5 NBA Draft Sleepers to Watch in 2025: Bogoljub Markovic, Rocco Zikarsky, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and More

The 2025 NBA Draft is approaching, and several fringe prospects are gaining attention. Five sleepers to keep an eye on include Bogoljub Markovic, a Serbian big man with great post footwork and spatially astute defense; Rocco Zikarsky, a 7-foot-3 Australian player with immense defensive upside as a pick-and-roll defender; Yanic Konan Niederhauser, a Swiss-born player with explosive leaping ability and rim-reading skills; Osasere Ehikiti, a versatile big man with a strong build and scoring ability; and Christian Koloko, a two-way big man with a versatile skillset.

The 2025 NBA Draft is approaching, and several fringe prospects are gaining attention. Five sleepers to keep an eye on include Bogoljub Markovic, Rocco Zikarsky, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Osasere Ehikiti, and Christian Koloko. These players, while not among the top prospects, possess unique skills and attributes that could make them valuable additions to NBA rosters.

Bogoljub Markovic, a Serbian big man, is a promising power forward with great post footwork and spatially astute defense [1]. Standing at 6-11 and weighing 190 pounds, Markovic is flirting with late first-round consideration. He posted 13.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in Serbia's Liga ABA, with a 38.8 percent 3-point shooting average. Despite his lack of bulk, Markovic is a reliable passer and comfortable with the ball on the deck, making him a potential defensive anchor.

Rocco Zikarsky, a 7-foot-3 Australian player, has immense defensive upside as a pick-and-roll defender [1]. His 7-foot-3 barefoot height and nearly 10-foot standing reach were the best at the NBA Draft Combine. While Zikarsky lacks shooting and playmaking skills, his defensive prowess and ability to relieve pressure in the halfcourt make him a valuable asset.

Yanic Konan Niederhauser, a Swiss-born player, is an explosive leaper with rim-reading skills [2]. He dominated on the interior as a junior at Penn State, averaging 12.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Niederhauser's soft hands and well-proportioned frame make him a reliable rim reader and play finisher. Defensively, he is a swat machine with timely rotations.

Osasere Ehikiti, a versatile big man, has a strong build and scoring ability [2]. While his stats are not as impressive as some other prospects, Ehikiti's ability to score from anywhere on the court and his defensive versatility make him an intriguing option.

Christian Koloko, a two-way big man, has a versatile skillset [2]. His 6-foot-11 frame and 7-foot-3 wingspan make him a versatile defender and a threat in the paint. Koloko's ability to switch on defense and his scoring potential make him an attractive prospect.

These players may not be among the top prospects, but their unique skills and attributes could make them valuable additions to NBA rosters. As the draft approaches, keep an eye on these sleepers who could make an impact in the league.

References:

[1] https://www.reuters.com/sports/2025-nba-draft-sleepers-know-2025-06-25/
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2025/06/24/under-the-radar-2025-nba-draft-prospects-wings/