Eye On College Basketball – Episode: 2025 NBA Draft Mailbag: VJ Edgecombe's Draft Ceiling, Carter Bryant's Rising Draft Stock
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Eye On College Basketball, hosts Matt Norlander and Adam Finkelstein delve into the intricacies of the 2025 NBA Draft. The discussion centers around standout prospects, including VJ Edgecombe and Carter Bryant, while addressing listener questions from the draft mailbag. The conversation provides in-depth analysis, insider insights, and nuanced perspectives on the evolving draft landscape.

Assessing the 2025 Draft Class

Matt Norlander opens the discussion by evaluating the overall strength of the 2025 draft class. He poses a critical question to Adam Finkelstein regarding how this year's pool of approximately 70-80 prospects compares to the last decade's drafts.

• Matt Norlander [04:31]: "How would you graph grade this draft class? Would you say it's great, pretty good, good, just okay, subpar?"

Adam Finkelstein classifies the class as "good, not great," highlighting the exceptional talent at the top but expressing concerns about the depth beyond the first few picks.

• Adam Finkelstein [04:31]: "The talent at the very top, specifically Cooper and Dylan, makes it good. But the overall depth wasn't trending the way we hoped."

Both hosts agree that while the top tier is strong, the value in the latter parts of the first round and into the second round appears diminished, partly due to the implications of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) market.

Key Player Discussions

VJ Edgecombe's Draft Ceiling

A significant portion of the episode examines VJ Edgecombe's potential draft position and ceiling.

• Stephen from Virginia [23:52]: "Where's the highest V.J. Edgecombe could get drafted? Could he go number two?"

Adam Finkelstein responds, setting Edgecombe's ceiling at around the third to fifth pick, citing potential trades and team strategies.

• Adam Finkelstein [24:47]: "I think Vijay's range is pretty small. Between three to five for BJ Edgecombe."

Matt Norlander adds that teams like the Spurs may prioritize floor spacing, influencing Edgecombe's selection.

• Matt Norlander [25:38]: "I have him at three to five for BJ Edgecombe."

Carter Bryant's Rising Draft Stock

The conversation shifts to Carter Bryant, whose draft stock has been on the rise despite modest college statistics.

• Frank Whitehead [28:03]: "Seems like Carter Bryant Stock has only gone up since the season ended. What's the highest he could go and what would be the best fit for his development?"

Adam Finkelstein posits that while Bryant is projected around the 10th pick, there's potential for him to rise to the 7th or 8th pick based on his role as a 3-and-D wing.

• Adam Finkelstein [36:27]: "I think the highest he could go is seven or eight."

Matt Norlander addresses the tangible growth in Bryant's game, crediting the Arizona coaching staff.

• Matt Norlander [39:12]: "It's a credit to the Arizona staff that he's going to be a top 10 pick because the difference is... their work on his shooting range."

Mailbag Questions and Answers

Ace Bailey's Draft Situation

Listener Jonathan Gavoni inquires about Ace Bailey's involvement with the Philadelphia team amid reported workout cancellations.

• Jonathan Gavoni [23:52]: "Is it Bailey, and what do you make of the Bailey stuff overall in the context of what's happening this week?"

Adam Finkelstein discusses Bailey's position as a top-three prospect with significant upside but notes concerns about his fit and recent interview performances.

• Adam Finkelstein [28:20]: "Ace is represented by Omar Cooper... A lot of narratives perpetuating that he wasn't prepared for his interviews."

Matt Norlander concurs, emphasizing the variability in Bailey's potential based on team fit and strategic decisions.

• Matt Norlander [32:22]: "With Ace Edge, come feel there. Doesn't seem like Philly is sweet on Trey Johnson... the opportunity for some level of surprise seems to be on the table."

Arkansas and Will Duthero's First-Round Potential

Joe from Xavier asks about Will Duthero maintaining John Calipari's streak of first-round picks at Kentucky.

• Joe [41:28]: "Will Duthero be a first round pick and keep this going?"

Adam Finkelstein is skeptical about Duthero making the first round, suggesting a second-round projection unless significant shooting improvements are made.

• Adam Finkelstein [42:36]: "Unlikely, not impossible. If he can make standstill threes, then he could be a first-round prospect."

Howard Clayton's Guard Prospects

Chris Carnes explores the potential of Howard Clayton as a top guard in the draft, comparing him to established NBA players like Nikola Jokic and Jalen Brunson.

• Chris Carnes [50:06]: "Howard Clayton is the best current guard in the entire draft. His ceiling might not be as high, but his floor is way higher than others at the moment."

Adam Finkelstein champions Clayton's versatility and skill set, positioning him as an underrated first-round talent.

• Adam Finkelstein [50:36]: "I have him higher on my board not because of what he did in the NCAA tournament, but because of how his game fits into a more condensed NBA role."

Draft Market Dynamics and Strategies

The hosts discuss the evolving nature of the draft market, particularly how the NIL implications have affected player depth and team strategies. They touch upon strategies like trading picks, targeting specific player archetypes, and the importance of fitting players into team systems.

• Matt Norlander [54:26]: "If we're keeping Trey, we're building around him and we better pick accordingly. If we're moving him, then we need to take some swings."

• Adam Finkelstein [57:29]: "Finding value comes down to finding someone who you think is going to have more success playing in a different role or who you think is going to have accelerated growth."

Notable Quotes

• Adam Finkelstein [05:33]: "I do not think [this draft] is great. I think it's a good draft. The reason it's not great is because the overall depth wasn't trending the way we hoped."

• Matt Norlander [16:47]: "For me personally, I wouldn't have Jeremiah Fears in the top 15 column."

• Adam Finkelstein [39:12]: "There is something to be said... better to keep people guessing."

• Matt Norlander [63:48]: "If it's like, you know, highest floor in the second round, they would be in the discussion for me."

Conclusion

Matt Norlander and Adam Finkelstein wrap up the episode by acknowledging the dynamic nature of the draft season and the myriad factors that could influence player selections. They tease upcoming content, including mock drafts and special episodes, encouraging listeners to stay engaged for further insights.

• Matt Norlander [65:42]: "You know that. Dig it. Well, thanks for everyone for watching, listening. Please subscribe to the show if you're not already."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the 2025 NBA Draft, offering listeners valuable insights into player potentials, team strategies, and the broader implications of the current draft landscape. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore basketball enthusiast, Matt and Adam's discussions deliver both depth and clarity on the key narratives shaping this year's draft.

For more detailed player rankings and draft projections, visit CBSSports.com.