By every measure this is an extremely strong freshmen class that will have many one-and-done players. It is a deep class that is loaded with talent at every position.
Today I want to highlight eleven freshmen who are flying under the radar but who have a chance to make it to the NBA. These prospects might not be one and done candidates but are names to know for future draft classes. In this very deep draft there will be plenty of talented players who choose to stay in school rather than risk going undrafted. This list is full of players who might
11 Underrate Freshmen
Savo Drezgic – PG – Georgia (Serbia) – A consummate point guard, the 6-4 Drezgic joins a young and talented Georgia team and could surprise to the upside. He’s not a household name but he’s a highly talented player who really knows how to run an offense. He’s got the size for the pro game, is a very crafty/heady player and his stock is pointing up.
Josiah Moseley – SF – Villanova – Of all the prospects on this underrated freshmen list Moseley probably has the most upside and the best chance to be a breakout player this year and a possible one and done. He’s an electric open court athlete who plays a confident and aggressive game. He’s got the requisite size for the NBA and has all the physical tools. His arrow is pointing up and he could surprise a lot of people this year.
Jackson McAndrew – PF – Creighton – A versatile 6-9 forward with a really nice outside shot, McAndrew was a top 40 recruit who really rose up the rankings during his senior year of high school. He’s probably not a one and done prospect but should come in and have an instant impact for the Blue Jays. He’s got a picture perfect jumper and is lethal from 3pt. range. He’ll have to add a lot of strength and weight for the pro game and so could be a few years away from making the jump to the league.
Dominique Diomande – SF – Washington (Ivory Coast) – Diomande brings his game to the U.S. and should have an immediate impact for the Washington Huskies. He’s an athletic 6-6 wing with great physical tools and an emerging game. He’s not a big name but he’s got a lot of game.
Julius Halaiffonua – C – Georgetown (New Zealand) – Halaiffonua is a mountain of a man who also has nimble feet, good hands, passing instincts and a very polished game for a young big. He should impact the college game in year one thanks to his great size and strength, and he could be a year or two away from being NBA draft ready.
Alier Maluk – C – Florida State – Maluk is a very intriguing big man with a quickly expanding offensive game. He’s a lanky 6-11+ player with good mobility and a lot of length. He’s still growing into his frame and developing his coordination and he’s not likely a one and done but the future is bright for Maluk.
Morez Johnson – C – Illinois – Johnson is a talented player with a very bright future who might get buried on a very deep and talented Illinois team. At 6-9, maybe pushing 6-10, Johnson is a sturdy post player with good hands, a nice back to the basket game and the ability to impact the glass on both ends. He’s a good but not great athlete who is better guarding in the post then getting caught out in space. He’ll be a multi-year college player but has a chance to develop his game into a NBA level player.
Daniel Jacobson – C – Purdue – No-one is going to replace the impact and production of Zach Edey but Purdue brings in a very talented center prospect in 7-3 Daniel Jacobson who should have an immediate impact for the Boilermakers. Jacobson has come on strong over the past 12 months and has put his name in the mix for future NBA drafts.
Oswin Erhunmwunse – PF/C – Providence (Nigeria) – A well built big man who should step in and provide valuable minutes in year at Providence. He’s a strong and athletic 6-9 center who excels on the boards and doing the dirty work. I can see him developing into a Bo Outlaw type of NBA player, after a few years in school.
Darren Harris – SG – Duke – Duke freshmen aren’t often under the radar but with so many other talented players in the class Harris hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves. The minutes probably won’t be there in year one but look for him to show some flashes of his scoring ability this year and step into a bigger role as a sophomore.
Damarius Owens – SF – Marquette – Owens is a big time athlete with a developing skillset. He’s not likely a one and done candidate but he’s got a lot of upside to grow into. I’m really curious to see how he adjusts to the college game this year and to watch his development over the coming years.
Here’s my latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft and a look ahead to 2026
Thanks for reading!