The Freshman Revolution: Can the 2025 NBA Draft Class Live Up to the Hype?

Locked On NBA Big Board - NBA Draft Podcast

In this episode of the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast, Rafael Barlowe and Richard Stayman dive into the highly anticipated 2025 NBA Draft class, which is projected to be dominated by a wave of talented freshmen. Unlike recent years where top picks like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and the Thompson twins bypassed college for overseas leagues, the G League, or Overtime Elite, this class could see up to 15-18 first-rounders coming from the collegiate ranks. Barlowe and Stayman debate whether this year's class can meet the lofty expectations and how it stacks up against previous drafts in terms of talent and preseason buzz. They also share insights on Dallas prospects Liam McNeeley and Tre Johnson, who are both projected in the lottery range. Will this class live up to the hype, or will the landscape shift as the season progresses? Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the next generation of NBA stars.