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What Are the Most Promising NBA Rookies to Watch This Season?
2025-11-04 19:13
As I sit here scrolling through preseason highlights, I can't help but feel that electric anticipation that only NBA basketball season brings. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've developed a pretty good eye for spotting which rookies are poised to make an immediate impact versus those who might need more development time. This year's class feels particularly special, with several players showing flashes of genuine stardom during Summer League and preseason action. What fascinates me most is how these young talents will adapt to the grueling NBA schedule while international basketball commitments create additional complications in the global sports calendar.
While training schedules are still being sorted out across various leagues, I've been particularly impressed by Paolo Banchero's immediate offensive polish. The Orlando Magic's number one pick averaged 20.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in preseason, showing a maturity in his game that's rare for a 19-year-old. His combination of size and skill reminds me somewhat of a young Blake Griffin, though I actually think Banchero has better court vision already. What sets him apart in my view is his ability to create his own shot in half-court situations, something many rookies struggle with initially. I'm predicting he'll put up around 18 points and 7 rebounds per game this season, numbers that should make him the clear Rookie of the Year frontrunner in my estimation.
Another player who has completely captured my attention is Sacramento's Keegan Murray. I'll admit I had some doubts about his athleticism translating to the NBA level, but he's silenced those concerns emphatically. During Summer League, he put up historic numbers - 23.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting an incredible 50% from three-point range. Those aren't just good numbers for a rookie; they're elite efficiency by any standard. What I love about Murray's game is his phenomenal off-ball movement and quick release, which should mesh perfectly with Domantas Sabonis' playmaking. The Kings desperately need his two-way versatility, and I believe he'll log over 30 minutes per game from opening night.
The international basketball calendar does create some interesting scheduling challenges this season. While the FIBA World Championship runs for 16 days, it remains to be seen how domestic leagues like the PBA, PVL, UAAP, and NCAA will coordinate their schedules. This global scheduling puzzle actually benefits rookies in some ways - with fewer overlapping games, media attention becomes more concentrated on the NBA during key stretches. This spotlight could accelerate the development of players like Jaden Ivey, whose explosive athleticism makes him must-watch television. I've counted at least 17 transition plays during preseason where Ivey's speed simply broke the defense, resulting in either highlight dunwns or kick-out threes.
Detroit's backcourt pairing of Cade Cunningham and Ivey has me more excited than any young backcourt since Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Their chemistry appears remarkably advanced for two players with just 25 games of shared court time. I'm projecting the Pistons to surprise people this season, potentially fighting for a play-in spot if their young core develops faster than expected. Meanwhile, I've got my eyes on Shaedon Sharpe in Portland - the mystery man who didn't play college basketball but possesses otherworldly athletic traits. He's the ultimate high-risk, high-reward pick in my rookie rankings.
What strikes me about this class is its depth beyond the lottery picks. Players like Jeremy Sochan in San Antonio and Ochai Agbaji in Cleveland have the potential to become elite role players much quicker than anticipated. Sochan's defensive versatility particularly stands out - I've tracked him successfully guarding positions 1 through 4 during preseason action. In today's positionless basketball, that kind of flexibility is incredibly valuable. As the season progresses and the international basketball schedule creates those concentrated viewing windows, I believe we'll see several of these rookies become household names faster than usual. The future of the league appears to be in remarkably capable hands, and I for one can't wait to watch this story unfold night after night.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
