In a recent 2025 mock draft, Kyle Boone of CBS Sports projected two young college players and a former G League Ignite prospect to Oklahoma City in the first round.
Last week, Kyle Boone of CBS Sports released a “way-too-early” 2025 NBA mock draft.
Boone predicted three high-profile young players for Oklahoma City, two from the collegiate ranks and one from the G League.
First, the Thunder chose Miami freshman Jalil Bethea with the 11th overall pick in Boone’s mock draft. Bethea, listed at 6-foot-4 and 170 pounds, comes to the Hurricanes from Archbishop Wood in Philadelphia, where he was a 5-star prospect.
According to 247Sports, the McDonald’s All-American is ranked seventh overall and third among shooting guards in the 2024 recruiting class. Bethea, a skilled shooter and scorer, shot 41% from three and 86% from the free throw line on the AAU circuit.
Adding another shooter to Mark Daigneault’s offensive approach would increase the team’s depth off the bench, joining Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and others.
Next, Boone moved North Carolina freshman and fellow 5-star prospect Ian Jackson to Oklahoma City.
According to 247Sports, Jackson was the No. 8 overall talent and No. 4 shooting guard in the 2024 recruiting class. He stands 6-5 and weighs 185 pounds. Jackson was also a McDonald’s All-American and is a strong defender with good length and toughness.
Adding a high-upside guard with defensive ability appears to fit Sam Presti’s draft philosophy and would be a viable choice for OKC in the upcoming round.
Finally, Boone added former G League Ignite forward Izan Almansa to the Thunder at No. 25.
Almansa, who is still only 19 years old, stands 6-10 and weighs 230 pounds. He averages 11.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting over 55% from the field. With his size and rebounding ability, Almansa might grow into an inexpensive, reliable bench option for Oklahoma City once Isaiah Hartenstein finishes his deal in the Modern Frontier.
