These Shooting Guards WILL Take Over The League Next Season
- Joel Piton
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
The NCAA Championship tournament has officially wrapped, with the Florida Gators claiming the crown in unexpected fashion. But beyond the celebrations and cutting of nets, one thing has become crystal clear—this year’s draft class is stacked with guards who are ready to make serious noise. All-Star caliber shooting guards are thin right now, and fans are eager to be shaken up by a new wave of talent. From one-and-done NCAA standouts to overseas sensations, these prospects aren’t just looking to fit in, they’re looking to take over. Let’s break down the most elite prospects set to enter the league this fall.
Kon Knueppel (Duke)
6'7 — 14.4 PPG — 2.7 APG — 4.0 RPG
Do Cooper Flagg's Blue Devils even clinch a Final Four appearance without Knueppel? Posting near 50-40-90 shooting splits this season, the freshman earned comparisons to Klay Thompson, Kevin Huerter, and Corey Kispert for his effortless catch-and-shoot game and silky shooting touch. Knueppel’s efficiency is off the charts, and with NBA teams increasingly valuing wings who make smart decisions and stretch the floor, his stock continues to rise. He’s also shown to be a capable passer and a scoring threat off screens. At just 19 years old, Knueppel’s ceiling is sky-high—and with his skill set, it would be a shock if he slips past the 15th pick in this year’s draft.
Tre Johnson (Texas)
6'6 — 19.9 PPG — 2.7 APG — 3.1 RPG
Offensively, there’s little Tre Johnson can’t do. The Texas guard is a polished mid-range shooter and showcased dazzling footwork, rhythm, and balance in his freshman campaign. Johnson consistently created separation from defenders and drained tough jumpers both on and off the ball. A natural-born scorer, Johnson led the SEC with 19.9 points per game while shooting an efficient 42.7 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from deep—numbers that show he's ready to step in and contribute at the next level right away. He played heavy minutes for the Longhorns, averaging 34.7 across 33 games, and posted three 30-point performances in the final two months of the season, including a 39-point eruption against Arkansas. While he may not always finish consistently at the rim and isn't as good a playmaker as he should be for a guard his size, his high scoring pedigree make him a surefire lottery pick in this years draft.
Egor Demin (BYU)
6'9 — 10.6 PPG — 5.5 APG — 3.9 RPG
Egor Demin is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft class—a 6'9" Russian playmaker with the instincts of a point guard and the physical profile of a wing. Due to his size and skill set, it won't be a surprise to see play two. Demin's declaration for the draft caught fans off guard—many believe he should have taken more time to develop at BYU. But you can't ignore the potential. His court vision and ability to make quick, decisive reads give him unique value, especially for teams seeking size and versatility in their backcourt rotation. Demin thrives as a facilitator, using his length to survey the floor and find passing angles most guards his age can’t. Defensively, his frame and active hands allow him to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers, showing potential as a multi-positional defender. However, questions remain about his scoring ability. His shooting efficiency declined as the season progressed, and he lacks the burst, handle, or finishing touch to generate offense for himself. However, with the right development and supporting cast, he could become a dangerous pass first guard at the professional level.
Chaz Lanier (Tennessee)
6'5 — 18.0 PPG — 1.1 APG — 3.9 RPG
Chaz Lanier is easily one of the best shooters in the draft. The North Florida transfer lit up defenses with his elite catch-and-shoot ability, and whether it was spotting up or creating his own offense, Lanier’s scoring versatility made him a constant threat. Capable of attacking from three, mid-range, or finishing at the rim, he averaged 18.0 points per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and a sharp 39.5% from beyond the arc, helping lead the Vols to an Elite Eight appearance and earning the Jerry West Award. A three-time ASUN Player of the Week during his time at North Florida, Lanier brings more than just scoring—his energy and hustle have made him a spark on both ends of the floor. Still, concerns remain around his decision-making, particularly when he gets too trigger-happy, and his defensive engagement and rebounding effort will need work to translate to the NBA level. But for teams in need of instant offense and floor spacing, Lanier can fill that gap in any team's system.
Jase Richardson (Michigan State)
6'3 — 12.1 PPG — 3.3 APG — 1.9 RPG
Son of 14-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, Jase's game is just as efficient. The Michigan State freshman shot a blistering hot 49% from the field and was one of the nation’s most efficient ball-screen scorers posting 68.8% at the rim with an elite finishing touch. As the season progressed, Richardson evolved into the Spartans’ most dependable offensive presence—a steady hand who could space the floor, create off the dribble, and make plays for others without ever forcing the issue. He's a steady ball handler and committed just 30 turnovers in over 900 minutes of action. With a blend of perimeter shooting, playmaking and mistake-free basketball, Jase Richardson has all the tools to be a high-impact, long-term guard at the next level.
V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor)
6'5 — 15.0 PPG — 3.2 APG — 5.6 RPG
V.J. Edgecombe enters the draft as one of the most explosive and well-rounded prospects in his class. A combo guard, V.J. is capable of playing spots both guard spots and the small forward position. A high-motor, multi-positional guard with a blend of athleticism, finishing and defense has vaulted him into top-five consideration. At 6’5” and 180 pounds, the Bahamian native plays with relentless energy thanks to his open-floor speed, lateral quickness, and defensive instincts. Edgecombe thrives off the ball with his spot-up shooting touch and ability to finishing through contact. While he may not be the most elite ball-handler yet, he compensates with a physical edge on both ends of the floor. A finalist for multiple national awards, he averaged over 2 steals per game—one of only two freshmen to do so—and put up 20 blocks in just 33 games which is rare rim-protection for a guard. Edgecombe still has room to grow as an on-ball scorer, and his tendency to rely on his athleticism needs ajusting. But with these same physical tools, Edgecombe is a two-way cornerstone in the making.
Hugo Gonzalez (Real Madrid)
6'6 — 4.6 PPG — 2.4 APG — 0.8 RPG
Don't let the numbers scare you away. Hugo González is one of the most intriguing international prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft—a high-upside guard/wing who checks nearly every box from a physical and athletic standpoint. At 6’6” with a strong 205-pound frame, González has the size, shiftiness, and defensive versatility that NBA teams covet in modern two-way wings. Though his playing time has been VERY limited with Real Madrid, González has shown flashes of brilliance: explosive finishes in transition, smart reads as a playmaker, and promising moments as a scorer off the dribble. Defensively, he can be switched on to any position by leveraging his length and lateral quickness. His basketball IQ, athleticism, and ball handling has given him comparisons to Deni Avdija, Jonathan Kuminga and Luka Doncic—respectable names. Ultimately, his long range shooting is still poor and his minimal statistical output make him a riskier projection, even if his minutes are limited. Teams are looking for players who can score right away, but if a franchise is willing to invest in his development, González could prove to be a steal.
Kam Jones (Marquette)
6'5 — 19.2 PPG — 5.9 APG — 4.5 RPG
Kam Jones is one of the most polished and battle-tested guards in this year's draft class—a three-level scorer with a versatile offensive game and four years of production at Marquette under his belt. The 6’5” southpaw earned First-Team All-Big East honors immediately after stepping into a lead role and proved that he could not only carry the scoring load but also elevate his playmaking in the absence of Tyler Kolek. With over 300 career threes, Jones thrives both off the catch and off the bounce. While his 3-point percentage dipped dramatically this year, his mechanics remain clean and reliable, and he's not just a scorer. As his college years progressed, Jones grew as a more than dependable passer and ended up ranking 21st in the NCAA. Defensively, he’ll need to improve his lateral quickness and physicality to hold his own against quicker guards, and his handle can be shaky in traffic. But for teams looking for a reliable offensive weapon, Jones is a sneaky-good pickup in the late first or early second round.
The guards in this year’s draft class might be some of the most dynamic we’ve seen. Who has the highest potential to take over the league? Let us know in the comments!
For the point guard edition of this series click HERE 👈
Catch you next time!
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