PHILADELPHIA – Jordan Love didn’t see Zack Baun, but the Philadelphia Eagles linebacker was right where he was supposed to be. 

Baun lined up between the hashmarks and dropped back into coverage as the Green Bay Packers quarterback scanned the middle of the field in Sunday’s wild-card playoff contest. The former New Orleans Saint, who primarily played on special teams before signing with the Eagles on a one-year deal this offseason, had the wherewithal thanks to his preparation and coaching to peel off his man (tight end Tucker Kraft) and pick off Love – who was targeting Malik Heath on an intermediate in-breaking route – near midfield as the Eagles had a 10-0 lead with less than a minute before halftime. 

After the Eagles’ win, Baun called the play “a dream interception.” Not because it was the playoffs or any reason other than it was an example of the freedom and trust he earned from his teammates and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. 

“I think with Vic, you have to earn that type of freedom,” said Baun, who described the interception as a “you take it, you make it” type of play. 

He added: “Because obviously you hit the guy over the ball, that’s a 10-yard gain. … Just people trusting me and me trusting my own abilities … I trusted it and went and got it.”  

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That’s actually a mutual trust between Baun and Fangio – the coach to make the proper calls and the player to execute them – that has developed over the course of the season, which has been “really cool,” Baun said.

“Because it takes a long time for us to figure out the scheme and Vic and the coaches to figure out who we are and what we can do,” he said in a joyful Eagles locker room following their 22-10 victory to set up a date with the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. “So that influences what he can call at certain times.” 

Baun couldn’t pinpoint when he earned that trust. 

“I don’t know,” he said with a laugh. “I just kind of did it. It’s there now.” 

In the process, Baun turned in a 2024 season that landed him on the first-team All-Pro squad at inside linebacker. 

Not bad for somebody who took 27.7% of the Saints’ defensive snaps his final season with the team. 

How Fangio, Eagles unlocked the best of Baun

Not even Fangio could have predicted Baun’s season, even if the longtime defensive coordinator and Denver Broncos head coach from 2019-21 had the sense to move Baun to off-ball linebacker. 

“It’s hard to say … but I think you don’t put any limits on players,” Fangio said. “If you put limits on them, you’ll get limited production. Take them to the ceiling that they can go to.” 

“Obviously he’s had a great year. I think exceeded most everyone’s expectations, probably even himself. But now there (are) no limitations. He’s set a standard for himself. He’s got to show up and do it every week.”

Fangio didn’t want to compare Baun’s campaign to that of other inside linebackers he’s coached, but he said Baun “is playing really good, and we’re thrilled to have him.”

Baun started more games this season (16) than he had in four years with the Saints (14). He equaled his career sack total (2.0) during the season opener in Brazil against the Packers. His sack production fell off from there, but that’s not what Fangio and his teammates need him to do, despite his success in college rushing the passer off the edge (12 ½ sacks in 2019, his final season at Wisconsin). 

He racked up 15 tackles (11 solo) against Green Bay in Week 1 and hit the ground running, fellow inside linebacker Oren Burks said after the wild-card victory over the Packers. 

“Really from the (first) Packers game, he just came out firing away, letting the game come to him, just flowing, being who he is as a playmaker,” Burks said of Baun. 

Baun’s versatility and experience at outside linebacker is a bonus, but Fangio was reluctant to move him there even when the Eagles lost Brandon Graham for the season.

“He’s obviously had a hell of a year,” Burks said. “I feel like that’s a testament to the work that he’s had during his whole career, just finding a great fit here in Philadelphia. It’s been cool to see, like a team guy playing a lot more on defense and taking advantage of the opportunity. He’s worked his (expletive) off and, just really proud of him.” 

The inside linebacker position was a weakness of recent Eagles defenses, and Fangio knew he had to address the position upon his arrival. 

“I tell you what, I’m happy for him, but once he made those first couple big plays for him this year, the sky was the limit for him,” outside linebacker Josh Sweat told USA TODAY Sports. “(I’m) telling you, especially like here, where we’ve been struggling with linebackers over the years – just saying how it is – we couldn’t do it without him.”

Nakobe Dean, a third-round draft pick from 2022, was ready to step into a starting role and was the defensive play-caller on the field with the “green dot” connected to Fangio’s headset. But a knee injury suffered against the Packers last Sunday will cost him the rest of the playoffs. Baun will have to step up and be the liaison between Philadelphia’s 10 other defensive players in action and Fangio. 

Baun referred to Dean as “my brother” and someone who teaches him a lot in addition to being the “ultimate leader of the defense.” 

“To see anyone go down, especially him, it really hurts,” Baun said. 

How much more will the Eagles have to rely on Baun in Dean’s absence?

“(Expletive), man, a little more,” Sweat said. “We’re gonna have people step in, they’re ready to go, you see Oren already. We’d love to have Nakobe for sure, but unfortunately, that’s the way it’s gotta be.”

Burks took over for Dean against the Packers, and Fangio said to expect rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to receive more playing time. 

Burks called Dean the unsung hero of the defense who commanded respect by playing physical ball and helping position his teammates in the right spot. That responsibility now falls to Baun, who has learned Fangio’s team along with the rest of his teammates, which has made the entire unit closer, Burks said. 

“Just a lot of respect for our room, everybody from top down has handled their business,” Burks said. “It’s fun to learn from each other. We’re learning all at the same time.”

For Baun, that meant becoming familiar with Fangio’s coverages as much as he once worked on pass-rush moves. 

“He doesn’t do a lot of exotic fronts or third-down pressures, but a lot of exotic stuff coverage-wise,” Baun said. “That takes a really smart and communicative defense to handle something like that. Then I really think what sets Vic apart is his situational play-calling, and when to call plays, is really good.” 

Baun had his letdowns despite an overall successful year. Fangio would have liked to see him stick with Washington Commanders receiver Jamison Crowder longer in zone coverage on the game-winning touchdown in Week 16 to prevent Jayden Daniels from having such an open window to throw into, for example. 

But without Fangio’s scouting capabilities, Baun may have never had a chance to start in the league. When Fangio evaluates players, he told reporters during the regular season, there are no boxes to check. The 66-year-old evaluates movement patterns and doesn’t hold much regard for league-wide opinions. 

“I trust my own eyes, my own experience and go by that,” Fangio said. “There are a lot of people that want to know what the majority is thinking and take the easy way out, but I’ve never been that guy.” 

Eagles executive vice president Howie Roseman first brought up the idea of signing Baun, but he had a vision for him as a backup outside linebacker and special teams “demon,” Fangio said. 

“After I watched (the film), I said ‘No, I think he’s an inside linebacker,’” Fangio said. “Luckily, it hit.” 

Luck is one minor factor of Baun’s ascension. The pairing with Fangio, the preparation throughout the week and results on the field are other, larger reasons. And Love may disagree, but by being in Philadelphia, Baun became impossible to miss in 2024. 

If one were compile a list of the greatest defensive players in baseball history at each position, the consensus choice in center field would be Willie Mays. But right behind him, Andruw Jones has a very strong case.

His highlight-reel catches, his strong throwing arm and his ability to cover so much ground in the outfield made him one of the cornerstones of a Atlanta Braves dynasty that won division titles in each of his first 10 major league seasons.

Jones, a two-time USA TODAY Minor League Player of the Year, was a phenomenal defender from the moment he reached the majors as a 19-year-old in 1996. He made his mark on a national stage later that season when he hit two home runs against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series.

The Curacao native became a tremendous power hitter in the middle of the Atlanta lineup, hitting 25 or more home runs for 10 consecutive seasons – and driving in at least 90 runs nine times during that span.

By the time he left Atlanta after his age-30 season in 2007, Jones was clearly on a Hall of Fame track with 10 Gold Gloves, five All-Star appearances and a home run title on his resume. But his skills declined precipitously as he bounced around four teams over the next five years and concluded his playing career in 2012 as a part-time corner outfielder and DH.

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The case for Andruw Jones

Jones was an elite player, especially on defense, for his entire 12 seasons in Atlanta. During that time, he hit 330 home runs and put up a .263/.342/.497 slash line.

He had seven seasons of 30 or more homers, including a major league-leading 51 in 2005 – a season in which he won a Silver Slugger award and finished as the runner-up to Albert Pujols in the NL MVP balloting.

But defense is really where Jones excelled. He won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves in center field from 1998-2007 (only Mays won more), and ranks first all-time among outfielders (second overall to Brooks Robinson) in Total Zone Runs above average.

Over his career, Jones produced 62.7 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

The case against Jones

Though he slugged a total of 434 homers in 17 big-league seasons, Jones didn’t quite reach the 2,000-hit mark (1,933) and finished with a career average of .254.

The biggest drawback to his candidacy is that his career declined rapidly after age 30. He was a colossal flop as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008, missing time with an injury for the first time in his career.

Knee problems continued to plague him going forward, severely limiting his once-great defensive skills and making him a liability at the plate. After a brilliant start to his career, Jones added just 1.7 WAR to his total from age 31 to 35.

Voting trends

According to Ryan Thibodaux’s Hall of Fame Tracker, Jones has been named on 74.3% of public votes collected as of Jan. 14.

Now in his eighth year on the ballot, Jones has seen his voting percentages rise steadily since he first became eligible. That seems to bode well for his eventual election as many borderline candidates get a significant push as they approach their final year on the ballot.

2018: 7.3%
2019: 7.5%
2020: 19.4%
2021: 33.9%
2022: 41.4%
2023: 58.1%
2024: 61.6%

Bottom line

Momentum seems to be on Jones’ side as the passage of time has only seemed to bolster his stellar defensive reputation.

While Jones may not make it all the way to the 75% threshold in Year 8, he stands a pretty good chance of being the top returning candidate on next year’s ballot. (Unless Carlos Beltran passes him, but fails to get elected.)

In addition, next year’s class of first-time eligible players doesn’t include any slam-dunk candidates, so Jones could be the player most deserving of enshrinement on the 2026 ballot.

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Malkin, who played Tuesday night in the Penguins’ home game against Seattle, confirmed reports of the robbery and missing rings to The Athletic via text message.

The news was first reported by KDKA-TV’s Jennifer Borrasso.

The Penguins also confirmed reports of the robbery, but declined to go into details.

‘We are working closely with local authorities and team security,’ the Penguins said in a statement. ‘Malkin has requested that his privacy be respected during this time and we will have no further comment on the matter.’

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The robbery occurred at Malkin’s residence in Sewickley Heights, Pennsylvania, per reports.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 NHL draft, Malkin has been a mainstay for the Penguins since 2006. He helped the team to three titles, in 2009, 2016 and 2017. He was named MVP of the 2009 playoffs after he recorded 36 points in 24 games. He also led the playoffs in scoring in the 2017 season.

A spate of robberies targeting athletes’ homes spurred the FBI last month to issue a warning to professional leagues.

Naomi Osaka, ranked just No. 51 in the world after a disappointing 2024 season, shook off a slow start en route to a second-round upset win in the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Osaka rallied past 20th-seeded Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in Melbourne, Australia.

A four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka returned from maternity leave last year and lost in the first or second round of all four major tournaments. The 27-year-old Japan native has not won any event on the WTA Tour since capturing her second Australian Open title to start 2021.

Osaka said getting past Muchova, a 28-year-old Czech player, ‘means a lot. She’s an incredibly difficult opponent for me to play. She crushed me at the U.S. Open when I had my best outfit ever. I was so disappointed. I was so mad.

‘I’m glad I got my revenge. It’s not a bad thing; revenge is competitive. She’s one of the toughest opponents out there.’

Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus powered into the third round, beating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5. Sabalenka came through at the key moments, converting five of her six break-point opportunities and saving eight of Bouzas Maneiro’s 11 break points.

Sabalenka erased a 4-1 deficit in the second set.

‘She played incredible tennis, especially in the second set,’ Sabalenka said of Bouzas Maneiro. ‘I’m really happy I was able to turn around that set.

‘There’s so many players who are playing really well in these conditions … Today’s match proved that. Girls can go there and just play without any fear, without anything to lose. They can put you in really uncomfortable position. You have to go out there and fight and compete and show your best.’

Germany’s Laura Siegemund pulled off a major upset on Wednesday, eliminating fifth-seeded Qinwen Zheng of China 7-6 (3), 6-3.

‘Obviously I’m very happy and very proud of my performance,’ Siegemund said. ‘I expected a very, very tough game against this kind of top player. I think she’s one of the best in the world.’

In other early matches on Wednesday, seventh-seeded Jessica Pegula of the United States got past Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-2; Serbia’s Olga Danilovic thrashed 25th-seeded Russian Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-2; 14th-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva edged Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8); 30th-seeded Canadian Leylah Fernandez overtook Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 3-6, 6-4, 6-4; and 23rd-seeded Magdalena Frech of Poland recovered to beat Russia’s Anna Blinkova 0-6, 6-0, 6-2.

Also advancing to the third round were Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic and Denmark’s Clara Tauson.

Duke Blue Devils freshman Cooper Flagg had a game for the ages, scoring an ACC freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame on 11-for-14 shooting from the field and 16-for-17 from the free throw line. He also had seven assists and six rebounds.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights freshman guard Dylan Harper had at least 20 points in 10 of his first 12 college games, including back-to-back games with 36 points against Notre Dame and 37 points against Alabama before the flu slowed him. Harper’s teammate, freshman Ace Bailey, scored 39 points against Indiana and has four double-doubles in points and rebounds.

They have stood out not only as three of the top freshmen in the nation but are considered the top three picks in the 2025 NBA draft.

Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis has moved up draft boards with his ability to score, pass and rebound.

As college basketball teams dig into conference play, here is the latest USA TODAY Sports 2025 NBA mock draft (statistics through Sunday’s games):

***

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18 years old
2024-25 stats: 19.1 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, 3.9 assists per game, 1.6 steals per game, 1.3 blocks per game, 47.9% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 80.6% FT

Flagg has outstanding footwork, especially in the low post. He can use either hand on shots in the paint, knows how to run plays, can hit catch-and-shoot 3s and is an active weakside defender. Flagg is a physical player who initiates contact, is confident and plays with force when necessary. He scored an ACC freshman-record 42 points against Notre Dame.

2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 19
2024-25 stats: 20.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg, 1.0 spg, 50.7% FG, 35.2% 3PT, 74.7% FT

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.

3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 18
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.1 bpg, 45.5% FG, 35.5% 3PT, 56.4% FT

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.

4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor

Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.4 spg, 41.1% FG, 32.2% 3PT, 71.4% FT

The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring.

5. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
2024-25 stats: 16.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.3 spg, 49.6% FG, 41.4% 3PT, 87.5% FT

Jakucionis is a playmaker – a scorer and passer. He has range with a nice 3-ball, can shoot off the dribble from deep, including on step-back 3s and looks for an open teammate when he draws multiple defenders. Jakucionis sees the court well with savvy passes and likes to get to the rim for layups. But he can be turnover-prone.

6. Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19
2024-25 stats: 11.1 ppg, 5.8 apg, 4.2 rpg, 1.5 spg, 43.1% FG, 29.1% 3PT, 67.6% FT

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern.

7. Kon Knueppel, Duke

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 43% FG, 35.4% 3PT, 91.4% FT

He can ignite an offense with his 3-point shot, thanks to an efficient motion, seemingly always ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. He can also lace shots from midrange and takes care of the ball.

8. Liam McNeeley, UConn

Freshman, forward, 6-7, 210, 19
2024-25 stats: 13.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, 41.1% FG, 35.3% 3PT, 81.6% FT

What McNeeley may lack in fluid athleticism, he more than makes up for with a smooth and natural shot. He also has a quick release and plenty of range to suggest that he should get early minutes. He had just started to find his rhythm, averaging 19.0 points in three contests before he suffered an ankle injury New Year’s Day that will sideline him for a few weeks.

9. Tre Johnson, Texas

Freshman, guard, 6-6, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 47.5%FG, 41.1% 3PT, 85% FT

Johnson is a natural shooter and scorer. He does well when scoring on the move and is a decent playmaker for his size. He still needs to work on his ability to make plays for others. He must also work on his strength and his explosiveness in order to assert himself as a finisher at the rim.

10. Khaman Maluach, Duke

Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 79.1% FG, 77.3% FT

Mobile big who excels in pick-and-rolls and has the hands to catch lobs for easy dunks; soft touch at the rim; shot-blocker/rim protector; active on the offensive glass; will get stronger and has a solid aptitude for the game, learning concepts quickly. Played for South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

11. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 182, 18
2024-25 stats: 16.6 ppg, 4.3 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.9 spg, 46.4% FG, 27.9% 3PT, 84% FT

Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there.

12. Ben Saraf, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Guard, 6-6, 200, 19
2024-25 stats: 11.9 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.2 rpg, 50.4% FG, 30% 3PT, 72.7% FT

He’s just as comfortable knocking down a step-back jumper, finding creases in the paint and dishing the ball with excellent vision. He may need some time to develop as he adjusts to NBA athletes, but his length and size at point guard will make him an intriguing prospect.

13. Nolan Traore, Saint-Quentin (France)

Guard, 6-4, 175, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.4 ppg, 5.3 apg, 2.1 rpg, 32.7 FG%, 21.3% 3PT, 69.4% FT

Traore is a point guard who can score and pass and has court awareness but also a propensity for bad turnovers. He’s quick, can get to the rim and is comfortable taking his defender off the dribble. Needs to work on his shooting efficiency, especially on 3s. His brother, Armel, is on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay Lakers.

14. Asa Newell, Georgia

Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.2 bpg, 1.1 spg, 58.1% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 70.4% FT

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He led all Bulldogs with 17 points in an upset over No. 6 Kentucky, Georgia’s first win against a top-10 team in five years.

15. Noa Essengue, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Forward, 6-10, 198, 18
2024-25 stats: 7.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, 39.2% FG, 63.5% FT

The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up.

16. Drake Powell, North Carolina

Freshman, guard-forward, 6-6, 195, 19
2024-25 stats: 7.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 48.9% FG, 39.5% 3PT, 68% FT

Powell is active on both ends of the court as a shot-blocker and physical, versatile defender, and as a player who likes to run the court and launch catch-and-shoot 3s. Playing on a deep team, especially on the perimeter, Powell doesn’t possess eye-popping offensive stats but his shooting stats reveal his potential.

17. Derik Queen, Maryland

Freshman, center, 6-10, 246, 20
2024-25 stats: 15.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.0 bpg, 55.6% FG, 75.3% FT

An active, physical big man, Queen has a soft touch around the rim with either hand but has a power game, too. He can run the court and handle the basketball well for a power forward-center. He is another potential first-round pick with good hands and footwork and has the mechanics to become a shooter who can stretch the floor.

18. Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina

Sophomore, forward, 6-8, 245, 20
2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.3 bpg, 59.9% FG, 30.8% 3PT, 68.8% FT

Although he’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-8 for a power forward, Murray-Boyles plays with intense effort and determination, which will very quickly please his NBA coaches. He also has plenty of strength to finish at the rim, and is ranked in the top 30 nationally in rebounding at nearly 10 boards per game.

19. Boogie Fland, Arkansas

Freshman, guard, 6-2, 175, 18
2024-25 stats: 15.5 ppg, 5.9 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.7 spg, 41.7% FG, 35.7% 3PT, 81.1% FT

Fland is an aggressive defender, can hit mid-range shots, makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots and attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass.

20. Labaron Philon, Alabama

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 177, 19
2024-25 stats: 12.1 ppg, 4.0 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.3 spg, 51.4% FG, 28.3% 3PT, 68.3% FT

Philon excels in transition with his speed and ability to finish at the rim; is capable on catch-and-shoot 3s but needs work on that part of his game. He’s a heady defender who disrupts opponents with his ability to get steals.

21. Will Riley, Illinois

Freshman, forward, 6-8, 195, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 39% FG, 32.4% 3PT, 71/9% FT

Riley possesses great size and can make 3s and find open teammates. Like many young players, he needs to improve his shot and he has struggled to score in Big Ten games. He looks for offensive rebounds.

22. Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain)

Guard-forward, 6-7, 207, 19
2024-25 stats: 5.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 46.9% FG, 30.4% 3PT, 64.7% FT

One of Europe’s top young NBA prospects, Gonzalez is a versatile wing with the ability to score inside and out. He can handle the basketball, pass and is a surprising shot-blocker. He’s still raw.

23. Alex Karaban, UConn

Junior, forward, 6-8, 225, 22
2024-25 stats: 16.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.7 bpg, 49.1% FG, 43% 3PT, 76.6% FT

After initially declaring for the 2024 draft, Karaban withdrew and opted to return to UConn, where he’s leading the Huskies in scoring. In the NBA, Karaban figures to be more of a complimentary player, with a knack for finding open gaps in a defense. His ability to catch and shoot should translate instantly.

24. Adou Thiero, Arkansas

Junior, forward, 6-8, 220, 21
2024-25 stats: 16.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.0 spg, 60.8% FG, 24% 3PT, 66.3% FT

A quick and athletic leaper, Thiero likes to run the court for easy transition buckets. He is solid off the dribble and attacks his defender on the way to the rim. Thiero gets his hands into passing lanes for deflections and steals. He will need to improve his outside shot.

25. Dink Pate, Mexico City Capitanes (G League)

Guard, 6-8, 210, 19
2024-25-stats: 10.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.6 apg, 42.4% FG, 35.8% 3PT, 76% FT

In his second G League season, Pate has a ton of potential. An athletic wing, Pate flourishes in the open court. He has improved his shot season over season – a positive sign – and is comfortable shooting inside and out.

26. Ian Jackson, North Carolina

Freshman, guard, 6-4, 190, 20
2024-25 stats: 15.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 50.9% FG, 42.7% 3PT, 73.2% FT

An athletic scoring guard, Jackson has a jump shot, likes getting to the rim and uses his quickness in the open court. Has strength and initiates contact. Crafty at the rim in tight spaces.

27. Derrion Reid, Alabama

Freshman, forward, 6-8, 220, 18
2024-25 stats: 8.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 45.7% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 53.1% FT

He’s a versatile forward who plays aggressively to get to his spots when looking to score. He can be a premier player in the class if he improves his skills as a wing player.

28. Michael Ruzic, Joventut (Spain)

Forward, 6-9, 223, 18
2024-25 stats: 4.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 43.8% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 33.3% FT

The Croatian is a talented frontcourt player with clear NBA potential who moves well for his size and can be a smart player on both sides of the ball. Ruzic has been off to a slow start this season and missed some time with a thumb ligament injury but had a solid season in 2023-24 that attracted attention.

29. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

Senior, center, 7-1, 270, 23
2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.76 bpg, 1.1 apg, 66.7% FG, 42.9% 3PT, 69.6% FT

Another player who can be a modern-day NBA big man: runs the court well, knows how to run the pick-and-roll as the screener, finishes at the rim, posts up when necessary and can step out and hit 3-pointers though his attempts are limited. Gets offensive rebounds and is a solid shot-blocker.

30. Rocco Zikarsky, Brisbane (Australia)

Center, 7-2, 227, 18
2024-25 stats: 4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 52% FG, 56% FT

Zikarsky is a 7-footer who possesses decent footwork and is adept in pick-and-rolls. The left-hander hits the offensive glass and uses strength in the low post. He is a capable passer, improving shot-blocker and has good hands.