The 2025 NBA Draft was a whirlwind of excitement, surprises, and, inevitably, some notable omissions. As the dust settles, a talented group of players remains undrafted, sparking debates among analysts, fans, and the players themselves. This isn’t just a list of “best of the rest”—it’s a reflection of the evolving priorities of NBA front offices, where scouting, development, and opportunity are constantly shifting. Let’s delve into the most prominent remaining prospects, the reasons behind their omission, and what the future might hold for them.
A Surplus of Talent, a Scarcity of Spots
The NBA Draft is a paradox every year: there’s always more talent than available spots. This year, only 59 picks were made, a consequence of the league penalizing teams for infractions by stripping selections. Meanwhile, scouting efforts have become increasingly global, and teams are prioritizing versatile, projectable talent—often at the expense of college stars with well-earned resumes. Unlike previous years, a notable crop of upperclassmen and proven contributors found themselves without an NBA draft day call. Names like Mark Sears, Caleb Love, RJ Luis Jr., and Ryan Nembhard emerged as both top “best available” prospects and surprising draft snubs.
Undrafted, Not Unwanted: The Top Remaining College Stars
The 2025 class of undrafted players reads like a “Who’s Who” of recent college basketball difference-makers.
Mark Sears (Alabama, Guard)
Mark Sears had a dazzling senior season at Alabama, earning a reputation as one of college basketball’s most prolific scorers. His blend of shot-making, improved playmaking, and defensive tenacity powered the Crimson Tide to deep tournament runs. Sears averaged over 20 points per game, shot over 40% from deep, and led his team both on and off the floor.
So why was he left out? At 6-foot-1 (in shoes), skepticism about his NBA fit centered on his size, ability to defend at the next level, and relative ceiling compared to younger, less proven prospects. NBA teams often chase “tools” and “upside”—the potential for growth over four-year production. Sears may have hit his collegiate ceiling, but that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute right away as a scorer or backup floor general.
Caleb Love (Arizona, Guard)
Caleb Love’s draft odyssey illustrates the modern NBA’s push-pull with college production. A fiery competitor, Love has played under the brightest lights: a Final Four with North Carolina before transferring to Arizona, where he led the Wildcats to a regular season conference title. Love boasts size, scoring versatility, and a knack for big moments.
Ultimately, questions about his efficiency (he’s had streaky shooting years), shot selection, and defensive consistency hounded his draft stock. Teams likely weighed the risk of “unfiltered” Love versus younger guards with clearer roles. Still, his winning pedigree and high-level experience could quickly translate to a rotation spot, if not more.
RJ Luis Jr. (St. John’s, Forward/Guard)
RJ Luis Jr. exemplifies the traits many teams claim to covet: size, switchability, toughness, and an aggressive, attacking style. His transfer to St. John’s, where he became a focal point on both ends, showcased his growth into an all-around player. Luis drew praise for his rebounding and defensive activity, with enough offensive prowess to be a threat as a slasher.
The main impediment? He flew slightly under the radar at times, battling minor injuries and playing for a St. John’s squad that wasn’t top 25 all year. Some scouts saw him as a “tweener”—not quite explosive enough for the 2-guard, not quite big enough for a true 3. But his motor and defensive mentality are tailor-made for the ever-expanding G League and could put him in line for a call-up.
Ryan Nembhard (Gonzaga, Guard)
Nembhard ran one of the most balanced offenses in college basketball at Gonzaga, orchestrating with poise, vision, and adaptability. He’s small, but among the smartest point guards in the country, drawing endless comparisons to recent NBA backup/rotation successes. Nembhard’s feel for the game, passing creativity, and willingness to set the table make him an easy fit for a variety of systems on paper.
Concerns about athleticism, size, and defensive versatility dropped him behind more physical, projectable guards. But his collegiate resume—marked by winning and high efficiency—will give him a long leash with teams looking for floor leadership and secondary playmaking.
Patterns in Snubs: The NBA’s Shifting Priorities
There’s an obvious through-line connecting the draft snubs and those picked in their place: NBA franchises are doubling down on youth, upside, and positional versatility. In practice, this means:
– Younger, less proven international players or freshmen are being selected over well-known upperclassmen.
– Defensive length and the potential for two-way impact are prized over singular offensive skill sets.
– Questions about “positional fit” or “ceiling” can torpedo prospects, even if their production trumps others by leaps and bounds.
In particular, teams looked past college veterans—many of whom would have been late first- or second-rounders in years past—in favor of unproven commodities. It’s a bet that the next “second Giannis” or “hidden Jokic” is lurking in the shadows, rather than a Final Four mainstay.
What Comes Next? The Value of Undrafted Free Agents
NBA summer and fall tell a different story from draft night. Teams sign undrafted free agents to Exhibit 10 contracts, two-way deals, and G League spots, looking to hit on hidden gems outside the 59 drafted names.
Mark Sears, Caleb Love, RJ Luis Jr., and Ryan Nembhard all have the track record, character, and game to stick on an NBA roster given the right opportunity. Teams prioritize their developmental systems—bringing in undrafted players with the intention of molding, not simply discarding. For context:
– Jaylen Nowell, Duncan Robinson, Austin Reaves, and Luguentz Dort all went undrafted and found steady NBA niches.
– G Leaguers and summer league standouts control their own destiny more now than ever.
– Smart organizations use undrafted signings to quietly win the margins.
Beyond that, there’s an international market for players like these. Pro leagues in Europe and Australia offer competitive salaries, visible platforms, and chances to develop, all while NBA scouts watch closely for call-up candidates.
What to Watch For: Sleeper Impact
It only takes one team to believe. The undrafted stars so often make their mark by virtue of hunger, adaptability, and on-court IQ. Each of these athletes brings strong attributes that don’t fade overnight:
– Leadership—Sears and Nembhard directed high-level programs under immense pressure.
– Toughness—Luis Jr. proved capable of guarding up and crashing the glass.
– Confidence—Love’s big-game heroics always make him a danger late in games.
Expect to see them suit up for summer league squads, making the most of showcase minutes. With rapid attrition in the NBA (due to injuries, trades, or fit), overlooked veterans often find themselves playing meaningful basketball soon after draft night heartbreak.
Underrated No Longer: The NBA Legacy of Draft Snubs
What’s clear is that the NBA’s decision-makers moved in concert, placing a premium on upside and projection at the potential expense of proven contributors. This isn’t about a lack of talent; it’s about how talent is framed, valued, and (sometimes) underappreciated.
There’s a bracing reality to consider: in an era where “draft and stash,” “tools over tape,” and “potential over production” command headlines, some of the best stories in the league will always come from players who stubbornly refuse to see themselves as finished products just because 29 teams (and 59 picks) opted to go in a different direction.
A Defiant Chapter Awaits
For the likes of Mark Sears, Caleb Love, RJ Luis Jr., and Ryan Nembhard, the next steps are clear—one workout, one summer league appearance, or one breakthrough camp could vault them into the NBA’s ever-growing tapestry of impact role players.
This draft may not have heard their names called, but their stories are nowhere near finished. In a league obsessed with potential, the most dangerous players of all are those with everything to prove—and the receipts to back it up.
