8 Mid-Major Stars Poised for NBA Draft Success in 2025

The college basketball landscape is heating up, and NBA scouts are already looking beyond the power conference standouts to identify hidden gems from mid-major programs. With the transfer portal reshaping rosters and creating new opportunities for players to showcase their talents, several mid-major stars are positioning themselves for the 2025 NBA Draft. 

Basketball fans interested in these rising prospects can place wagers on their future success. With the latest sportsbook options that offer specialized markets for draft positions and player futures, this has never been easier. Bettors get to enjoy detailed college basketball analytics and draft projections that allow them to make informed decisions when backing their favorite prospects. 

Miles Byrd (San Diego State)

Byrd is drawing attention as a potential defensive stopper at the next level. While his outside shooting remains inconsistent, his exceptional defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability (particularly impressive for a guard) have earned him comparisons to defensive specialists like Dyson Daniels and Matisse Thybulle. Scouts project him as an early second-round pick if he can demonstrate even modest improvement in his perimeter shooting.

Cedric Coward (Washington State, committed to Duke)

Coward has skyrocketed up draft boards after an unconventional journey starting at D-III before transferring to Eastern Washington and then Washington State. Despite a shoulder injury limiting his playing time last season, Coward showcased his potential by hitting nearly 40% from deep on four attempts per game. His remarkable development trajectory and commitment to Duke (should he return to college) has scouts projecting him as a potential lottery pick.

Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph's)

Fleming brings intrigue as a throwback tweener forward. Though listed at 6-foot-9, his actual height may be closer to 6-foot-7, putting him in similar physical territory as Jarace Walker. What makes Fleming special is his combination of ball skills, defensive versatility, and uncommonly long arms, drawing some Draymond Green body comparisons. If his shooting development continues, Fleming could easily rise into first-round consideration.

Nique Clifford (Colorado State)

Clifford has been turning heads with his stellar play to start the season, averaging 20.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting at an incredible 62.7% clip (47.1% from three). The 6-foot-5 wing, who transferred down from Colorado, guided the Rams to a near-second-round upset over Maryland in last season's NCAA Tournament. Despite being older (23) by NBA Draft standards, Clifford's across-the-board improvement suggests he could follow Dalton Knecht's path as a late-blooming prospect.

Danny Wolf (Michigan by way of Yale)

Wolf represents the modern big man archetype that NBA teams covet. Standing at 7 feet tall, Wolf isn't a traditional shot-blocker but brings exceptional passing vision, floor-spacing potential, and surprising ball-handling skills for his size. His lateral movement limitations could be schemed around at the NBA level, potentially making him a unique offensive weapon for teams looking for creative mismatches.

Johni Broome (Auburn via Morehead State)

Broome has established himself as one of the most reliable post players in college basketball. After beginning his career at Morehead State, Broome thrived at Auburn with his defensive presence, rebounding, and efficient scoring. While he may not project as a high-end NBA starter, his NBA-ready size and skill set make him an attractive option for teams seeking immediate frontcourt depth in the late first to early second round.

Bennett Stirtz (Drake, transferred to Iowa)

Stirtz knows how to make the net dance, averaging 19 points on impressive 50/40/80 shooting splits for Drake last season. The 6-foot-4 guard's pure shooting touch makes him a valuable commodity in today's NBA, where floor spacing is at a premium. While he may not possess elite athleticism, his ability to shoot off movement and create his own shot gives him clear NBA potential. Scouts currently project him as a late second-round prospect who could rise with a strong showing at Iowa this season.

Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida via Iona)

Clayton Jr. has proven his talents translate to the highest level after developing at Iona under Rick Pitino. The former MAAC Player of the Year exploded onto the national scene with Florida, leading the Gators to the Final Four with his dynamic scoring and playmaking. At 6-foot-3, Clayton Jr. combines an elite shooting touch with the ability to create his own shot and make plays for others. His impressive NCAA Tournament showing demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, boosting his draft stock into the late lottery to mid-first round range.