According to ESPN’s latest mock draft, two of college basketball’s most intriguing prospects—Adou Thiero and Chaz Lanier—have found their predicted homes in the 2025 NBA Draft. Former Kentucky Wildcat Adou Thiero is projected to go 36th overall to the Brooklyn Nets, while Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier is expected to follow at 37th to the Detroit Pistons. While mock drafts are speculative by nature, the placements of Thiero and Lanier speak volumes about their stock, potential fit, and how NBA franchises are evaluating talent beyond the first round.
Adou Thiero’s journey to the NBA has been anything but conventional. Coming into Kentucky as an under-recruited yet promising athlete, Thiero carved out a role for himself in a program saturated with talent. Known for his elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and relentless motor, Thiero earned minutes the hard way—through grit, hustle, and a commitment to doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed on the stat sheet. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, Thiero brings the type of physical profile that NBA front offices crave in modern wing defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions, switch onto smaller guards, and challenge shots at the rim gives him immense defensive upside.
But Thiero’s offensive game, while still a work in progress, showed promising flashes during his time in Lexington. He improved his shooting mechanics, expanded his mid-range game, and even displayed some off-the-dribble creativity that caught the eye of scouts. While his averages won’t leap off the page, his impact on the floor was felt in ways advanced analytics could better describe. His hustle plays, second-chance opportunities, and fast-break finishes were staples of his contributions. ESPN’s projection of him at 36th to the Brooklyn Nets suggests that teams are seeing beyond his raw numbers and appreciating the defensive potential, high character, and developmental upside.
For the Nets, a franchise navigating a rebuilding phase post-superstar era, Thiero’s selection would be a strategic play. Brooklyn has clearly shifted its focus to acquiring young, high-upside players who can contribute to a sustainable long-term vision. With Mikal Bridges recently traded and an increased emphasis on athletic, switchable wings, Thiero fits into the Nets’ scheme almost seamlessly. He wouldn’t be expected to shoulder a major offensive load immediately, which would allow him to grow within a structured role as a perimeter defender, energy guy, and occasional slasher. Brooklyn’s coaching staff could help unlock his offensive game with targeted development, especially considering the team’s track record in nurturing young talent.
Thiero’s transition to the professional level won’t be without its challenges. He will need to fine-tune his shooting consistency, particularly from three-point range, to become a more complete two-way player. In today’s NBA, even defense-first wings are expected to hit open shots, and Thiero’s role could hinge on his ability to punish teams for leaving him unguarded. Additionally, decision-making under pressure and ball-handling in tight spaces are areas he’ll need to work on. That said, his work ethic and basketball IQ give him an edge. If the Nets can provide him with the right developmental environment, Thiero has the potential to blossom into a valuable rotation player, possibly even a starter in the right system.
Just one pick later, ESPN forecasts Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier being selected by the Detroit Pistons at No. 37. Lanier is coming off a breakout season that saw him rise from relative anonymity into a legitimate NBA prospect. After transferring to Tennessee, Lanier quickly made his presence known, lighting up scoreboards with his deep shooting range, confident shot creation, and clutch scoring. He turned heads with his ability to score in bunches, hitting tough shots off the dribble and showcasing an impressive off-ball game that complemented Tennessee’s system beautifully.
Lanier’s 6-foot-4 frame and explosive first step make him a tough cover for most defenders. What separates him from many of his peers, though, is his ability to shoot off movement, a skill highly coveted in today’s space-and-pace NBA. He showed that he could run off screens, relocate efficiently, and knock down contested threes under pressure. His quick release and high shooting arc make his jumper hard to block, even when tightly guarded. ESPN’s mock placing him just outside the first round reflects his upside as a microwave scorer and dynamic shot-maker who could give second units a significant offensive punch.
For the Detroit Pistons, a team loaded with young talent but searching for shooting and spacing, Lanier could fill a glaring need. The Pistons already have a crowded backcourt featuring Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Marcus Sasser, but what they lack is a consistent threat from deep—someone who can come in and stretch defenses the moment they step on the floor. Lanier fits that mold perfectly. He wouldn’t be expected to initiate offense or handle playmaking duties but could thrive in an off-ball role where he spaces the floor and provides instant offense. His energy and fearless scoring could make him a fan favorite, especially if he embraces the grit-and-grind identity Detroit fans admire.
Lanier does have areas to work on as he transitions to the NBA. His defense remains a concern, particularly in one-on-one situations against elite guards. His size and athleticism aren’t elite for his position, meaning he’ll need to rely on effort and awareness to survive defensively. Additionally, while he can create his own shot, his playmaking for others is still developing. He’ll need to demonstrate that he can make smart reads and avoid tunnel vision when he gets into scoring mode. Nevertheless, Lanier’s offensive potential is undeniable, and the Pistons—like many rebuilding teams—can afford to take a chance on a player who could evolve into a crucial scoring weapon.
The juxtaposition of Thiero and Lanier—back-to-back selections in the mock draft—highlights a broader trend in NBA team-building philosophies. Thiero represents the type of low-risk, high-reward defender that teams can mold into a defensive cornerstone, while Lanier offers the promise of instant offense and elite shooting. Both players have question marks, but each brings a clearly defined skill set that aligns with modern basketball needs. In a league increasingly driven by versatility, efficiency, and spacing, it’s easy to see why these two have climbed up draft boards.
Beyond their individual stories, the paths of Thiero and Lanier also reflect the evolving landscape of college basketball and its role in NBA scouting. Both players benefited from the extra exposure, responsibility, and development time that came from playing in high-level programs. Their growth from rotational college players to NBA-caliber prospects shows that staying in school an extra year or transferring to a better fit can significantly boost a player’s draft stock. As NIL opportunities continue to reshape the college basketball ecosystem, more players may opt to refine their games before making the leap—just as Thiero and Lanier did.
If ESPN’s predictions come true, both Brooklyn and Detroit could walk away with second-round steals. Thiero’s long-term defensive upside and Lanier’s scoring explosiveness make them intriguing additions to their respective rosters. Whether or not they thrive will depend on a combination of fit, opportunity, and development, but there’s no question that they’re entering the league with skills that are in high demand.
