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The 8 Best Shooting Guards of the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft

Víctor LF - 20 Mar 2025

The next class is loaded with talent and position '2' is no exception, with several players ready to dominate the league in a few months

VJ Edgecombe, one of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft

Numerous rising shooting guards in the NCAA Tournament can further elevate their stock in the draft with outstanding performances. Before that, however, it's important to highlight who the top shooting guards are in the March Madness. Let's analyze the top '2's and the qualities that make them highly promising candidates for the 2025 NBA Draft.

VJ Edgecombe

VJ Edgecombe leads the list, as he has been considered a player capable of going in the top five. Edgecombe's standout attributes as a prospect are his athleticism, defensive ability, and scoring prowess. Edgecombe possesses superb athleticism that he uses on both ends of the floor. He is one of the top defenders in the class, utilizing his athleticism to make standout defensive plays. Edgecombe not only leverages his athleticism on defense but also on offense. Particularly, Edgecombe is an extreme threat in transition, where he can throw down thunderous dunks. Furthermore, he excels at getting to the basket and has improved as a shooter. Undoubtedly, Edgecombe's combination of physical tools and skills makes him the top shooting guard in the NCAA Tournament.

Kasparas Jakucionis

Another player considered in the top five is Illinois' shooting guard Kasparas Jakucionis. Jakucionis boasts a complete set of offensive skills, as he can both facilitate and score. In terms of scoring, Jakucionis can score both on and off the ball and do so at all three levels. Additionally, Jakucionis has excellent court vision, a high basketball IQ, ball-handling ability, and passing skills. He is one of the best playmakers in the class, making him a lethal force on the offensive end when combined with his scoring ability. Although not a strong defender or elite athlete, Jakucionis and his offensive skills place him ahead of other potential shooting guards.

Tre Johnson

Texas' shooting guard Tre Johnson entered the NCAA Tournament as a top-four seed, but that doesn't mean he isn't a top-level prospect that teams will covet. Johnson is undoubtedly one of the best scorers in the class. He can score from anywhere on the court, but excels in the midrange and from three-point range. Additionally, Johnson is specifically one of the best shooters in the class. He has an excellent shooting form, and his free-throw shooting percentage looks good. Moreover, Johnson has showcased his playmaking ability in recent weeks, making him even more dangerous as an offensive player. His scoring talent easily places him as one of the top shooting guards in the class.

Jeremiah Fears

Although Oklahoma's shooting guard Jeremiah Fears has had an up-and-down season, he has surged again in recent weeks. Fears excels in using his speed and handling to get to the hoop and finish. Additionally, he is a great free-throw shooter when driving into the paint. While Fears is not a consistent three-point shooter, he can knock down shots from midrange and is a good free-throw shooter. Both are indicators that he can improve his three-point shooting. Additionally, Fears has shown his playmaking ability. He needs to clean up his turnovers, but he can be a true facilitator. While not a standout defender, Fears has active hands and can steal the ball. Given his progression, it will be interesting to see how he performs in the tournament.

Jase Richardson

One of the standout draft prospects has been Michigan State's shooting guard Jase Richardson. Richardson has proven to be a reliable and versatile guard who rarely makes mistakes. He scores at all three levels, both with and without the ball. Moreover, Richardson is a capable passer and a connective playmaker. Defensively, Richardson has been a solid defender who reads off-ball actions well. Overall, Richardson is an intelligent and versatile shooting guard who continues to elevate his game. He could be a significant factor in Michigan State going far in the March Madness.

Nique Clifford

Colorado State's wing-guard Nique Clifford has been on an absolute tear in the past two weeks and has fully showcased himself as a first-round prospect. Clifford is an athletic player who leverages his physical gifts on both ends. Offensively, Clifford can score at all three levels, with a significant improvement in his three-point shooting. He can play on and off the ball, though he has demonstrated proficiency with the ball. His athleticism allows him to be a threat in transition or when attacking the basket. Additionally, Clifford has been a capable playmaker for his team. Defensively, Clifford can be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions well. He is also a great rebounder for his size. He is a highly versatile player who will need to be closely monitored in the tournament.

Kam Jones

Marquette's shooting guard Kam Jones is another senior standout who is another impressive shooting guard prospect to watch. Jones has excelled on the offensive end and has been the offensive catalyst for his team this season. He is an effective scorer at all three levels. In past years, Jones played more off the ball, primarily as a three-point shooter. Additionally, Jones is a good playmaker and passer. While not a strong defender, his offensive contributions compensate for those shortcomings. A strong performance in the tournament will help solidify him as one of the top shooting guards in the class.

Labaron Philon

Alabama's shooting guard Labaron Philon rounds out the list of the top shooting guards, as he has shown his excellence as a crafty and defensive-minded guard. Philon is somewhat limited as an athlete. However, he compensates for that limitation with a high basketball IQ and craftiness. Offensively, he uses his ability to break down opponents and find his way to the hoop. He can score inside and from midrange. However, he needs improvement as a three-point shooter. Philon is also a solid playmaker who can make impressive passes. Defensively, Philon is an excellent defender who can stifle opposing guards. He is adept at forcing turnovers or intercepting passes. It will be interesting to see how Philon performs in the tournament, as a strong showing would be a significant boost to his draft stock.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 8 mejores escoltas del próximo Draft de la NBA 2025