By editor 
The 2025 NBA Draft was a whirlwind of excitement, surprises, and, as always, a few notable omissions. While the draft class was stacked with talent, the league’s 59 picks couldn’t accommodate every deserving player. This left a group of high-caliber prospects undrafted, sparking debates among analysts, fans, and the players themselves. The 2025 draft class underscores the evolving priorities of NBA front offices, where youth, upside, and positional versatility often take precedence over proven college production. This shift has left several standout players—Mark Sears, Caleb Love, RJ Luis Jr., and Ryan Nembhard—on the outside looking in, despite their impressive resumes.
The NBA Draft has long been a numbers game, where only a select few are chosen from a deep pool of talent. This year, the league’s decision to penalize teams for infractions by stripping selections further reduced the number of available spots. Meanwhile, scouting efforts have expanded globally, with teams prioritizing versatile, projectable talent over established college stars. This trend has led to a surprising number of upperclassmen and proven contributors being overlooked in the draft. Names like Mark Sears, Caleb Love, RJ Luis Jr., and Ryan Nembhard, who were once considered top prospects, found themselves without an NBA draft call. Their omission raises questions about the league’s shifting priorities and the future of these talented players.
Mark Sears: A Proven Scorer Left Behind
Mark Sears, a standout guard from Alabama, had a stellar senior season, earning a reputation as one of college basketball’s most prolific scorers. His ability to shoot, playmake, and defend made him a key player for the Crimson Tide, leading them to deep tournament runs. Sears averaged over 20 points per game, shot over 40% from deep, and demonstrated leadership both on and off the court. Despite his impressive stats, Sears was passed over in the draft due to concerns about his size (6-foot-1 in shoes) and his ability to defend at the NBA level. Teams often prioritize “tools” and “upside” over proven production, and Sears may have hit his collegiate ceiling. However, his scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a strong candidate for an NBA roster, where he could contribute as a scorer or backup floor general.
Caleb Love: A Competitor with a Winning Pedigree
Caleb Love’s draft journey highlights the NBA’s complex relationship with college production. Love has played in some of the biggest games, including a Final Four with North Carolina and a regular-season conference title with Arizona. His size, scoring versatility, and clutch performances make him an attractive prospect. However, questions about his efficiency, shot selection, and defensive consistency have raised doubts among scouts. Teams may have hesitated to take a risk on Love, preferring younger guards with clearer roles. Despite these concerns, Love’s winning pedigree and high-level experience could quickly translate to an NBA rotation spot, where his competitive fire and big-game mentality would be valuable.
RJ Luis Jr.: A Versatile Forward with Untapped Potential
RJ Luis Jr. embodies the traits that NBA teams claim to value: size, switchability, toughness, and an aggressive playing style. His transfer to St. John’s allowed him to showcase his growth into an all-around player, excelling in rebounding and defense while also contributing offensively. However, Luis Jr. faced challenges, including minor injuries and playing for a St. John’s team that wasn’t ranked in the top 25. Some scouts viewed him as a “tweener,” not quite explosive enough for the 2-guard position or big enough for a true 3. Despite these concerns, his motor and defensive mentality make him a strong candidate for the G League, where he could earn a call-up to the NBA.
Ryan Nembhard: A Smart Point Guard with Leadership Qualities
Ryan Nembhard was a key player for Gonzaga, running one of the most balanced offenses in college basketball. His poise, vision, and adaptability made him a standout point guard, earning comparisons to recent NBA backup and rotation successes. Nembhard’s feel for the game, passing creativity, and willingness to set the table make him a versatile fit for various NBA systems. However, concerns about his athleticism, size, and defensive versatility led to his omission from the draft. Despite these challenges, his collegiate resume—marked by winning and high efficiency—will give him a long leash with teams looking for floor leadership and secondary playmaking.
The NBA’s Shifting Priorities
The 2025 NBA Draft highlights a clear trend in the league’s priorities: teams are increasingly valuing youth, upside, and positional versatility over proven college production. This shift is evident in the selection of younger, less proven international players and freshmen over well-known upperclassmen. Defensive length and the potential for two-way impact are now prized over singular offensive skill sets. Questions about “positional fit” or “ceiling” can derail a prospect’s draft stock, even if their production surpasses that of other players. This trend reflects the NBA’s belief that the next “second Giannis” or “hidden Jokic” may be lurking in the shadows, rather than among the Final Four mainstays.
The Value of Undrafted Free Agents
While the NBA Draft is a significant event, it is not the end of the road for undrafted players. Teams often sign undrafted free agents to Exhibit 10 contracts, two-way deals, and G League spots, looking to uncover hidden gems outside the 59 drafted names. Players like Jaylen Nowell, Duncan Robinson, Austin Reaves, and Luguentz Dort all went undrafted but found steady NBA niches. The G League and summer league provide platforms for undrafted players to showcase their skills and earn call-ups to NBA rosters. Additionally, international leagues offer competitive salaries, visible platforms, and opportunities to develop while NBA scouts keep a close eye on potential call-up candidates.
What Comes Next for the Undrafted Stars
For Mark Sears, Caleb Love, RJ Luis Jr., and Ryan Nembhard, the next steps are clear. They will likely participate in summer league games, where they can showcase their skills to NBA teams. With rapid attrition in the NBA due to injuries, trades, or fit issues, overlooked veterans often find themselves playing meaningful basketball soon after draft night. These players bring strong attributes that don’t fade overnight, including leadership, toughness, and confidence. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure makes them valuable assets for NBA teams.
The Legacy of Draft Snubs
The NBA’s decision to prioritize upside and projection over proven production is not a reflection of a lack of talent but rather a shift in how talent is framed and valued. This trend has led to some of the best stories in the league coming from players who refused to see themselves as finished products simply because they were overlooked in the draft. The 2025 draft class is no exception, with several high-caliber players turning their detours into motivation and carving their place in basketball lore the hard way.
A Defiant Chapter Awaits
For the likes of Mark Sears, Caleb Love, RJ Luis Jr., and Ryan Nembhard, the next chapter is one of opportunity and resilience. One workout, one summer league appearance, or one breakthrough camp could vault them into the NBA’s ever-growing tapestry of impact role players. While the 2025 draft may not have heard their names called, their stories are far from over. 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. These undrafted stars are poised to defy expectations and make their mark on the NBA, proving that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.