IU basketball could potentially make history by having former players chosen in the first round of the NBA Draft for three consecutive years. According to CBS Sports, two current Hoosiers are projected to be selected on the opening night of the 2025 draft. This would be a first in program history and would give coach Mike Woodson five NBA Draft picks in the last three years.
The two Hoosiers projected to be picked in the 2025 first round are guard Kanaan Carlyle and forward Mackenzie Mgbako. Carlyle, a Stanford transfer, has shown potential as a versatile scoring threat, with impressive performances in games against top-ranked teams. Mgbako, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2024, has displayed improvement in his shooting abilities during his time at Indiana.
In addition to Carlyle and Mgbako, former IU commit Liam McNeeley is also projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This potential draft class showcases the talent and potential growth of IU basketball players under the guidance of coach Mike Woodson. If these projections hold true, it would mark a significant milestone for the Hoosiers program.