Full Breakdown: Which Tennessee Volunteers Basketball Stars Are Most Likely To Hear Their Names Called In The 2025 NBA Draft

The NBA Draft represents the pinnacle of hope, ambition, and hard work realized for college basketball players across the nation, and the Tennessee Volunteers program has carved out a reputation as a consistent contributor to that professional pipeline. With Rick Barnes at the helm and a system built to maximize player potential, Tennessee has once again developed prospects ready to take their talents to the next level. As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the question looming large in Knoxville is simple: which Tennessee Volunteers will make the leap to the NBA this year? Let’s dive deep into the names, projections, and possibilities.

First and foremost, the obvious headline prospect for Tennessee this year is Jonas Aidoo, the 6-foot-11 forward/center whose versatility, rim protection, and ever-improving offensive game have scouts buzzing. After steadily developing over his collegiate career, Aidoo used the 2024-25 season to put together his most complete campaign to date, averaging 13.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting efficiently from the floor. His defensive versatility—particularly his ability to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll coverage—and his rim-running prowess make him an intriguing fit for modern NBA systems.

Aidoo’s draft stock rose significantly throughout the year, and mock drafts now regularly peg him as a late first-round to early second-round selection. While his offensive polish still requires refinement, NBA teams value his defensive upside, size, and athletic potential. Don’t be surprised if Aidoo’s name is called earlier than expected by a team prioritizing interior defense and switchable big men.

Another Volunteer firmly entrenched in draft conversations is Zakai Zeigler, the lightning-quick point guard whose leadership and defensive tenacity have defined Tennessee basketball in recent years. Despite standing just 5-foot-9, Zeigler has never allowed his height to hinder his impact. His elite lateral quickness, ball pressure, and high basketball IQ make him one of the premier perimeter defenders in this draft class.

Zeigler’s offensive game evolved during his final season in Knoxville, as he averaged 11.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while improving his three-point shooting to nearly 37 percent. Though questions remain about his size translating to the NBA level, his competitiveness, court vision, and defensive motor have teams intrigued. Zeigler is widely projected as a late second-round pick or a high-priority undrafted free agent, with several organizations reportedly hosting him for pre-draft workouts to evaluate his potential fit.

Another Volunteer drawing interest from scouts is Josiah-Jordan James, the experienced wing whose blend of size, versatility, and defensive instincts have made him a fan favorite in Knoxville. James tested the draft waters last year but opted to return for one final season, a decision that allowed him to showcase improved shooting mechanics and playmaking ability.

Measuring at 6-foot-6 with a sturdy frame and capable of guarding multiple positions, James profiles as a classic 3-and-D wing in today’s NBA landscape. His averages of 9.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game may not leap off the page, but his intangibles, leadership, and ability to impact games without dominating the ball resonate with front offices seeking role players capable of contributing immediately. While James is likely a fringe second-round selection, his experience and versatility could earn him a Summer League invite or two-way contract opportunity.

Beyond these three prospects, there’s been quiet but growing buzz around Dalton Knecht, the high-scoring wing whose offensive explosion during his senior season turned heads across the country. After transferring to Tennessee, Knecht quickly established himself as one of the SEC’s premier offensive threats, averaging over 20 points per game and shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.

Knecht’s ability to score at all three levels, combined with his strong frame and competitive fire, makes him an intriguing option for NBA teams in need of instant offense. His defensive game remains a work in progress, but his scoring prowess and shooting mechanics give him legitimate draft potential. Some scouts view Knecht as a sleeper pick in the late second round, while others project him as a top undrafted target with a strong chance to earn a roster spot through Summer League performances.

It’s important to note that Tennessee’s success in developing NBA-caliber talent hasn’t always been limited to first-round stars. Players like Grant Williams, Admiral Schofield, and Kennedy Chandler have demonstrated that the program produces individuals capable of thriving in professional systems, even if they enter the league with questions about size, athleticism, or fit.

This year’s draft class mirrors that tradition—players with specific skill sets, high character, and the work ethic to make an impact at the next level, even if they aren’t immediate stars. For Aidoo, Zeigler, James, and Knecht, the journey to NBA relevance may look different, but all have the tools to carve out careers if given the right opportunities.

Additionally, the presence of undrafted prospects such as Santiago Vescovi, the sharpshooting guard from Uruguay, cannot be overlooked. Though Vescovi’s name isn’t appearing in most mainstream mock drafts, his elite shooting touch, off-ball movement, and international experience make him a strong candidate for Summer League invites and potential two-way contract consideration. Vescovi’s basketball IQ and shooting could provide valuable floor spacing in the NBA, and he represents another example of Tennessee producing professional-ready players beyond the marquee names.

The success of Tennessee basketball under Rick Barnes has created a culture where player development is prioritized, defense is emphasized, and versatility is celebrated—traits that consistently translate to the NBA level. NBA teams understand this, which is why Tennessee players regularly appear on draft boards, even in years when the program lacks a surefire lottery pick.

Looking beyond this year’s draft, the pipeline of potential Volunteers to the NBA shows no signs of slowing down. Younger players on the roster, along with incoming recruits, are positioning themselves as future draft prospects, benefitting from the structure and competitive environment Tennessee offers. For now, however, all eyes are on Aidoo, Zeigler, James, Knecht, and Vescovi as they embark on their NBA journeys.

In summary, while Tennessee may not have a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the program is poised to once again send multiple players to the professional ranks. Expect Jonas Aidoo to be the first Volunteer off the board, likely landing in the late first or early second round. Zakai Zeigler’s defensive intensity and playmaking give him a legitimate shot at a second-round selection, while Josiah-Jordan James and Dalton Knecht could hear their names called in the latter half of the draft or secure opportunities as undrafted free agents. Santiago Vescovi remains a prime candidate to latch onto a team through Summer League or international pathways.

Regardless of when or how these players enter the NBA, one thing is clear: Tennessee basketball continues to produce tough, skilled, and high-character athletes ready to compete at the highest level. The 2025 NBA Draft represents another chapter in that ongoing legacy, and fans in Knoxville will be watching with pride as their stars take the next step in their careers.