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NBA mock draft: Rutgers basketball player projections for 2025 NBA Draft

Rutgers basketball hasn't had a player taken in the NBA draft in a considerable amount of time -- let alone a first-round draft pick.

That is expected to be changed come 8 p.m. ET on June 25 when NBA commissioner Adam Silver takes the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and opens up the 2025 NBA Draft.

The headliner of the Scarlet Knights' 2025 NBA Draft class is Dylan Harper, who starred for Rutgers this past season and has garnered high reviews of his skills translating to the NBA game from NBA draft analysts' messaging boards.

Then there is Ace Bailey, who is considered by many to be one of the more complicated prospects on the draft board. A large reason for that is he is the only U.S. prospect who hasn't visited an NBA team facility, declined workout invites from three teams in the top five of the draft, and reportedly didn't perform well in interviews at the NBA draft combine.

So, where are Harper and Bailey expected to begin their NBA careers, and more importantly, how quickly are they expected to come off the board? Here's a look at where Rutger basketball players are projected to go in the NBA draft, according to the latest USA TODAY mock draft:

Dylan Harper: Round 1, No. 2 overall to the San Antonio Spurs

USA TODAY's latest 2025 NBA mock draft has Harper going to the San Antonio Spurs with the No. 2 overall pick, which would pair him with Victor Wembanyama. The 6-foot-6 guard is considered a lock at No. 2 to San Antonio by many NBA draft analysts, taken behind only Duke's Cooper Flagg.

Should Harper be taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft, he will be the first Rutgers player to be taken within the top two picks, according to Basketball Reference.

Here's more on USA TODAY's selection of Harper to the Spurs:

"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."

Ace Bailey: Round 1, No. 4 overall to the Charlotte Hornets

Bailey is the more polarizing of the two Rutgers prospects expected to be drafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. That has less to do with his skills on the court and more with how the NBA draft process has been for him -- or lack of therefore.

On top of being the only U.S.-based prospect who hasn't visited with an NBA team -- which including canceling a visit with the Philadelphia 76ers -- The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey noted on June 22 that NBA scouts have looked at Bailey's immaturity to be "age-appropriate."

Still, Bailey is projected to be taken No. 4 overall to the Charlotte Hornets in USA TODAY's mock draft. This projection is higher than some other mock drafts, like The Athletic's and ESPN's, both of which have Bailey falling to No. 6 at the Washington Wizards.

Here's more on USA TODAY's selection of Bailey to the Hornets:

"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 the season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted."

Rutgers basketball NBA draft first-round pick history

Here's a full breakdown of past Rutgers basketball players who have been taken in the first round of the NBA draft, according to Basketball Reference:

  • James Bailey: No. 6 overall to the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1979 Draft
  • Roy Hinson: No. 20 overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1983 NBA Draft
  • Quincy Douby: No. 19 overall to the Sacramento Kings in the 2006 NBA Draft

2025 NBA Draft order

Here's the full draft order for the first round of the NBA draft following the three-team trade on June 24 that involved the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks:1. Dallas Mavericks

  1. Dallas Mavericks
  2. San Antonio Spurs
  3. Philadelphia 76ers
  4. Charlotte Hornets
  5. Utah Jazz
  6. Washington Wizards
  7. New Orleans Pelicans
  8. Brooklyn Nets
  9. Toronto Raptors
  10. Phoenix Suns (via Houston)
  11. Portland Trail Blazers
  12. Chicago Bulls
  13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento)
  14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
  15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami)
  16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando)
  17. Timberwolves (via Detroit) Minnesota
  18. Washington Wizards (via Memphis)
  19. Brooklyn Nets (via Milwaukee)
  20. Miami Heat (via Golden State)
  21. Utah Jazz (via Minnesota)
  22. Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta Hawks)
  23. New Orleans Pelicans (via Indiana)
  24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers)
  25. Orlando Magic (via Denver)
  26. Brooklyn Nets (via New York)
  27. Brooklyn Nets (via Houston)
  28. Boston Celtics
  29. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland)
  30. Los Angeles Clippers (via Oklahoma City)

Story by: John Leuzzi, USA Today Network
Photo by: Chris Corso







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