Georgetown University men’s basketball star Thomas Sorber declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, he announced in an Instagram post March 27.
Sorber, a first-year center who could be picked in the top half of the first round, averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2 blocks per game in his first and potentially only season with the Hoyas. He was named the Big East Freshman of the Week seven times throughout the season and took home Big East All-Freshman Team and All-Big East Third Team selections in the conference’s postseason awards.
Although he has hired an agent, Sorber will retain his NCAA eligibility and will not enter the transfer portal. If drafted, Sorber will become the first Hoya to be picked in the NBA Draft since Otto Porter Jr. in 2013. He is the No. 24 ranked prospect in the draft, according to ESPN.
In his announcement, Sorber said he always dreamed of playing in the NBA.
“Everyone that knows me knows that my dream has always been to play in the NBA, and I am excited for the opportunity to receive feedback from NBA teams as I continue to develop my game and explore the next steps in my basketball career,” Sorber wrote in the post.
The Trenton, N.J. native was the No. 50 ranked recruit in the Class of 2024, coming out of Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia. He joined the Hoyas’ starting five at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, playing his way into the limelight in the Big East and then around the country before a season-ending Feb. 15 foot injury.
Sorber immediately shined, scoring 20 points and recording 13 rebounds in the Hoyas’ first game of the season against Lehigh University. He notched a career game in the Hoyas’ loss at Providence College on Jan. 25, where he recorded a career high 25 points, including two 3-pointers, and 15 rebounds.
He led the Hoyas in rebounds and blocks per game this season and recorded 8 double-doubles on the season. He scored 20 or more points on five occasions and ranked among the top first-years for key statistics in college basketball.
In media availability March 28, Head Coach Ed Cooley said playing in the NBA is a longtime dream of every basketball player, and that he hopes Sorber can take his talents to the next level.
“Everyone’s dream that goes to college, that is an athlete growing up, and has a skill set that can translate to the next level — that’s what it’s about. It’s the same thing as when young men and women go to law school, they go to be an accountant,” Cooley told The Hoya. “Thomas has been great for us. We wish he would have been healthier to finish out the season, but Thomas and his mom and his agency will make the right choice for what’s best for Thomas. Hopefully it’s the NBA.”
Michael Hassner (SFS ’28), a member of Georgetown’s Pep Band, said Sorber was smart to declare for the Draft, as it allows him to explore the Draft system without committing to a decision.
“This was expected and a smart decision — he is testing out the waters and seeing what his stock might be while maintaining eligibility,” Hassner wrote to The Hoya. “This announcement doesn’t really change my perspective on his odds of leaving, because he can still freely come back. NBA teams might be worried about his injury, want him to gain some more experience, or develop his jump shot, so there’s a reasonable chance he stays.”
“It’s a great thing that he is a Hoya and regardless of what he chooses, he will be one forever,” Hassner added. “I think he is absolutely NBA-caliber.”
Maddie Ehlenbach (SFS ’26), the president of Hoya Blue, Georgetown’s official student section club, said the club is excited to rally behind Sorber no matter what he ultimately decides.
“We are thrilled for Thomas Sorber as he considers all his options for his basketball future,” Ehlenbach wrote to The Hoya. “Watching him in blue and gray this season was nothing short of magical, and his talent is a testament to Georgetown’s excellence in recruiting and player development. Whatever decision he makes — whether it’s joining the NBA or returning to the Hilltop for another year — Sorber will always be a Hoya.”
Sorber said Georgetown’s coaches and staff helped him improve his game, thanking the basketball program.
“Getting to put on the Georgetown Uniform has been the experience of a lifetime. Since day one, the entire university and alumni have welcomed me and my family in, in a way that has made Georgetown a second home for me,” Sorber wrote.
“Coaches, teammates, staff, you all have had a tremendous impact on me. Iron sharpens iron, and you have made me better every day,” Sorber added.
Cooley said he believes Sorber will make the right decision, and that Georgetown will always be a home for the big man.
“He’ll always have an opportunity — this will always be a home for Thomas. And I’m pretty sure that they’ll make the right decision where the future is going to be,” Cooley said.
Nate Seidenstein contributed to reporting.
