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The Ultimate Guide to NBA Rookies Every Basketball Fan Needs to Watch
2025-11-04 19:12
As I sit here scrolling through basketball highlights, I can't help but feel that electric anticipation building up for the new NBA season. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed this sixth sense for spotting which rookies are going to shake up the league, and this year's class feels particularly special. What makes this season even more fascinating is how international basketball events are creating this unique developmental landscape for these young players. While training schedules are still being sorted out across various leagues, it remains to be seen whether local sporting leagues such as the PBA, PVL, UAAP, and NCAA can still host their matches during the 16-day World Championship run. This scheduling puzzle actually creates this incredible opportunity for NBA rookies to shine when other basketball leagues might be temporarily pausing their activities.
Let me tell you about Victor Wembanyama – this 7'4" French phenom isn't just tall, he's rewriting what we think is possible for a player his size. I've watched every available clip of his French League games, and honestly, I haven't been this excited about a prospect since LeBron entered the league. His combination of shooting touch and defensive instincts is just absurd. During one game last season, he recorded 8 blocks while hitting 5 three-pointers – numbers that would be impressive in video games, let alone real life. The Spurs have their franchise player, and I'm predicting he'll average at least 19 points and 2.5 blocks per game this season.
Then there's Scoot Henderson, who I believe would have been the number one pick in at least 3 of the last 5 drafts. Having watched his G League development up close, his explosive athleticism reminds me so much of a young Russell Westbrook but with better court vision. The Trail Blazers are getting an immediate difference-maker who can probably put up 16 points and 7 assists right out of the gate. What makes Scoot particularly interesting is how his G League experience has prepared him for the NBA grind in ways college players just don't get.
The timing of these rookies' development coincides with this interesting global basketball calendar disruption. With various international leagues potentially adjusting their schedules around the World Championship, there's going to be more spotlight available for these NBA newcomers. I've noticed that during international tournament periods, basketball fans hungry for content often discover new favorite players in the NBA when their usual local leagues aren't as accessible. This creates this perfect storm where rookies who might normally take time to build recognition could capture global attention much faster.
Brandon Miller from Alabama is another player I'm personally bullish on, even if many analysts have him slightly lower in their rankings. His smooth shooting stroke and underrated defensive versatility make him this perfect modern wing. Having spoken with scouts who've watched him extensively, I'm convinced he'll be starting for Charlotte by Christmas and putting up around 14 points per game on 38% shooting from deep. The Hornets need his scoring punch desperately, and I think he'll deliver sooner than people expect.
What often gets overlooked in rookie evaluations is how much organizational fit matters. Take Amen Thompson going to Houston – his explosive athleticism and playmaking could flourish in their up-tempo system. I've watched enough of his Overtime Elite games to know his court vision is special, even if his jump shot needs work. Meanwhile, his twin brother Ausar landing in Detroit gives them another versatile defender who can grow alongside Cade Cunningham. The Thompson twins represent this new wave of prospects who developed outside traditional systems, and I'm fascinated to see how their games translate.
As we navigate this unique basketball season with its scheduling complexities and international events, these rookies enter the league at this perfect moment where attention might shift their way more quickly than usual. Having witnessed rookie classes come and go since 2008, what strikes me about this group is their combination of readiness and upside. They're stepping into situations where teams will give them meaningful minutes from day one, and with the global basketball calendar creating potential viewing opportunities, fans around the world might discover their new favorite players sooner than anticipated. Mark my words – in five years, we'll look back at this class as one that produced multiple All-Stars and fundamentally changed several franchises' trajectories.
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.
