*Article written before NBA Draft*
Eric Dixon, PF, Villanova
Background: 24 years old, Graduated from Abington Senior High School and Villanova University. 2019 Mr Pennsylvania Basketball winner, all time scoring leader at both Abington (2,454 points) and Villanova (2,314 points). 24-25 3rd team All American.
2024-2025 stats: 23.3 PPG(NCAA leading), 5.1 RPG, 1.9 APG. 45.1 FG%,40.7 3FG%, 81.3 FT%.
Why I like him: Putting bias aside, I think Dixon’s skills translate very well to the NBA. Standing at 6’7, weighing 260 pounds, and being a 3 point threat is very rare among big men. Now, showing my bias; I’m a Villanova fan, so I already am predisposed to like him. Then you add in his high school alumni, and you have a perfect storm. I loved watching Dixon play this year, and hopefully the Sixers make the right decision and select him with the 35th pick. He should be available as ESPN’s latest mock draft has him selected at 51st overall by the Los Angeles Clippers
VJ Edgecombe, SG, Baylor
Background: 19 years old, immigrated from the Bahamas in his freshman season, graduated from Long Island Lutheran High School, played 1 season at Baylor University. McDonald’s All American
2024-2025 stats: 15 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG. 43.6% FG, 34 3FG%, 78.2 FT%
Why I like him: Edgecombe is different from the other “athletic” prospects in the fact that he’s already really good at basketball. VJ has room for improvement, and I’m confident he will reach it. ESPN has him mocked to the Sixers at pick #3 and If they make the right decision, I’ll be excited to see him develop into a star next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Liam McNeeley, SF, UConn
Background: 19 years old, went to 3 different high schools (J.J Pearce High School, John Paul II High School, and the infamous Montverde Academy.) Committed to Indiana, but decommitted to attend UConn.
2024-2025 stats:14.5 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.3 APG. 38.1 FG%, 31.7 3FG%, 86.6 FT%.
Why I like him:McNeeley struggled with injuries in 2024, causing him to drop in the draft, but don’t let that forget how good of a player he is. McNeeley has played for some of the most acclaimed basketball schools in high school and college (Montverde Academy and UConn). McNeeley is a weapon on offense, an exceptional shooter, and someone who knows the pressure of playing for high level teams throughout his entire career. ESPN has McNeeley landing with the Washington Wizards at pick #18.
Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Background: 20 years old, attended Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore before transferring to Montverde Academy after his freshman season. MaxPreps Freshman of The Year in 2021. Played his freshman year at Maryland.
2024-2025 stats:16.5 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.9 APG. 52.6 FG%, 20 3FG%, 76.6 FT%.
Why I like him: Queen won me over with his game winner vs Colorado State in the round of 32 in this year’s March Madness Tournament. You know a player is gonna be great when the biggest concern teams have about him is “conditioning”. Nothing that can’t be fixed by being drafted by a competent franchise! Speaking of competent franchises, he’s mocked to the NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder at pick #15. Sam Presti is the NBA’s Howie Roseman.
Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee
Background: 23 years old, attended The Ensworth School, played for North Florida before transferring to Tennessee to play his final college season. Chaz won the Jerry West Award (best shooting guard) in his 2025 season with the Vols.
2024-2025 stats:18 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.1 APG. 43.1 FG%, 39.5 3FG%, 75.8 FT%.
Why I like him: Chaz is most well known for his shooting. He shot nearly 40% from three in 2025. One of his best performances came against Wofford in the round of 64 during the 2025 March Madness tournament. He scored 29 points with 5 rebounds, hitting 6 threes on the day. Chaz is projected to go 38th overall to the San Antonio Spurs putting him in a great position to succeed in the league. Lanier is a player I would love to see the 76ers add as depth behind other great shooters like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
Kam Jones, PG, Marquette
Background: 23 years old. Attended Evangelical Christian High School before committing to play at Marquette.
2024-2025 stats:19.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.9 APG. 48.3 FG%, 31.1 3FG%, 64.8 FT%.
Why I like him: As I previously mentioned, I’m a Villanova basketball fan. I watched this guy absolutely wreck us multiple times over his collegiate career, but the game that had the biggest impression on me was his 18/6/4 performance to eliminate the Wildcats from the Big East Tournament and end our March Madness hopes. ESPN projects Kam to be drafted 46th overall to the Orlando Magic, putting him on a contending team early on in his NBA career.
Sixers Dream Draft (No Trades)
1:3 VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
2:35 Eric Dixon, Villanova
