Every NBA team dreams of finding a future superstar or even just a solid starter in the draft. Typically, these coveted players are lottery picks or early selections, often having been on the radar of scouts and recruiting services like ESPN 100 for years. Prospects such as Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe represent this familiar path.
However, each year brings a few exceptions – players who forge a different route. These individuals weren`t prominent figures in high school basketball; they might have been late bloomers, transfers, or simply overlooked. Through dedication, hard work, and the guidance of supportive coaching staffs, they unlocked their potential and developed into legitimate NBA prospects despite their unranked status.
Beyond physical talent, intangible qualities often play a crucial role in a player`s ascent. Resilience, a strong work ethic, coachability, and competitiveness are characteristics that frequently distinguish good players and help elevate them to greatness. Conversely, lacking these traits can impede development.
The five players highlighted below were not included in high school recruiting rankings. While some received star ratings, they were far from being considered NBA prospects at that stage. Now, they are projected to be selected in the 2025 NBA draft (June 25-26). Here`s a look at the paths they took to reach this point. Projected ranges are based on recent ESPN mock drafts.
Cedric Coward
Projected range: Middle of first round | SG | Washington State
College career: Cedric Coward represents one of the most intriguing and unconventional domestic prospects in this year`s draft class. His journey began at Division III Willamette during the pandemic, where he excelled, averaging 19.5 points as a freshman. A strong performance against Division I Portland led their coach to recommend him to the Eastern Washington staff, where he then transferred.
At Eastern Washington, Coward continued his rapid improvement, earning first-team all-conference honors with averages of 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds. He followed the coaching staff to Washington State, reportedly prioritizing his NBA goal over more lucrative short-term opportunities elsewhere.
His time at Washington State was impactful but brief, cut short by a shoulder injury after averaging 20+ points in three of his first six games. Despite committing to transfer to Duke, a standout performance at the NBA draft combine significantly boosted his stock, altering his plans towards the professional leap.
Scouting report: Coward impressed scouts with his shooting at the combine, excelling in off-the-dribble and star drills. His physical tools (6-6 frame, 7-2 wingspan) and solid career 3-point percentage (39% entering the season) are notable. His strong character and supportive attitude, even while injured, have also been highly praised by his former coaches.
His remarkable rise from an unranked Division III player to a projected first-rounder in just a few years is a compelling story. One NBA scout reportedly views him as a potential top-20 pick, highlighting the impact he made in a short time.
Danny Wolf
Projected range: Middle of first round | PF | Michigan
High school career and recruiting: Danny Wolf played at Lake Forest Academy and later Northfield Mount Hermon. Opposing coaches recognized his skill as a shooter and passer for his size (7-footer). While he received offers from various Division I schools, Michigan was his dream destination. However, they initially offered only a walk-on position.
He chose Yale, where coach James Jones saw his unique combination of height, basketball IQ, and overall ball skills, confidently telling Wolf and his parents that he had NBA potential if he committed to the journey.
College career: Wolf faced challenges early at Yale, seeing limited action and struggling with injuries as a freshman. With support from the coaching staff to build confidence, he broke out in his second season, becoming the Ivy League`s top NBA prospect, averaging 14.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks. Coaches noted his dedication to studying film and learning the game.
Entering the transfer portal, Wolf landed at his dream school, Michigan. He immediately boosted their offense with his playmaking, becoming one of the most effective big men in passing out of ball screens in recent history. He also formed a strong frontcourt duo with Vlad Goldin, another player who developed significantly without high school fanfare.
Scouting report: NBA scouts are intrigued by Wolf`s exceptional passing ability and ball-handling for a 7-footer. He recorded a remarkable number of assists for a big man last season. While he needs to improve defensively, particularly his foot speed, his offensive skill set is seen as a strong fit for modern, spread offenses.
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Projected range: Late first round | C | Creighton
High school career and recruiting: Ryan Kalkbrenner was a well-regarded four-star prospect in high school, just outside the ESPN 100 rankings. Known for his defense, the 6-11 center committed to Creighton, choosing them over notable programs like Stanford, Kansas, and Purdue.
College career: Kalkbrenner participated in USA Basketball after his freshman year and later withdrew from the 2023 NBA draft process to return to Creighton. This proved beneficial, as he became a dominant defensive force in the Big East, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors multiple times. He showed continuous improvement in areas like conditioning, shooting, communication, and defensive versatility. Both Kalkbrenner and his coaches highlighted his connection to Creighton, where he felt supported, and his strong character as a winner and teammate.
Scouting report: With his 7-foot frame and 7-5 wingspan, Kalkbrenner is a legitimate rim protector. He`s also developed into a highly efficient scorer with good touch around the basket and has improved his free throw shooting. His character and leadership are frequently praised. The success of former unranked teammate Baylor Scheierman, who also developed at Creighton and was drafted, further illustrates the program`s ability to prepare players for the NBA. Scouts view Kalkbrenner`s defensive impact and physical profile as a strong asset for the league.
Walter Clayton Jr.
Projected range: Late first round | PG | Florida
High school career and recruitment: Walter Clayton Jr. initially excelled in both football and basketball in high school before focusing solely on basketball, leading his team to state championships. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered live evaluations during his recruitment, leading some evaluators to grade him as a mid-major prospect despite his evident scoring instincts, motor, and winning pedigree. Rick Pitino ultimately offered him a scholarship to Iona.
College career: Clayton thrived at Iona, averaging 16.8 points and earning MAAC Player of the Year honors in his second season. He then transferred to Florida, where his athleticism and shotmaking ability immediately made an impact. He earned second-team All-SEC recognition and played a key role in leading the Gators to the 2025 national title, also being named Final Four Most Outstanding Player. His game reached another level during the NCAA tournament run, demonstrating impressive shooting efficiency, particularly on pull-up and catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.
Scouting report: Florida coach Todd Golden praised Clayton as an exceptional shotmaker, creator, and competitor, highlighting his athleticism, confidence, and leadership as ideal traits for a modern scoring point guard in the NBA. Scouts see similarities to Jalen Brunson in his game, viewing him as a mature, ready contributor. His size, clutch performances, and experience navigating a tough conference schedule enhance his draft appeal. He is projected to be a late first-round pick and is not expected to fall out of the early second round.
Chaz Lanier
Projected range: Second round | SG | Tennessee
Recruiting: Chaz Lanier`s path to the draft is a story of perseverance and timely development. Recruited by North Florida during the pandemic, his evaluation relied heavily on film and background checks. Coaches identified a late bloomer who grew significantly in high school and possessed scoring potential, noting his strong character, work ethic, and family basketball background as key indicators.
College career: Lanier physically matured, developing a 6-9 wingspan. He dramatically increased his offensive production in his senior year at North Florida, averaging 19.7 points after improving his shot mechanics and confidence. Despite considering transferring earlier, he chose to stay and bet on his development, a decision that paid off. His coach highlighted his mental toughness as essential for NBA readiness.
As a graduate transfer, he moved to Tennessee, following a path similar to a successful transfer the previous year. Under coach Rick Barnes, Lanier became one of the nation`s most dangerous shooters, setting a Tennessee record for made 3s and excelling in off-screen situations. He boasts an impressive career 3-point percentage.
Scouting report: Lanier demonstrated his elite shooting ability by reportedly making 26 consecutive 3-pointers at his pro day. Coach Barnes noted his significant improvement, increased comfort, defensive effort, and willingness to impact winning, believing he has untapped potential. NBA teams value his quick release, deep range, and off-ball intelligence, placing him among the draft`s top shooters and projecting him as a potential late first or early second-round pick.