Inside Three Top College Players the Houston Rockets Could Target in the 2025 Draft

With two selections in the first round of the upcoming NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets will have the opportunity to add another talented young player to their roster.

The Houston Rockets already boast a strong roster packed with promising young players eager to carve out their roles in the NBA.

Next summer, the Rockets will have the chance to add two more prospects in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. While they had the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, their selection in 2025 is likely to be lower, especially if they make the playoffs.

Though it’s possible that head coach Ime Udoka might consider trading their first-round picks, here are three college basketball players who could be great additions for the Rockets:

Liam McNeeley
After an impressive high school career at Montverde (FL), 5-star prospect Liam McNeeley is ready to debut with the Connecticut Huskies. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 210 pounds, McNeeley is a versatile wing known for his ability to space the floor and defend well. Previously committed to Indiana, he was ranked the No. 10 overall prospect and No. 2 small forward in his class by 247Sports. With his size and skill set, he could be an excellent fit for Houston, supporting a core of players who require more ball time than the 18-year-old.

Currently, McNeeley ranks No. 15 on Draft Digest’s 2025 Big Board.

Asa Newell
Asa Newell, another 5-star prospect and McNeeley’s teammate at Montverde, is another potential target for the Rockets in the upcoming draft. At 6-foot-11, Newell is ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect and the No. 4 power forward in the nation by 247Sports. Despite his height, he’s an outstanding athlete, solid defender, and capable shooter. As he embarks on his freshman season at Georgia, Newell is currently ranked No. 22 on Draft Digest’s Big Board.

Zvonimir Ivisic
After limited play as a true freshman at Kentucky, Arkansas sophomore Zvonimir Ivisic is poised for a breakout season in 2024-25. Standing at 7-foot-2 and weighing 235 pounds, the Croatian native averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 57.7% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. With his impressive size and ability to stretch the floor, Ivisic could be an ideal late first-round pick for Houston.

Ivisic is currently ranked No. 35 on Draft Digest’s Big Board.