As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the list of players vying for a spot continues to grow, and among the 100+ early entry candidates, a handful of intriguing international prospects are standing out. These international players bring unique skills, diverse backgrounds, and a fresh dynamic to the draft pool. While many of these prospects are not household names in the U.S., they have shown great potential playing in leagues across Europe, Asia, and Australia. With basketball growing globally, the NBA Draft has become a true melting pot of talent, and this year is no different.
Here are a few international players who could make a major impact in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Ben Saraf: The Israeli Guard with First-Round Potential
Ben Saraf is one of the most highly anticipated international prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6-foot-5, Saraf impressed in the EuroLeague with Ratiopharm Ulm, where he showcased his all-around skills. In the 2024-25 season, Saraf averaged 12.8 points, 4.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. His ability to score, create for others, and disrupt on defense makes him a versatile guard.
Saraf’s strong performances in one of Europe’s top leagues have put him on the radar for NBA teams. His size and skill set have earned him a spot on various mock drafts, with NBA Draft on SI ranking him as the No. 16 overall prospect in this year’s draft class. With his combination of scoring and playmaking, Saraf is considered a potential first-round pick, making him one to watch closely in the pre-draft process.
Alex Toohey: The Australian Wing with Versatile Skills
At 6-foot-7, Australian forward Alex Toohey is another international prospect making waves ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. Toohey has been a key player for the Sydney Kings in the NBL, Australia’s top basketball league. Over the course of 29 games, the 20-year-old averaged 10.6 points, 4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His scoring efficiency is solid, with a field goal percentage of 44.9% and a 31% mark from beyond the arc.
Toohey’s combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability makes him an intriguing wing prospect. Although his shooting from deep could improve, his potential as a two-way player with the ability to guard multiple positions has caught the attention of NBA scouts. NBA Draft on SI currently has Toohey ranked as the No. 39 prospect in the 2025 Draft class. With his upside and skill set, Toohey is likely to be a second-round pick, though his development in the coming months could push him higher.
Hansen Yang: A Dominant Chinese Center with Potential
Hansen Yang is a towering presence at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds, making him an imposing figure in the paint. The 19-year-old center from China has shown flashes of greatness playing for Qingdao in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). In 45 games during the 2024-25 season, Yang posted impressive numbers, averaging 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 1 steal per game. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability makes him one of the more intriguing center prospects in the draft.
Yang’s size and versatility set him apart from traditional big men, but there are still questions about how he will perform against tougher competition at the NBA level. While he has the physical tools to succeed, he will need to refine his skill set, particularly in his decision-making and consistency. As one of the youngest prospects in the draft, Yang’s upside is undeniable, and he could be a late first-round or early second-round pick, depending on how teams view his potential.
NBL’s Rising Stars: Izan Almansa and Malique Lewis
Two players from the NBL’s Next Stars program are also generating interest as potential NBA Draft candidates. Izan Almansa, a Spanish big man currently playing for the Perth Wildcats, has impressed NBA scouts with his size, skill, and defensive presence. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim makes him an intriguing prospect, and Almansa has a chance to be drafted as a late-round selection, especially given his international experience.
Malique Lewis, who has played for South East Melbourne in the NBL, is another exciting young talent. Lewis is known for his scoring ability, ball-handling, and leadership on the court. While he’s still developing, his upside as a scoring guard has put him on the radar of NBA teams. Both Almansa and Lewis are still raw prospects but could provide value as future developmental players for NBA teams looking to develop international talent.
Global Talent: The NBA’s Growing International Pool
The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most international drafts in recent history, with a diverse group of players from various countries eager to make their mark. From European stars like Saraf to emerging talents from Australia and China, the NBA continues to benefit from the global explosion of basketball talent.
International players have become key contributors in the NBA, with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and Joel Embiid making major impacts. As basketball continues to grow around the world, the NBA Draft is a reflection of that expansion, and more international prospects are set to take center stage in the coming years.
The 2025 NBA Draft promises to be an exciting one, with international prospects playing an important role. Players like Ben Saraf, Alex Toohey, and Hansen Yang are just a few examples of the talent that could make a splash in the NBA. As the draft approaches, NBA teams will be watching these international players closely, looking for the next global star to add to their roster.
Looking Ahead to the NBA Draft
The early entry deadline for the 2025 NBA Draft has passed, and with many international players now in the mix, it will be interesting to see how they perform in the pre-draft process. Teams will be evaluating prospects through workouts, interviews, and international competition, trying to determine who has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NBA.
As the global influence on the NBA continues to grow, the 2025 NBA Draft will be another step forward in the league’s international expansion. With several talented international players entering the draft, the future of the NBA looks even more global than ever before. Whether they come from Europe, Australia, or China, these international prospects will undoubtedly leave their mark on the NBA Draft and the league itself.
For NBA fans, this year’s draft promises to bring exciting new talent from all corners of the world, and the international prospects are certainly among the most intriguing to watch.