NEW YORK – Dreams were realized for 29 players during the second round of the NBA Draft at the Barclays Center, as veteran college players dominated the selections on Thursday night.
Immediate Impact: Veteran College Players Lead Round 2
The second round of the 2025 NBA Draft saw several former NCAA stars hear their names called, with a notable emphasis on experienced college athletes. Among those selected in the 30s were three CBS Sports All-Americans: Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton went to Charlotte at No. 34, Auburn’s Johni Broome was picked by Philadelphia at No. 35, and Kam Jones from Marquette joined Indiana at No. 38.
Key Details Emerge: Notable Picks and Surprises
Other high-profile college stars also made their mark early in the second round. Duke’s Sion James was selected by Charlotte at No. 33, while Arkansas’ Adou Thiero went to the Lakers at No. 36, and Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier was picked by Detroit at No. 37.
The second round took on an international flavor from picks 45-59, as teams opted for lesser-known players with long-term potential.
While the first round often garners the most attention, the second round consistently produces hidden gems. Last year, the Grizzlies’ No. 39 pick, Jaylen Wells, earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, highlighting the potential value found beyond the first 30 picks.
Florida Completes the Trifecta
Florida’s trio of standout guards, who led the Gators to a national championship, were all selected in this year’s draft. Walter Clayton Jr., the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, was picked at No. 18 by the Utah Jazz in the first round. He was joined by Alijah Martin, who went to Toronto at No. 39, and Will Richard, selected by Golden State at No. 56. This marks only the second time in history that Florida has had three players selected in a single draft, a feat last achieved in 2007.
Kentucky Gets Off the Mat
This draft was the first since 2009 where Kentucky did not produce a first-round pick. However, the Wildcats still made their presence felt in the second round. The Phoenix Suns selected sharpshooting wing Koby Brea at No. 41, and the Boston Celtics picked center Amari Williams at No. 46. Additionally, former Kentucky forward Adou Thiero was selected at No. 36 after transferring to Arkansas.
“For years under Calipari, the Wildcats produced a steady stream of lottery picks. The program has turned over a new leaf under coach Mark Pope, who leaned heavily on the transfer portal to construct his first roster.”
Familiar Faces Go Undrafted
Despite the excitement, several notable names from college basketball royalty went undrafted. Among them were Alabama All-American guard Mark Sears, Arizona star Caleb Love, and Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. from St. John’s. According to ESPN, Love is expected to sign a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
It is anticipated that many undrafted players will compete in the summer league next month, striving for roster spots or two-way contracts.
What Comes Next
As the dust settles on the 2025 NBA Draft, teams and players alike will pivot their focus to the upcoming summer league, where undrafted talent will have the opportunity to prove themselves. The selections made this year, particularly in the second round, could yield future stars who will impact the league in the years to come.
The NBA’s ever-evolving landscape continues to provide opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds, and the 2025 draft serves as a testament to the depth of talent available in the world of basketball.
