Sanders first local draftee since Leaf

By Ramon Scott
Updated: June 26, 2025

Kobe Sanders, of the Los Angeles Clippers

From staff and wire reports

Brooklyn, NY – June 26, 2025 – Kobe Sanders, the versatile 6-foot-8 guard out of Spring Valley, was selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers (via trade with the New York Knicks) on Thursday night at the Barclays Center.

Projected as a potential second-round pick, Sanders’ journey from a talented, but lightly-recruited high school player to an NBA prospect is a testament to his relentless work ethic and late-blooming rise to the draft board.

Notably, Sanders becomes the first player from San Diego’s East County to be drafted since T.J. Leaf, who graduated from Foothills Christian High and was selected by the Indiana Pacers in 2017.

Both players were East County players of the year.

Sanders began his collegiate career at Cal Poly, where he spent four seasons developing into a standout player.

Initially a role player, Sanders evolved into the team’s offensive engine by his senior year, averaging nearly 20 points per game in the 2023-24 season. His dedication was evident in his early morning workouts at Mott Athletic Center, which became so routine that his iPhone’s GPS marked the gym as his “home” location.

Despite Cal Poly’s struggles, with the Mustangs winning only 12 games and going 1-39 in Big West play during his junior and senior years, Sanders’ individual performance shone through, finishing his Cal Poly career with 1,008 points, ranking 26th in program history.

Transferring to Nevada for his fifth season, Sanders elevated his game further. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 46.0% from the field, 34.2% from three-point range, and 79.5% from the free-throw line over 33 games. His size, feel for the game, and defensive edge turned heads, earning him third-team All-Mountain West honors.

Sanders’ ability to handle pick-and-roll situations, pull up for jump shots, and facilitate for teammates made him a standout at the 2025 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, securing an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine. Despite an ankle injury preventing him from participating in combine scrimmages, his workouts with a dozen NBA teams, including the Clippers and Boston Celtics, solidified his draft stock as a top-60 prospect.

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas praised Sanders’ positional size and pick-and-roll prowess, noting, “He’s one of the best pick-and-roll handlers in the draft with his passing and decision-making.” Nevada coach Steve Alford echoed this sentiment, raving about Sanders’ NBA potential, stating, “His best basketball is ahead of him.”

A native of Spring Valley, Sanders’ high school journey began at Steele Canyon High School, where he played his freshman and sophomore years.

Sanders was a growing talent, starting at 6-foot-4 and developing the guard skills that would later define his game, already putting up near conference-leading numbers early in his career. His early years laid the foundation for his versatility, as he focused on defense and shooting, roles that would expand as he grew physically and skill-wise.

Transferring to Christian High School in El Cajon for his junior and senior years, Sanders emerged as an All-League standout. By his senior year, he had grown to 6-foot-6, showcasing a blend of guard skills and defensive tenacity that drew low-major Division I interest, including from Cal Poly. Though not a highly touted recruit, his steady improvement and work ethic were evident, setting the stage for his collegiate growth spurt to 6-foot-8.

Sanders himself reflected on his development, saying, “Every year my role changed… By senior year, I was 6-6, and now I’m 6-8. But even as I grew, I never lost that mindset.”

As a member of the Clippers, Sanders’ selection is a homecoming of sorts, bringing the San Diego native back to Southern California. His ability to score off the dribble, create in pick-and-roll sets, and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable complementary piece for a Clippers team seeking versatile wings.

Should Sanders not immediately secure a spot on the Clippers’ NBA roster, he is likely to play home games for the San Diego Clippers, the team’s G League affiliate, at the new Frontwave Arena in Escondido. This opportunity would allow him to develop further while staying close to his county roots.

FanSided’s NBA Draft expert Chris Kline highlighted Sanders’ unique skill set, noting, “He’s not a traditional 3-and-D wing, but his passing and creation ability offer a very different look and could still be extremely useful in a complementary role.” His second-round selection aligns with his ranking as the No. 50 prospect on Kline’s final big board. The Clippers, who traded up to secure the No. 45 pick, were drawn to Sanders’ readiness to contribute and his versatility, which echoes the skill set of some of the franchise’s past stars.

As Sanders steps into the NBA, his journey from Steele Canyon to Christian High to Cal Poly and Nevada serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance.