelphia currently own the league's five worst records. That said, here's how the aforementioned lottery teams rank as fits for Flagg. The Hornets have a lot of compelling young players, but they continue to be a franchise going nowhere. Getting Flagg could be the pickup that finally turns the tide for Charlotte. LaMelo Ball is an All-Star caliber scorer; Brandon Miller has the sharp offensive skill set to be a building block; Mark Williams is a productive, young center. Still, the Hornets haven't won 30 games in three seasons. Upon joining Charles Lee's rotation, Flagg wouldn't be relied on to play hero, as Ball is accustomed to taking on the scoring burden and Miller has displayed the ability to shoot and score with consistency. Flagg letting the game come to him, forcing the issue at the rim and gradually getting acclimated would give the Hornets a potentially potent trio to build around in Flagg, Ball and Miller. The soon-to-be rookie forward could be the oomph that the Hornets need. What puts Charlotte at the bottom of the best fits for Flagg, though, is forward Miles Bridges also being under contract for the next two years (potential forward logjam with Flagg) and the Hornets potentially feeling that using their top draft pick to trade for a substantial veteran enhancement is more worthwhile than continuing to add rookies. The Sixers are the biggest disappointment in the NBA this season, but if they land the first overall pick or trade up to get it, Flagg creates a fascinating situation regarding their future. At first glance, adding star talent to a roster that already includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George stands out. Flagg would be, at least, a tertiary source of offense and potentially serve as Philly's sixth man in a role where he plays 30 minutes a night. Given the chronic health concerns with Embiid and George, Flagg's scoring knack gives the 76ers tremendous frontcourt depth. There's another way this could play out: Philadelphia drafts Flagg, makes him and Maxey the co-faces of their franchise and looks to get off of both Embiid and George in trades. If they're able to move one (if not both of Embiid and George), the duo of Maxey and Flagg allows the Sixers to retool, not rebuild, as the 24-year-old Maxey is a proven All-Star-caliber scorer in his own right, and Flagg is built to be plug-and-play. Plus, Quentin Grimes — who has been a loud emergence down the stretch for Philadelphia, averaging 22.6 points per game in his 26 games with the team — could be another long-term piece to the puzzle. Flagg either gives Philadelphia outrageous scoring depth or offers them a chance to regroup for the better in quick order. Of course, the amount of moving pieces that could be part of adding Flagg and the difficulty that comes with moving Embiid and/or George (both injury and contract-related) could get in the way of the Duke star and the Sixers being a smooth fit. From injuries to racking up losses, this season has been a train wreck for the Pelicans. This season leading to Flagg could end up getting them back on track, though. With Brandon Ingram gone (New Orleans moved him at the trade deadline), a potential void exists in the Pelicans' starting five. Granted, a healthy Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones could fill that void. However, the Pelicans could also get Flagg, manage their roster as if he were their franchise player and find a team that's willing to take a chance on the oft-injured Zion Williamson in a trade. In the wake of such a move, Flagg would become the focal point of head coach Willie Green's offense, giving the Pelicans a well-rounded scorer who could be their go-to player in due time. With everybody healthy come next season, Flagg would be accompanied by the versatile Dejounte Murray, a trio of continually blossoming wings in Murphy, Jones and Jordan Hawkins, a veteran scorer in CJ McCollum and an emerging inside force in Yves Missi. All of a sudden, the Pelicans have a core that complements itself and is on the same timeline. However, what stops the Pelicans from being No. 1 or 2 on this list is that a pair of teams have a clear need in their rotation that Flagg fills, whereas his fit in New Orleans is somewhat dependent on moving Williamson. With the amount of wheeling and dealing the Jazz have done over the past three years, it's difficult to get a sense of how they view themselves. And, in the present, they have the worst record in the NBA. Getting Flagg would be a godsend for Utah. Lauri Markkanen has grown into one of the better-scoring big men in the sport in Utah, but his scoring has dipped in each of the past two seasons. Flagg joining the mix takes some of the pressure off Markkanen to manufacture offense and makes Utah's rotation look different for the long haul. Keyonte George has quickly become both a reliable scorer and facilitator; Walker Kessler is a rock in the paint on both ends of the floor; rookie Isaiah Collier has showcased playmaking ability; second-year player Brice Sensabaugh and wing Johnny Juzang have had scoring spurts. In drafting Flagg, the Jazz would get a new face to the franchise who, along with the roster that he joins, gives them reason to at least aspire for a berth in the NBA Play-in Tournament next season. What stops Utah from being the best fit for Flagg is it possibly viewing a Flagg-Markkanen-Kessler frontcourt as too big and/or slowing down its operation. That said, there's a team with a hole that Flagg would emphatically fill. The Wizards are down bad, and need a player to pinpoint as a future star. Enter Flagg. It's not as if Washington doesn't have nice pieces. Rookie and former second overall pick Alex Sarr is a physical specimen on both ends of the floor who's surely a player to build with; Bilal Coulibaly is a scrappy player who's getting more productive; Corey Kispert is a proven shooter; rookie Kyshawn George has had his moments in a high-minute role. But that one franchise player still isn't present. Flagg gives the Wizards their No. 1 scorer. He's the multidimensional scorer who can play in isolation and has the superstar upside that their roster doesn't possess. Flagg can play out his rookie season as their offensive centerpiece, go through the physical grind of being the focus of defensive attention and be better for all the bumps in the road that he encounters in his rookie season. After moving both Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valanciunas — who Washington just signed to a three-year deal in the offseason — at the trade deadline, Jordan Poole, its leading scorer this season, could easily be the next player on the move. One way or another, adding a high-upside scorer is of the essence for Washington, and that player being their first-round pick (Flagg) is both financially ideal and lines up with its timeline. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Fox Sports
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
2025 NBA Draft: Which lottery hopeful is the best fit for Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg had a remarkable freshman season at Duke . On a Blue Devils team that claimed a No. 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Men's Tournament and reached the Final Four, Flagg showcased his ability to be a leading source of offense — attacking the rack, playing in isolation and boasting a respectable perimeter jumper. He also wreaked havoc on the defensive end, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 48.1/38.5/84.0. Flagg ended the season with ACC All-Defense honors and was named the ACC Player of the Year. Unforunately for him, his freshamn campaign ended in cataclysmic fashion, as Duke blew a six-point lead in the final minute of play against Houston in the Final Four. Flagg will likely be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. While the lottery balls will determine who picks where, Utah, Washington, Charlotte, New Orleans and Philadelphia currently own the league's five worst records. That said, here's how the aforementioned lottery teams rank as fits for Flagg. 5. Charlotte Hornets The Hornets have a lot of compelling young players, but they continue to be a franchise going nowhere. Getting Flagg could be the pickup that finally turns the tide for Charlotte. LaMelo Ball is an All-Star caliber scorer; Brandon Miller has the sharp offensive skill set to be a building block; Mark Williams is a productive, young center. Still, the Hornets haven't won 30 games in three seasons. Upon joining Charles Lee's rotation, Flagg wouldn't be relied on to play hero, as Ball is accustomed to taking on the scoring burden and Miller has displayed the ability to shoot and score with consistency. Flagg letting the game come to him, forcing the issue at the rim and gradually getting acclimated would give the Hornets a potentially potent trio to build around in Flagg, Ball and Miller. The soon-to-be rookie forward could be the oomph that the Hornets need. What puts Charlotte at the bottom of the best fits for Flagg, though, is forward Miles Bridges also being under contract for the next two years (potential forward logjam with Flagg) and the Hornets potentially feeling that using their top draft pick to trade for a substantial veteran enhancement is more worthwhile than continuing to add rookies. 4. Philadelphia 76ers The Sixers are the biggest disappointment in the NBA this season, but if they land the first overall pick or trade up to get it, Flagg creates a fascinating situation regarding their future. At first glance, adding star talent to a roster that already includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George stands out. Flagg would be, at least, a tertiary source of offense and potentially serve as Philly's sixth man in a role where he plays 30 minutes a night. Given the chronic health concerns with Embiid and George, Flagg's scoring knack gives the 76ers tremendous frontcourt depth. There's another way this could play out: Philadelphia drafts Flagg, makes him and Maxey the co-faces of their franchise and looks to get off of both Embiid and George in trades. If they're able to move one (if not both of Embiid and George), the duo of Maxey and Flagg allows the Sixers to retool, not rebuild, as the 24-year-old Maxey is a proven All-Star-caliber scorer in his own right, and Flagg is built to be plug-and-play. Plus, Quentin Grimes — who has been a loud emergence down the stretch for Philadelphia, averaging 22.6 points per game in his 26 games with the team — could be another long-term piece to the puzzle. Flagg either gives Philadelphia outrageous scoring depth or offers them a chance to regroup for the better in quick order. Of course, the amount of moving pieces that could be part of adding Flagg and the difficulty that comes with moving Embiid and/or George (both injury and contract-related) could get in the way of the Duke star and the Sixers being a smooth fit. 3. New Orleans Pelicans From injuries to racking up losses, this season has been a train wreck for the Pelicans. This season leading to Flagg could end up getting them back on track, though. With Brandon Ingram gone (New Orleans moved him at the trade deadline), a potential void exists in the Pelicans' starting five. Granted, a healthy Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones could fill that void. However, the Pelicans could also get Flagg, manage their roster as if he were their franchise player and find a team that's willing to take a chance on the oft-injured Zion Williamson in a trade. In the wake of such a move, Flagg would become the focal point of head coach Willie Green's offense, giving the Pelicans a well-rounded scorer who could be their go-to player in due time. With everybody healthy come next season, Flagg would be accompanied by the versatile Dejounte Murray, a pair of continually blossoming wings in Jones and Jordan Hawkins, a veteran scorer in CJ McCollum and an emerging inside force in Yves Missi. All of a sudden, the Pelicans have a core that complements itself and is on the same timeline. However, what stops the Pelicans from being No. 1 or 2 on this list is that a pair of teams have a clear need in their rotation that Flagg fills, whereas his fit in New Orleans is somewhat dependent on moving Williamson. 2. Utah Jazz With the amount of wheeling and dealing the Jazz have done over the past three years, it's difficult to get a sense of how they view themselves. And, in the present, they have the worst record in the NBA. Getting Flagg would be a godsend for Utah. Lauri Markkanen has grown into one of the better-scoring big men in the sport in Utah, but his scoring has dipped in each of the past two seasons. Flagg joining the mix takes some of the pressure off Markkanen to manufacture offense and makes Utah's rotation look different for the long haul. Keyonte George has quickly become both a reliable scorer and facilitator; Walker Kessler is a rock in the paint on both ends of the floor; rookie Isaiah Collier has showcased playmaking ability; second-year player Brice Sensabaugh and wing Johnny Juzang have had scoring spurts. In drafting Flagg, the Jazz would get a new face to the franchise who, along with the roster that he joins, gives them reason to at least aspire for a berth in the NBA Play-in Tournament next season. What stops Utah from being the best fit for Flagg is it possibly viewing a Flagg-Markkanen-Kessler frontcourt as too big and/or slowing down its operation. That said, there's a team with a hole that Flagg would emphatically fill. 1. Washington Wizards The Wizards are down bad, and need a player to pinpoint as a future star. Enter Flagg. It's not as if Washington doesn't have nice pieces. Rookie and former second overall pick Alex Sarr is a physical specimen on both ends of the floor who's surely a player to build with; Bilal Coulibaly is a scrappy player who's getting more productive; Corey Kispert is a proven shooter; rookie Kyshawn George has had his moments in a high-minute role. But that one franchise player still isn't present. Flagg gives the Wizards their No. 1 scorer. He's the multidimensional scorer who can play in isolation and has the superstar upside that their roster doesn't possess. Flagg can play out his rookie season as their offensive centerpiece, go through the physical grind of being the focus of defensive attention and be better for all the bumps in the road that he encounters in his rookie season. After moving both Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valanciunas — who Washington just signed to a three-year deal in the offseason — at the trade deadline, Jordan Poole, its leading scorer this season, could easily be the next player on the move. One way or another, adding a high-upside scorer is of the essence for Washington, and that player being their first-round pick (Flagg) is both financially ideal and lines up with its timeline. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg recommended Get more from College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Fox News
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
2025 NBA Draft early entry tracker, deadline: Maryland big man Derik Queen declares
The 2025 NBA Draft will be here before we know it. On June 25-26, a select group of basketball players will hear their names called in the draft, which will take place in Brooklyn, New York. Some of the top college basketball and overseas talent have already declared their intentions on being selected to play at the highest level. The deadline for athletes to apply for early entry is April 26. They have until June 15 to decide whether they want to withdraw from the draft and uphold their college eligibility. Below is a running tracker of all the biggest names who plan to enter the draft. Check back for updates! Maryland C Derik Queen Maryland's freshman phenom will test his stock in the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10 center announced his intention to enter the 2025 NBA Draft on ESPN's "SportsCenter" on Saturday morning. Queen averaged 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in 36 games for the Terps last season. Oklahoma G Jeremiah Fears Fears is off to the NBA after one season in Norman. This season, the 6-foot-4 guard posted 17.1 points, 4.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 30.2 minutes per contest, while shooting 43.4/28.4/85.1. Oklahoma claimed a No. 9 seed in the 2025 NCAA Men's Tournament before losing to UConn in the first round. UConn F Liam McNeeley McNeeley is leaving Storrs for the NBA after his freshman season. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged a team-high 14.5 points, six rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. McNeeley helped UConn, the defending back-to-back national champions, earn a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated in the second round. The Big East Freshman of the Year was projected to be the No. 10 pick in the most recent mock draft from FOX Sports' John Fanta. Rutgers G Dylan Harper Harper is leaving college after his freshman season. At Rutgers, he displayed a three-level scoring punch and ability to initiate plays and facilitate the basketball. His offensive tool bag is about as polished as it gets for a 19-year-old. He averaged 19.4 points and four assists per game, while shooting 48.4% from the field in his lone season for the Scarlet Knights. While he can still make strides on the defensive side and as a 3-point shooter, Harper could go as high as the second pick in the draft, which is where FOX Sports' John Fanta had him in his latest NBA mock draft. St. John's G RJ Luis Jr. Luis declared for the draft and entered his name in the NCAA men's basketball transfer portal after his junior season at St. John's. He's a strong defensive wing, who can create for himself in the mid-range. He averaged 18.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game and won Player of the Year in the Big East conference. He has NBA appeal and could help a contender right away, but his slow development and lack of a 3-point shot may hurt his draft capital. Oregon C Nate Bittle Bittle declared for the draft while retaining the option of returning to the Ducks for his final year of eligibility. He had a quiet three seasons before breaking out in 2024-25, when he was handed the role of starting center. He led Oregon with 14.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, while earning Big Ten First Team All-Defense honors. Bittle doesn't have many separating qualities on the offensive side, but the chops he showed defensively this past season could help his draft case. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
Fox Sports
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Who are the highest scorers in a Final Four game in NCAA Men's Tournament history?
The Final Four is a huge milestone for any college basketball player. It's one weekend to define an individual and a collective team's destiny on the sport's biggest stage. Illustrious scoring performances can be the catalyst for lifting a team into the national championship. With this year's Final Four beginning Saturday, we took a look back at the players who have scored the most points in the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament. Highest Final Four single-game scorers in NCAA Men's Tournament history T-10. Danny Ferry: 34 points vs. Seton Hall (1989) Though Ferry led Duke to the Final Four in three of his four seasons as a Blue Devil, he never won it all. In his senior season, he scored 34 points and showcased his versatile inside game with post-ups, face-ups and hook shots. In the end, Seton Hall's athleticism and defensive discipline were too much, as the Pirates captured a 95-78 win. T-10. Darrell Griffith: 34 points vs. Iowa (1980) Griffith, a crafty wing, scored 34 points off a flurry of mid-range jump shots and aggressive drives as he helped Louisville earn an 80-72 win in the 1980 Final Four. The Cardinals advanced and went on to win the national championship that season, in a 59-54 rock fight over UCLA. Griffith dropped 23 and was the only Cardinal to break double digits against the Bruins. T-10. Don May: 34 points vs. North Carolina (1967) May was a big man who played with finesse. He danced through the paint to score 34 points off nifty post moves and take Dayton to a Final Four win over UNC. The Flyers, ultimately, lost the championship to Lew Alcindor-led UCLA. 9. Larry Bird: 35 points vs. DePaul (1979) Bird had an illustrious career at Indiana State, averaging 30.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game in his three seasons. Although he never won an NCAA championship, 1979 was the closest he came. After scoring 35 in a two-point win over DePaul in the Final Four, he brought the Sycamores to the title game against Magic Johnson and Michigan State. T-5. Rick Mount: 36 points vs. North Carolina (1969) Mount was one of the best pure scorers of the late 1960s, averaging 32.3 points per game over a three-year career at Purdue. He maneuvered around screens and pulled up from mid-range to drop 36 points against North Carolina and send the Boilermakers through to the national championship game in 1969. Purdue, though, ultimately lost to UCLA. T-5. Jamie Thompson: 36 points vs. UCLA (1965) Thompson wasn't as prolific of a scorer as most of the other players on this list, but he showed out in the semifinal round as a sophomore. In a season in which he averaged just 12.6 points, he popped for 36 in the Final Four against UCLA, though Wichita State did not emerge victorious. T-5. Paul Hogue: 36 points vs. UCLA (1962) Hogue led Cincinnati to consecutive titles in 1961 and 1962. He was a big man with a balanced game, averaging a double-double with a modest 15.3 points to go with 12 rebounds per game. However, he erupted for 36 points in the 1962 Final Four against UCLA. The Bearcats edged the Bruins by two points and advanced to beat Ohio State in the national championship. T-5. Bill Logan: 36 points vs. Temple (1956) Logan was another do-it-all big man who made this list. He pounded in 36 points to help Iowa make the 1956 championship round, but the Hawkeyes ended up losing to San Francisco in a game in which Logan scored just 12 points on 5-of-23 shooting. T-2. Freddie Banks: 38 points vs. Indiana (1987) Over four years at UNLV, Banks developed into a polished, sharp shooting guard. His 38-point performance in the 1987 Final Four was buoyed by a Final Four record 10 made 3-point shots. The Rebels, though, lost 97-93 to Indiana. T-2. Jerry Chambers: 38 points vs. Texas Western/UTEP (1966) Chambers put on a dominant performance, grabbing 17 rebounds to go with his 38 points, but Utah couldn't overcome UTEP in the 1966 Final Four. He was a long wing who lived in the mid-range and had a nice pull-up game. T-2. Jerry West: 38 points vs. Louisville (1959) Before he became one of the best point guards in NBA history, West starred at West Virginia. In his senior season, he averaged 29.3 points and 16.5 rebounds per game. The year before that, his 38 points lifted West Virginia over Louisville, but the Mountaineers fell short of capturing the national title as they lost 71-70 to Cal. 1. Al Wood: 39 points vs. Virginia (1981) Wood was a slick guard for North Carolina, but he wasn't known as a high-volume scorer. He averaged just 11.7 field goal attempts per game over four seasons, with 16 points per game. In his final chance to win a national championship, Wood boosted the Tar Heels into the final with a 39-point outing on 14-of-19 shooting in a 78-65 win over Virginia. UNC was then bested in the title game by Indiana. Check out all of our Daily Rankers . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience College Basketball recommended Get more from College Basketball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
