Brooklyn, June 27, 2025 — As the second night of the NBA Draft unfolded at Barclays Center, several college standouts were among the first names called, reinforcing the continued value of experienced university players. Ryan Kalkbrenner and Johni Broome led this charge, along with versatile wings like Rasheer Fleming and sharpshooter Chaz Lanier, signaling deeper scouting focus beyond the lottery picks.
Top College Picks in Round 2
- No. 32 (31st overall): Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s) was the top selection of the second round. The Phoenix Suns snapped him up after acquiring the pick from Minnesota. The 6’8” wing, known for his 39% three-point shooting and rebounding skill, headlines the early batch of second-round college talents.
- No. 33: Charlotte used this pick on Sion James from Duke, but shortly after followed up with the pick below to grab a proven NCAA defender.
- No. 34: Ryan Kalkbrenner, a 7’1” center from Creighton and four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, went to Charlotte. Kalkbrenner averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in his fifth college season, offering NBA-ready rim protection.
- No. 35: Johni Broome, Auburn’s standout forward/center and Sporting News’ National Player of the Year, averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks. He landed with the Philadelphia 76ers and projects as an immediate contributor.
Other Notable Picks & Team Fits
- No. 36: The Lakers selected Arkansas forward Adou Thiero after pulling off a trade. Thiero brings size and athleticism as a forward with defensive upside.
- No. 37: Detroit chose Chaz Lanier of Tennessee. Lanier, a 6’4” guard, averaged 18 PPG with a 39.5% three-point stroke. He won the SEC Newcomer of the Year and the Jerry West Award, making him a floor-spacing addition to support Cade Cunningham.
- No. 43: The Wizards added Jamir Watkins from Florida State. Watkins, the first Seminole draftee since Scottie Barnes, averaged 18.4 points and led FSU in minutes. His size, wingspan, and scoring prowess on all three levels earned him All-ACC honors.
The Value of Seasoned College Pros
Several factors highlight why college veterans shine in the second round:
- Pro Readiness: Players like Kalkbrenner and Broome possess polished defensive instincts and physicality, reducing the transition gap.
- Specialized Skill Sets: Fleming offers shooting, Lanier supplies spacing, and Watkins the size — all traits increasingly sought after in modern roles .
- Strategic Bargains: Teams are capitalizing on second-round affordability and their scouting departments — with ESPN ranking Fleming and Kalkbrenner as sleeper gems.
CBS Sports draft analysts noted that college stars dominated the early picks on night two, underscoring the league’s preference for character, basketball IQ, and immediate depth.
What’s Next for These Rookies
- Charlotte Hornets: With Big East dynamo Kalkbrenner and Duke wing James, Charlotte addresses frontcourt defense and wing depth — two clear areas of long-term improvement.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Broome brings toughness and rebounding to complement Joel Embiid. His physical maturity should ease his integration into the rotation.
- Detroit Pistons and Wizards: Lanier and Watkins add shooting and versatility, fitting well into younger cores focused on spacing and defensive potential.
What’s Next
As teams integrate these college leads, their impact will become clear early in Summer League and preseason. Players like Kalkbrenner and Broome could earn rotational minutes right away, while Lanier’s perimeter role will be closely watched. Watkins will look to establish himself as a reliable wing in Washington.
The early picks of the second round in 2025 once again show the sustained importance of college prospects — experienced, reliable, and ready to contribute. Keep an eye on this crop: they may just be the draft’s sleeper stars.
