[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2025 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Matthew Cleveland
Frame: 6’7”, 210 lbs
Position: Wing
Team: Miami Hurricanes
2025 Draft Age: 22

Offense

The “U” has proven to be an NBA feeder school for talented wing prospects like Lonnie Walker IV, Jordan Miller, and Kyshawn George. Senior Matthew Cleveland seems on deck to be the next NBA-bound Miami wing.

In his final year, Cleveland averaged a career-high 17.6 points per game, a considerable improvement from his junior year mark of 13.7. The key contributor to this jump was improved efficiency from the field: he shot 38.2 percent from three on 3.1 attempts per game and 51.1 percent overall, both career highs. 

He spent his previous three seasons as a high-end role player for Florida State (2022 ACC Sixth-Man of the Year) and Miami. However, he blossomed into a true option this last season despite all the turmoil among Miami’s coaching staff with the departure of Jim Larranaga. Cleveland’s experience and ability to fill various roles will be helpful in his transition to the NBA. As an off-ball threat, he makes phenomenal cuts and thrives in transition. He utilizes his long strides, broad frame and exceptional jumping ability to finish aggressively and effectively at the rim, especially when throwing down alley-oops.  

As an on-ball threat, Cleveland significantly improved his self-creation ability and jumpshot consistency. His comfort level with the ball in his hands was apparent; he only improved as the season progressed and his role grew. In the first 10 games of the season, Cleveland only started four games and averaged 9.3 points with 4.5 rebounds. After that, he started 17 of the following 19 games and averaged 22.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks. These are the numbers of a versatile lead option destined to carve out a role on an NBA team. This was all while only turning the ball over 8.2 percent of the time, a testament to the development of his game and reliability as a potential second-round prospect.

 

Defense

Unlike many projected second-round wing prospects like Koby Brea (Kentucky), Chaz Lanier (Tennessee), or Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest), Cleveland is a plus defender with legitimate two-way potential. Despite being Miami’s top offensive option, he still had the energy and ability to be highly impactful as a defender. Cleveland’s long arms wreak absolute havoc in the passing lanes. They are equally disruptive when contesting shots: something scouts witnessed at the Portsmouth Invitational, where he averaged three blocks over three games. His physical tools,  with a near seven-foot wingspan, should enable him to remain impactful defensively in the NBA by guarding multiple positions.

Additionally, he possesses a plus-rebounding ability for a wing, thanks to his physical tools and natural ability to position himself well off missed shots. Although this last season was a career low in rebounding rate, his career average puts him in the tier of Liam McNeeley (Connecticut) and Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany) as above-average rebounders at the wing position. 

Looking Ahead

The combination of defensive prowess, offensive growth as a top option, and NBA-ready physical traits should be an attractive package for teams in the second round looking for a wing capable of seeing the floor as a rookie. 

The game that best exemplifies his versatility and NBA-readiness was his matchup against Drake Powell and the North Carolina Tarheels: he cooked them for 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, with blocks and only one turnover. Cleveland’s impact was significant on both ends of the floor despite being matched against a projected 1st round talent and national tournament caliber roster.

As a rookie, he will likely spend time in the G League, where he can continue to prove himself a capable role player and eventually earn a full-time roster spot.