STARS STILL SHINING: Full List of Prospects Invited to 2025 NBA Draft Green Room for Second Round—Future Ballers Ready for Their Moment
June 27, 2025 | By SportsEdge Newsroom
The lights may have dimmed slightly after the glitzy first night of the 2025 NBA Draft, but the stars are still shining. In a historic shift toward embracing the depth of young basketball talent, the NBA has extended Green Room invitations for a special second-round experience, setting the stage for rising prospects who are ready to make their mark—even beyond the lottery.
This year’s second round, often dubbed “The Hidden Gold Mine,” features some of the most intriguing and high-upside players, many of whom are expected to defy the traditional expectations placed on later draft selections. The league, recognizing the increasing number of second-rounders who have blossomed into All-Stars—think Nikola Jokić, Draymond Green, and Khris Middleton—has decided to give the moment its due spotlight.
🔥 The Full List: Rising Stars of Round Two
The NBA officially released the list of 20 players invited to the Green Room for the second round, a rare and significant honor typically reserved for first-round hopefuls. Among the names are elite college performers, international sensations, and G League Ignite standouts—each with a compelling story, tremendous upside, and a chip on their shoulder.
Here’s the full list of second-round Green Room invitees:
1. Jaylen Starks – SG, Kentucky
A two-way dynamo with elite wingspan and explosive first step. Projected steal of the draft.
2. Luka Petrović – PF, Serbia
Stretch-four with pro experience in Europe and a soft shooting touch that screams “NBA-ready.”
3. Tariq Mensah – C, UCLA
Defensive anchor and rim-runner who compares himself to Bam Adebayo.
4. Jaxon Reed – PG, Baylor
Floor general with elite pick-and-roll IQ and a clutch gene.
5. Elijah Knox – SG, G League Ignite
Raw but electric scorer with 40-inch vertical and unlimited confidence.
6. Mateo Ruiz – SF, Argentina
The international community’s best-kept secret—crafty, smooth, and NBA-seasoned.
7. Andre DeShields – PG, UConn
Championship pedigree, defensive menace, and a coach’s dream.
8. Malik Carrington – SF, Memphis
Freak athlete with positionless potential. Think Gerald Wallace 2.0.
9. Kaito Yamura – SG, Japan
One of the most technically sound shooters in the class. Steph-like release.
10. Zion Dupree – PF, Houston
Undersized big with motor, hustle, and intangibles that front offices drool over.
11. Nate Rivers – SG, Oregon
Lights-out shooter with a 3-and-D ceiling and 48% from deep last season.
12. Bryce Hollowell – PG, Arizona State
Underrated passer with sneaky athleticism and strong intangibles.
13. Lucien Diarra – C, Senegal
7’1” shot-blocker with a 7’8” wingspan. Raw, but freakish upside.
14. Rashad Bentley – SF, Duke
Once considered a top-10 pick, now hungry to prove doubters wrong.
15. Jared Winstead – PF, Kansas
Floor-spacing big who averaged a double-double and was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
16. KJ Vance – SG, Texas
Defensive bulldog with a knack for momentum-swinging plays.
17. Theo Maric – PF, Croatia
A versatile European forward who shines in transition and halfcourt sets alike.
18. Darren Young – PG, Michigan State
Quick-twitch guard with deep range and elite handles.
19. Chris Tolliver – SF, Villanova
Glue guy with a championship mindset. Scouts love his winning DNA.
20. Ismael Fofana – C, France
Towering presence with footwork beyond his years. Could be the next Gobert.
🌟 Redefining the Second Round
“This isn’t your typical second-round group,” one anonymous GM told SportsEdge. “Several of these guys could be starters or even stars in three years. The level of talent is insane.”
The Green Room expansion reflects a broader trend in the league—acknowledging that scouting has become more nuanced, global, and non-linear. Players drafted 31 through 60 now often arrive with elite international experience, G League seasoning, or collegiate accolades that would’ve made them first-round locks in previous decades.
🏀 What’s Next?
With the second round set to be broadcast in prime time on Friday night, the energy will be electric. These 20 players will take the stage not as afterthoughts, but as future pillars of franchises.
Whether they’re the next Jalen Brunson or the next hidden MVP, one thing is certain: the draft isn’t over, and the stars are still shining.
Stay locked in with SportsEdge for full second-round coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive interviews with tomorrow’s NBA elite.
