ESPN projects Alabama freshman as first round pick in 2025 NBA draft

ESPN projects the Alabama freshman to be a first round pick.

While the 2024-25 college basketball season only just recently began for the Alabama Crimson Tide, it’s never too-early to start taking a look ahead to the 2025 NBA draft, which is set to take place this upcoming summer.

After not having a player selected in the 2024 NBA draft, Alabama is likely expected to have at-least one name come off the board in 2025, with ESPN projecting that to be in the first round in their latest mock draft in freshman forward Derrion Reid.

According to ESPN, their latest mock draft has Reid coming off the board at pick No. 21 overall in the first round to the Utah Jazz. Reid is the lone player from Alabama projected in the first round by ESPN’s mock draft, while Jarin Stevenson, a sophomore forward, is also sitting at No. 45 overall on their latest Big Board.

After coming to Tuscaloosa as a five-star prospect, Reid has started 2-of-3 games for Alabama so far this season as a freshman where he is currently averaging 7.7 PPG and 4 RPG. Reid is also shooting 50% from the field, as well as 50% from three-point range.

Alabama freshman phenom projected to be first-round selection in 2025 NBA draft

Alabama’s Derrion Reid is yet to play a game of college basketball, yet he is still widely regarded as a first-round NBA draft talent

The start of the 2024 college basketball season is just 13 days away for the Alabama Crimson Tide as UNC Asheville comes to town to tip-off the season. With nine teams ranked in the AP Top 25, the SEC is going to be an absolute gauntlet this year, especially for the No. 2 ranked team Crimson Tide who enters the year with a target on their back.

The Crimson Tide will be led by some familiar faces like Mark Sears and Grant Nelson, but one name that Alabama fans will need to get to know fast is Derrion Reid. The former five-star recruit was the No. 17 ranked player in the 2024 recruiting class and has the talent to be a one-and-done kind of guy.

Over the summer, Reid earned a gold medal with the 2024 USA Men’s U18 National Team at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup. During his time with Team USA, he averaged 10.3 ppg and 7.7 rpg in 16.5 mpg.

Even though he hasn’t played a minute of collegiate basketball yet, HoopsHype projects Reid to be the No. 24 overall prospect in the 2025 NBA draft saying of the freshman phenom,

“Reid has a strong offensive skill set, capable of scoring from three levels, creating his own shot, and rebounding well. Has to improve defensive awareness, and consistency, and avoid fouling. Strengths: Excellent offensive player with a diverse skill set, capable of scoring from mid-range and three-point range, effective in isolation, able to create his own shot, and strong rebounder on both ends. Weaknesses: Needs to improve defensive awareness and effort, inconsistent as an on-ball defender, struggles with foul trouble.”

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Incoming Alabama freshman receives first-round projection in 2025 NBA mock draft

While it is still a year away, one Alabama basketball freshman is already earning first-round NBA draft grades.

Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats has revived the program with sustained success on the court, on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. After reaching the Final Four of March Madness for the first time in Crimson Tide history, Oats may be on the verge of sending another set of players to the NBA.

In 2024, Alabama managed to retain most of its talented roster, which helped guide the team to a deep NCAA Tournament run. As a result, the NBA draft did not feature any Crimson Tide standouts. However, that could change next year.

In a recent way-too-early 2025 NBA mock draft, Adam Finkelstein and Travis Branham projects incoming Alabama freshman small forward Derrion Reid to be selected No. 29 overall to the Orlando Magic.

“Reid is a versatile forward with size, length, athleticism and versatility on both ends of the court. He is at his best as a slasher, defender and rebounder but has also shown promising flashes as a playmaker and has grown as a shooter entering college.”

Reid committed to Alabama in December of 2023, and is one of the highest-rated recruits landed by Oats. He ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 100, and ranked No. 16 in the nation, according to 247Sports, which also tabbed Reid as a five-star prospect.

After committing to Alabama, Reid credited Oats for being a large part in the decision.

“I love their play style and the coaches,” Reid told ESPN. “Coach Oats gets his players better. I believe I can make an immediate impact and get better in all aspects of my game so I can get to the league. Coach Oats is a great person to be around and learn from.”

While the 2025 NBA draft isn’t for another year, it’s important for fans to get familiar with potential stars on the upcoming Crimson Tide roster as the team looks to not only return to the Final Four, but build upon this success as the program seeks a national championship.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama basketball news as the 2024 offseason progresses.

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5-star SF Derrion Reid sets commitment date

Five-star shooting forward Derrion Reid will decide among Florida State, Alabama, and UGA basketball

Five-star shooting forward Derrion Reid will announce his commitment on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. ET. Head coach Mike White and Georgia basketball are looking to get another recruiting win after landing a commitment from five-star Asa Newell.

Reid plays basketball for Prolific Prep in Napa, California. Reid transferred from Grovetown High School in Grovetown, Georgia, ahead of his senior year.

Reid’s top three schools are Georgia, Alabama and Florida State.

The 6-foot-7, 180-pound forward is the No. 16 player in the nation, per 247Sports. Reid is the No. 4 power forward in the country and the No. 2 recruit in California in the class of 2024.

The five-star forward is versatile and can play either shooting forward or power forward. Reid is a good rebounder and defender. Reid plays inside more than you would expect at his size. Reid often throws down highlight dunks.

The Florida State Seminoles have had a back-to-back down years in the ACC. Florida State has a long history of developing and recruiting top wing talent. Head coach Leonard Hamilton and the Seminoles have a legitimate chance to land Reid.

Alabama has recently turned into a basketball powerhouse under head coach Nate Oates. The Crimson Tide are usually known for their football prowess, but should not be overlooked in Derrion Reid’s recruitment. Alabama finished the 2022-2023 basketball season with a record of 31-6, which was best in the SEC.

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The five-star shooting forward would be an excellent addition for the Georgia Bulldogs. Reid visited Georgia in October 2023. Second-year head coach Mike White is looking to add an influx of talent to the Georgia program. White started the class of 2024 strongly with a commitment from Asa Newell.

Alabama lands in top 3 for elite, 2024 SF Derrion Reid

2024 small forward Derrion Reid is down to three schools — Alabama, Florida State, and Georgia. Reid will likely make a decision in the coming months.

The Alabama men’s basketball team received its first commitment of the 2024 recruiting class from five-star power forward Aiden Sherrell. The Prolific Prep standout announced his commitment to Alabama on Sept. 26. Recently, Sherrell’s teammate, 2024 small forward Derrion Reid, revealed his top three schools. Alabama was one of the schools that made the cut.

Reid is originally from Grovetown, Georgia. Prior to the start of his senior season, Reid chose to transfer to Prolific Prep in Napa, California. Much like Sherrell, Reid has also been a priority target for the Alabama coaching staff.

He is listed at 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds. His skill set and frame give him the option to play the two, three, and four positions at the college level. Reid is one of the more versatile forwards in the 2024 recruiting class. That is one thing that has drawn the Alabama coaching staff to him.

Roll Tide Wire breaks down Derrion Reid’s recruiting profile.

5-star SF Derrion Reid names top three schools

Five-star shooting forward Derrion Reid has named his top three schools.

Five-star shooting forward Derrion Reid has named his top three schools.

Reid plays basketball for Prolific Prep in Napa, California. Reid transferred from Grovetown High School in Grovetown, Georgia, ahead of his senior year.

The 6-foot-7, 180-pound forward is the No. 16 player in the nation, per 247Sports. Reid is the No. 4 power forward in the country and the No. 2 recruit in California in the class of 2024.

The five-star forward is versatile and can play either shooting forward or power forward. Reid is a good rebounder and defender. Reid plays inside more than you would expect at his size. Reid often throws down highlight dunks.

Who are Derrion Reid’s top three schools?

Ohio State basketball offers top Georgia 2024 wing

The Buckeyes offer the versatile wing #GoBucks

[autotag]Ohio State[/autotag] basketball has done a great job at finding players who can play multiple positions, creating roster flexibility.

The interchangeability makes it much easier for head coach [autotag]Chris Holtmann[/autotag]to play his 4-out, 1-in offensive system. The roster is full of wing players, who can shoot from the outside and slash to the rim.

It should come as no surprise that Holtmann targets recruits with those traits, recently offering 2024 Georgia wing [autotag]Derrion Reid[/autotag]. The 6-foot, 7-inch and 180 pound wing has guard skills with a shooters touch. He is rated as the 8th best power forward and 53rd overall player by the 247Sports composite.

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