In the heart of the signing season, we take a closer look at the 2025 rookie class, and where the first moves have already happened. Plenty of names deserve attention, so here’s a partial overview through our monthly lens.
To better understand how Basketball Scouting Service supports decision-makers, you can revisit last month’s report. It’s never too late to sign the right player.
BNXT: Where rookies take flight
If there’s a clear entry point into European basketball, it’s the league shared by Belgium and the Netherlands. The BNXT League continues to prove itself as a prime destination for NCAA graduates aiming to grow, adapt, and make the jump to bigger stages: from Germany (John Newman) to France (Aundre Hyatt), and Italy (Myles Cale last season, Timmy Allen this year). It’s no coincidence that the highest concentration of rookies we’ve scouted over the past year have signed there. A modern, ambitious league offering high-level opportunities at sustainable cost, thanks to smart scouting and forward-thinking clubs. Among the most promising: WILL PRUITT (Leuven Bears), a sharp-shooting combo who could evolve into a modern-day Billy Baron, and RASHEED BELLO (Antwerp Giants), a high-motor handler with impact on both ends. If his perimeter shooting stabilizes, he’s one to follow closely.
Track the full list of 2025 rookies signing in Europe:
France: The best fit for Cotonou players
French league regulations continue to offer a clear advantage to players holding Cotonou or Bosman-A passports, creating one of the most accessible and competitive gateways into European basketball for international rookies. It’s no surprise, then, that some of the best rookie fits we’ve scouted this year are headed there. One name that stands out is NELLY JOSEPH, a physically dominant center signed by SIG Strasbourg. After averaging a double-double at New Mexico and putting together a solid Summer League with Atlanta (6.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game), he enters the pro scene as a rim protector with motor and discipline. He plays big, stays active on the glass, and if he avoids unnecessary fouls, a perfect foundation for high-level systems. A perfect fit in terms of Nigerian national team projection with Joseph would be CHIBUZO AGBO (Cholet Basket). He provides a clean shooting stroke and natural spacing instincts, an ideal modern forward for structured halfcourt offenses. And for a hybrid profile, OBINNA ANOCHILI (Chalon Basket) offers rim protection (3.2 blocks per game), verticality, and an improving perimeter shot, a rare blend that’s already catching attention.
Body ready to fight
Not every rookie arrives “ready to play,” but some have the frame, toughness, and motor to step in without needing a long adjustment phase. It’s not just about muscles, it’s about understanding how to use them. OTIS FRAZIER, recently signed in Israel by Elitzur Netanya, is a prime example. With his aggressive slashing, downhill mentality, and instinct to absorb contact, he could mirror the path of Jason Burnell, a player who quietly became one of the most reliable imports in Europe. If the shot holds, he’s going to stick. In a different mold, ZED KEY lands in the Czech Republic with BK Pardubice as an undersized but relentless big. His game is all about force and timing: 58.4% finishing at the rim, strong rebounding presence, and a level of effort that makes him an instant contributor in physical matchups. And then there’s KENDAL COLEMAN. Signed by Promitheas Patras – a club with high-level ambitions – he brings top-tier athletic tools and rebounding instincts. It’s a gamble, yes: raw skillset, limited experience at this level. But the upside is there, and the BCL stage will tell us if he’s just athletic or a future starter.
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3-P Threats: Who are ready to deliver
The modern game demands shooters, not just streaky specialists, but reliable threats who stretch the floor and punish closeouts. A few names from this rookie class are already proving they belong in that category.
After bringing in Brad Davison and Joe Girard in recent years, Nevezis Kedainiai seems to have struck again with TRENTON MCLAUGHLIN. The second-leading scorer in all of NCAA D1 last season (22.0 ppg), he’s not just a volume guy: he moves well off the ball and punishes every mistake with quick release and deep range. In Sweden, last season saw the rise of sharpshooter Tahlik Chavez, now heading to Dziki Warszawa in Poland. Following a similar path is former Tulsa guard KEASTON WILLIS, who has just signed with Jämtland Basket. Over five college seasons, Willis shot an impressive 37.5% from three on high volume (7 attempts per game), showing both trust and consistency. The British league has also brought in its share of long-range specialists. JOE ANDERSON (Bristol Flyers) is a floor general with a natural feel for leadership and big shots, shooting 40% from deep while commanding the tempo. JOHNNY O’NEIL (Leicester Riders), on the other hand, is a modern stretch four who combines rim protection and rebounding with a smooth release from long range.
The summer market is still wide open, and many rookies from the 2025 class are yet to find a team. We’ll keep tracking their moves, so you don’t miss the next breakout.