There are still plenty of tennis tournaments remaining in 2024, but at the same time the season is nearing the home stretch. As such, it isn’t too early to start looking ahead to 2025. Who are some of the tour’s rising stars who could break through next year?
Shang, Mensik among tennis’ top young talent
Five young players to watch in 2025 are Jerry Shang, Jakub Mensik, Alex Michelsen, Arthur Fils, and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. All five are already in the top 66 of the world rankings and all five are 21 or younger. In fact, Shang and Mensik are still teenagers. Both Fils and Mpetshi Perricard are Frenchmen, so that nation seems well stocked for the future.
Shang currently finds himself at No. 55 in the rankings and could climb even higher next week because he is currently in the Chengdu semifinals.
Victor Wembanyama: A Game-Changing Phenomenon
Victor Wembanyama, the first pick in the 2023 Draft, already showcased in his debut season with the San Antonio Spurs why he is considered one of the most promising players in NBA history. His average stats of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks per game are impressive, but even more remarkable is his growth potential.
Wembanyama is only the second player in NBA history to finish a season with such high averages in four major statistical categories without receiving an All-Star invitation. The first was the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1977-78 season, whose absence was due to injury.
Interestingly, many analysts predict that Wembanyama will not only make the All-Star team but also earn a spot on the NBA’s second team by season’s end. Moreover, there is a possibility that he could become the first player in league history to average 5.0 blocks per game, setting a new NBA record.
Jalen Williams: The Versatile Talent of the Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams had an impressive second season in the NBA, despite some difficulties in the playoffs. His versatility and ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates make him a key player for the young and ambitious Thunder team.
In the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks, Williams demonstrated his potential, averaging 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Although his playoff performance was met with mixed reactions, it may play to his advantage in the upcoming season, allowing him to exceed lowered expectations.
In the 2024-2025 season, Williams is expected to make a significant breakthrough. He is projected to score around 20 points per game, adding 5+ rebounds and assists. His improved defensive play and ability to shoot effectively from beyond the arc make him a strong candidate for the All-Star Game.
Chet Holmgren: The Unique “Unicorn” of the New Generation
Chet Holmgren, who missed his rookie season due to injury, made up for lost time with an impressive performance on both ends of the court. His ability to protect the rim (2.3 blocks per game) combined with his skill in stretching the floor (36.5% from three-point range) makes him a unique player in modern NBA.
In his debut season, Holmgren became one of only three players in the league to block 120 shots and make 120 three-pointers. His averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game are impressive, especially considering he played just 29.4 minutes per game.
In the upcoming season, Holmgren is expected to receive more playing time and become an even more integral part of his team.
Alperen Şengün: The New Type of Center
Turkish center Alperen Şengün emerged as a standout player for the Houston Rockets last season. His averages of 21.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists reflect his versatile skills and unique role on the team.
Şengün is one of the few centers in the league who can effectively playmake and create opportunities for teammates. His court vision and passing ability set him apart from other NBA big men. In the upcoming season, he might join the elite company of Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis, becoming one of the few centers in the 21st century to average at least 5.0 assists in multiple seasons.
Although the Houston Rockets are still in a rebuilding phase, Şengün’s individual performances could be impressive enough to earn him a spot on the All-Star team. His unique playing style and development potential make him one of the league’s most intriguing young players.
Cade Cunningham: The Future of the Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham, the first pick in the 2021 Draft, is gradually revealing his immense potential with the Detroit Pistons. Last season, he posted impressive averages of 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, with a career-best shooting percentage of 54.6%.
If Cunningham can maintain such efficiency throughout the season and even improve upon it, this could be a key factor in his bid for an All-Star spot. The ability to create and make difficult shots is what distinguishes elite NBA players such as Luka Dončić, Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, and James Harden.
