Mock Draft Roundup: Where NBA Experts Project Florida Gators Standouts Will Land in the 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft is quickly approaching, and with it comes a wave of speculation, predictions, and mock drafts from analysts across the basketball world. For Florida Gators fans, this year offers plenty of intrigue as several of their standout players are in the conversation for first-round selections, with some climbing as high as the lottery in recent projections.

The Gators enjoyed a strong season under head coach Todd Golden, finishing as one of the SEC’s most consistent and competitive programs. Their success was fueled by a roster packed with athleticism, skill, and pro-level talent, which has naturally caught the attention of NBA scouts and draft analysts. As the pre-draft process heats up—with private workouts, interviews, and the NBA Combine—Florida’s top prospects are seeing their stock rise, solidifying their positions in various mock drafts from reputable outlets.

Here’s a comprehensive look at where some of the most trusted NBA Draft analysts currently project the Florida Gators to land when the 2025 NBA Draft gets underway.

Alex Condon: The Gators’ Rising Star in the First Round Mix

Perhaps the biggest name out of Gainesville attracting NBA attention is Alex Condon, the 6-foot-11 forward from Australia. Condon’s sophomore season with the Gators showcased his versatility, rebounding prowess, and ability to stretch the floor—traits NBA teams covet in modern big men.

In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Condon lands at No. 16 overall to the New Orleans Pelicans. Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo highlighted his high motor, rebounding instincts, and developing perimeter shot as key reasons he fits well in today’s NBA. His defensive versatility, in particular, gives him significant upside, with scouts noting his lateral quickness for a player of his size.

Similarly, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor slotted Condon in the late first round, projecting him 21st to the Phoenix Suns. O’Connor praised Condon’s ability to switch onto guards, defend the pick-and-roll, and knock down the occasional three-pointer. He referred to him as “a prototypical modern NBA forward with defensive upside and improving offensive polish.”

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, meanwhile, placed Condon just outside the lottery at No. 15, noting that teams in the mid-first-round range are always seeking reliable big men with floor-spacing potential. Wasserman cited Condon’s 36% shooting from three-point range and nearly 9 rebounds per game as key statistics that make him a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect.

Walter Clayton Jr.: Combo Guard Climbing into the Late First Round

Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. became one of the SEC’s most reliable scorers during the 2024-25 season, and his NBA Draft stock has steadily climbed as a result. His combination of scoring versatility, improved playmaking, and defensive toughness has made him an appealing option for teams seeking backcourt depth.

In CBS Sports’ most recent mock draft, Clayton sneaks into the first round, going 29th overall to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, known for targeting experienced college players who can contribute quickly, are seen as a natural fit for Clayton’s skill set. CBS analysts lauded his ability to knock down perimeter shots, create off the dribble, and defend multiple guard positions—valuable traits for any playoff contender.

Yahoo Sports projects Clayton as an early second-round pick, though they note that with strong workouts and pre-draft interviews, he could easily climb into the first round. His leadership, shot-making ability, and toughness were focal points in their scouting report, with comparisons drawn to past successful second-round guards like Jalen Brunson.

Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo placed Clayton in the 28-35 range, emphasizing his mature approach, consistent scoring, and defensive reliability. Woo highlighted that NBA teams value experienced guards who can contribute quickly off the bench, making Clayton a name to watch as draft day approaches.

Riley Kugel: High-Upside Wing Drawing Lottery Buzz

Sophomore wing Riley Kugel entered the 2024-25 season with considerable NBA Draft hype, and while his year was marked by ups and downs, scouts remain enamored with his physical tools and long-term upside.

ESPN’s updated mock draft has Kugel landing at No. 11 overall to the San Antonio Spurs, a team known for developing young, athletic wings. Givony called Kugel “one of the best raw athletes in the draft,” praising his 6-foot-5 frame, impressive wingspan, and ability to score off the bounce. His shot selection and decision-making remain areas for improvement, but the physical gifts and flashes of scoring brilliance have kept him firmly in the lottery discussion.

The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie also projects Kugel in the lottery, placing him 13th overall to the Chicago Bulls. Vecenie noted that Kugel’s defensive potential, when paired with his athleticism and ability to create his own shot, make him an ideal project for teams in the middle of the first round.

Not all outlets are as high on Kugel, however. Bleacher Report dropped him to No. 18, citing inconsistency and streaky shooting. Still, Wasserman admitted that his upside remains undeniable, with the potential to develop into a two-way contributor if he lands with the right organization.

Zyon Pullin: Veteran Guard Hoping for Second-Round Opportunity

Zyon Pullin, Florida’s steady senior point guard, is another name drawing attention as a possible second-round pick or undrafted free agent gem. While not as flashy as some of his younger teammates, Pullin’s basketball IQ, court vision, and leadership have caught the eyes of scouts looking for mature, ready-made contributors.

Most major mock drafts currently project Pullin as a mid-to-late second-round pick. In ESPN’s two-round projection, Pullin is slotted 51st overall to the Milwaukee Bucks, with analysts praising his pick-and-roll decision-making and poise under pressure.

Bleacher Report, however, left Pullin outside the top 58 picks, instead listing him among their “undrafted prospects to watch,” suggesting that strong pre-draft workouts could elevate him onto draft boards. Given his impressive assist-to-turnover ratio and experience running an offense, some teams may view Pullin as a potential backup point guard who can contribute immediately in spot minutes.

Other Gators Drawing Interest

While Condon, Clayton, Kugel, and Pullin headline the Florida prospects attracting the most attention, a few other Gators are generating quiet buzz as potential late second-round picks or priority free agents.

Forward Tyrese Samuel, known for his defensive versatility and rebounding, has participated in several team workouts and could sneak into the second round depending on team needs. His energy and ability to guard multiple positions have been frequently praised by scouts.

Additionally, freshman guard Denzel Aberdeen and sophomore big man Thomas Haugh have both received invites to pre-draft workouts, though they are seen more as long-term prospects or two-way contract candidates if they elect to stay in the draft pool.

Gators Making Noise on the NBA Stage

Florida’s increased presence on NBA mock drafts speaks to the resurgence of the program under Todd Golden. The Gators’ ability to develop talent, compete in the rugged SEC, and produce NBA-ready players has re-established Gainesville as a destination for top recruits looking to balance college success with professional aspirations.

As the 2025 NBA Draft draws closer, Florida fans will be watching anxiously to see where their stars land. Whether it’s Alex Condon hearing his name called in the lottery, Walter Clayton Jr. sneaking into the first round, or Riley Kugel rising thanks to his athletic gifts, it promises to be an exciting night for the Gators faithful.

The pre-draft process is still unfolding, and player stock can fluctuate with workouts, interviews, and team evaluations. But if current mock drafts are any indication, Florida is set to make significant noise on draft night—and the pipeline of Gators to the NBA shows no signs of slowing down.