AMES — Day one of the 2025 NBA Draft concluded without either of the Cyclones’ top two prospects being selected.
Guards Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert led Iowa State in scoring last season and racked up college accolades in their senior seasons but weren’t among the 30 players selected in the NBA Draft's first round.
Jones averaged 17.4 points last season and was recognized as College Hoops Today’s national sixth man of the year. The Associated Press named him a second-team All-American.
A groin injury ended Gilbert’s season before the NCAA Tournament and he was invited to play in the NABC-Reese’s College All-Star Game on April 4 but the injury kept him out.
People are also reading…
Do any mock drafts project Curtis Jones or Keshon Gilbert will get drafted?
Draft analysts from CBS Sports, ESPN and Sports Illustrated all left Jones and Gilbert off their day two draft boards.
If prospects aren’t drafted, they will have an opportunity to sign as free agents with the team of their choice. ESPN basketball analyst Seth Greenberg said in February whether it’s through the draft or free agency, Jones will have a chance to make an NBA team.
“He’s a dynamic scoring guard, what I call a ball guard,” Greenberg said. “I think he’s a guy that has shotmaking, explosiveness, creativity, creates separation, knows how to play hard. His playmaking ability has to improve a little bit in terms of seeing plays early but yeah he’s a guy … that will have a chance to earn a roster spot. (The NBA) is the most exclusive club in the world.”
NCAA Mississippi Iowa State Basketball
Iowa State guard Curtis Jones (5) scores a three point basket against Mississippi guard Sean Pedulla (3) during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf) Kayla Wolf
Curtis Jones feels like he has a chance to be a day two pick
Jones told channel 5 KSTP he’s worked out for 14 or 15 NBA teams this summer. He also went to Chicago and participated in the NBA's G-League camp.
Always smiling, Jones is remaining optimistic he’ll hear his name called
“I definitely think I got a chance to get drafted Thursday," Jones said. "But if not, I definitely think I’ll end up somewhere by the end of Thursday so kind of just wait and see. But I got high hopes for it.”
If Jones goes undrafted, it won’t be the first adversity of his basketball career. He didn’t have any division one or two college scholarship offers out of high school. Jones played a season of junior college at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa before transferring to Buffalo and later ISU.
Jones said he feels like once he gets comfortable in a new situation and learns the environment he excels. So, all he’s asking for is a chance.
“Really that’s all I need," Jones said. "Whether I’m picked 30, 40, 50 or undrafted I feel like the type of path I’ve been on in my career I can make almost anything happen and I feel like I could really be one of those guys if I were to go undrafted that could make a living in the NBA."
Baylor Iowa St Basketball
Iowa State's Curtis Jones (5) talks with teammate Keshon Gilbert (10) during a game earlier this season. Charlie Neibergall
Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins share Iowa State's male athlete of the year honor
German Iowa State freshman Dominykas Pleta awaiting visa to join team
Why TJ Otzelberger, Iowa State shut down guard Mason Williams for season, and why it could be the best thing for him
Ben Hutchens is an Iowa State University beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at Ben.Hutchens@lee.net.
0 Comments
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!