According to ESPN’s latest mock draft projections, former Kentucky Wildcat Adou Thiero is slated to be selected with the 36th overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets. Following closely behind, Tennessee Volunteers standout Chaz Lanier is projected to be taken with the very next pick.
According to the latest projections from ESPN’s updated mock draft, the anticipation surrounding the 2025 NBA Draft continues to build with increasing clarity around the prospects expected to hear their names called in the second round. Among them, former Kentucky Wildcat Adou Thiero has generated significant attention for his all-around skillset and high ceiling. ESPN projects that Thiero will be taken with the 36th overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets, a franchise that has leaned heavily into development and youth as it retools its roster for the future. Immediately after Thiero, the mock draft has Tennessee Volunteers star Chaz Lanier being selected with the 37th pick, showcasing how both the SEC and the broader college basketball world continue to supply elite-level talent to the NBA pipeline.
For Adou Thiero, the projected selection marks a substantial personal and professional milestone. Coming out of Kentucky, a program renowned for its ability to develop NBA-ready talent, Thiero had to overcome significant competition within a deep Wildcats rotation. Despite not always being in the spotlight during his collegiate tenure, Thiero made a name for himself with his elite defensive instincts, long frame, and evolving offensive capabilities. Standing around 6-foot-6 with a near 7-foot wingspan, he has the kind of physical attributes that NBA scouts salivate over, particularly when paired with a work ethic and defensive tenacity that became his trademark in Lexington.
Thiero’s journey to this point wasn’t necessarily one of guaranteed stardom. He wasn’t a top-five recruit coming out of high school, and his early college minutes were limited. But what he did have was persistence. As the seasons progressed, Thiero carved out more playing time by embracing the role of a glue guy — someone who could guard multiple positions, rebound out of his area, and run the floor in transition. By his final season at Kentucky, he had improved his perimeter shot, became more assertive on offense, and displayed flashes of being a two-way contributor at the next level.
The Brooklyn Nets, a franchise that has already shown a commitment to player development through the G-League and a keen eye for undervalued draft picks, may be the ideal destination for a player like Thiero. With the Nets expected to be in a transitional phase — balancing between competing and rebuilding — they have the flexibility to give young players meaningful minutes. Thiero’s versatility makes him a valuable asset, as he can be plugged into multiple lineup configurations and offer immediate defensive utility while continuing to refine his offensive game.
On the offensive end, Thiero still has room to grow. His shooting mechanics have improved, and his confidence has grown with each season. While not yet a consistent three-point threat, he’s shown the willingness to take open looks and has improved from the free-throw line — often a key indicator of shooting potential. What excites scouts is his ability to create transition opportunities off of steals or rebounds, his unselfishness with the ball, and a growing sense of timing when cutting off-ball or attacking closeouts.
Defensively, Thiero is ready for NBA minutes. His lateral movement, wingspan, and anticipation allow him to guard positions 1 through 3, and even smaller 4s in today’s positionless NBA. He communicates well, rotates effectively, and has the kind of mindset that coaches love — never taking possessions off, diving for loose balls, and embracing the dirty work. That defensive potential alone could earn him a role early in his career.
Right behind Thiero in ESPN’s mock draft is another high-level SEC talent, Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier. The Volunteers guard has had a meteoric rise in NBA draft discussions, especially following his breakout season. Unlike Thiero, whose draft buzz built gradually, Lanier seemingly exploded into the conversation over a single dynamic campaign where he led Tennessee in several key categories and proved himself as a go-to offensive weapon. ESPN’s projection of Lanier going 37th overall reinforces the belief that he has caught the attention of NBA executives and scouts with a mix of scoring ability, playmaking instincts, and leadership qualities.
Lanier’s senior season was nothing short of remarkable. Displaying elite shooting touch from deep, an ability to finish through contact, and poise in late-game situations, he became a cornerstone for a Tennessee program that prided itself on toughness and grit. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a sturdy build and excellent quickness, Lanier was difficult to contain off the dribble and showed that he could score at all three levels. More importantly, he showcased the ability to take over games when it mattered most — a trait that is often hard to find in prospects outside of the first round.
Much like Thiero, Lanier’s journey to NBA recognition has been one of resilience. He had to earn every minute he played early in his college career, dealing with injuries and a crowded backcourt. But his breakthrough came when he was finally given the keys to the offense. He responded by averaging over 17 points per game, shooting above 40 percent from beyond the arc, and proving himself as a reliable free-throw shooter. His improved decision-making and assist-to-turnover ratio further cemented his reputation as someone who could potentially run a second unit at the NBA level.
Lanier’s toughness and competitiveness make him an appealing target for franchises looking for instant impact from second-round selections. While he may not have the length or switchability that Thiero offers on defense, Lanier compensates with tenacity, anticipation, and the ability to read offensive actions. He’s also regarded as a vocal leader — someone who can help galvanize a locker room and hold teammates accountable. That sort of intangibility often goes overlooked in the draft process, but for NBA teams seeking culture-setters, Lanier is an attractive option.
Depending on the franchise that ultimately selects him, Lanier could find himself in a role where he contributes right away. Whether it’s as a scoring spark off the bench, a spot starter, or someone who competes daily in practice and pushes veterans, he’s expected to bring maturity and effort on a nightly basis. Additionally, in an era where spacing and shot creation are premium skills, his ability to knock down open threes and generate offense could be the difference in sticking on an NBA roster long-term.
The significance of having two SEC standouts projected back-to-back in the second round is not lost on fans and analysts alike. It speaks to the depth and quality of competition in the Southeastern Conference, long known for producing elite-level football talent but increasingly establishing its presence in basketball as well. Programs like Kentucky and Tennessee are at the forefront of that movement, consistently sending prepared and polished players to the NBA ranks.
The draft is, of course, unpredictable. These are projections, not guarantees. Injuries, private workouts, and interviews can all shift stock in the days leading up to the big night. But what remains certain is that both Adou Thiero and Chaz Lanier have put themselves in excellent positions through their play, their growth, and their reputations as high-character individuals. The second round often serves as fertile ground for hidden gems, and both Thiero and Lanier fit the mold of players who could outplay their draft positions and carve out meaningful, impactful careers in the league.
For Thiero, it will be about continuing to refine his offensive game while leveraging his elite defense to earn trust and minutes. For Lanier, it’s about sustaining his scoring efficiency while proving he can contribute within an NBA system, likely off the bench to start. The Brooklyn Nets and whatever team selects Lanier next will be getting prospects with both floor and ceiling — players with the foundation to contribute now and the potential to become even more.
As ESPN’s mock draft continues to shape expectations, the inclusion of these two names in such close succession not only speaks to their abilities but to the kind of narratives NBA fans should watch for in the coming months. Underrated. Battle-tested. Hungry. That’s the identity of both Adou Thiero and Chaz Lanier — two young men ready for the moment and prepared to fight for their spot in the best basketball league in the world.
