NEW YORK – Cooper Flagg has emerged from Florida's prestigious Montverde Academy as the likely No. 1 prospect for the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, a status that has only solidified during his season at Duke University. The young athlete is gaining immense recognition for his impressive basketball skills, high basketball IQ, and maturity of character. This was highlighted recently when his high school teammate, Liam McNeeley, who is also a first-round talent, humorously interrupted a press conference that Flagg was attending.

In a light-hearted moment, McNeeley quipped about Maine's famous lobster, to which Flagg, the pride of the Pine Tree State, responded that while it isn't his favorite, he does enjoy a good Maine lobster roll. This careful response illustrates his awareness of maintaining a positive image with the local fans as he prepares for his NBA career.

Currently at the Lotte New York Palace hotel and preparing for the Draft at Barclays Center tomorrow, Flagg's NBA future appears to point towards Dallas. The Mavericks recently secured the No. 1 pick in the Draft lottery, achieving this feat with only a slim 1.8% chance of winning, marking one of the lowest odds in the lottery's history.

ESPN’s NCAA and NBA analyst Jay Bilas has drawn an analogy comparing Flagg's versatility on the court to a queen on a chessboard, stating, “You can play him anywhere you can. He can guard multiple positions, he’s super athletic, he’s long, and he’s got a really good second jump.” Flagg’s approach to the game focuses on making the right plays rather than solely aiming for personal scoring, as evidenced by his potential to accumulate impressive statistics like 25 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks over a game.

This focus on teamwork and making the right decisions could be beneficial for the Mavericks, who are looking to strengthen their roster under GM Nico Harrison, especially after the trade that brought superstar Luka Dončić to the team. With a skilled frontcourt that includes Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and PJ Washington, Flagg will have the opportunity to develop without the pressure of being the sole star.

The 18-year-old forward has a chance to make history as the fifth No. 1 pick from Duke in the last 30 years, which would further cement the Blue Devils' legacy in producing top-tier talent. Previous No. 1 picks from Duke include Elton Brand (1999), Kyrie Irving (2011), Zion Williamson (2019), and Paolo Banchero (2022).

“He competes at the highest level,” remarked Flagg's college teammate, Kon Knueppel, who is also projected as a lottery pick. “At the end of the day, he’s just a great guy, too. And that can be more important than anything about being a good basketball player.”

In addition to Flagg and McNeeley, Montverde Academy boasts a strong presence in this year's Draft, with other potential first-round picks such as Derik Queen from Maryland and Asa Newell from Georgia. Flagg expressed excitement about experiencing this pivotal moment with his former teammates, stating, “It’s incredible to go through this experience with them.” This camaraderie among the Montverde alumni showcases the competitive yet supportive environment that the academy fosters.

The high school rivalry among the Montverde players was palpable, with Queen reminiscing, “Everybody wanted to beat everybody. Everybody wanted to fight everybody. Everybody wanted to win, so it was very competitive.” Coach Kevin Boyle's leadership has positioned Montverde as a powerhouse in producing NBA talent, and Flagg going No. 1 overall would mark a significant achievement for the program, following the successes of Ben Simmons (2016) and Cade Cunningham (2021).

Turning to another top prospect, Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, who is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, is anticipated to be selected shortly after Flagg. Harper's remarkable freshman season saw him averaging 19.4 points per game while shooting 48.4%, making him a standout player in the Draft. Bilas believes that Harper will be a strong choice for the Spurs, highlighting the importance of his length and athleticism in today's NBA.

Although Rutgers struggled with a 15-17 overall record and missed the NCAA Tournament, Harper's ability to perform consistently well amidst adversity has drawn respect from analysts. Harper has also built a strong bond with fellow prospect Airious “Ace” Bailey, who could also be a lottery pick.

On the international front, this Draft is expected to include a variety of global talents, even though it may not feature a standout No. 1 pick like last year’s French phenom Victor Wembanyama. Names such as Joan Beringer, Noa Essengue, and others are expected to make their mark in the first round, reflecting the growing importance of international players in the NBA.

Finally, the Brooklyn Nets, who are hosting this year’s Draft, are poised for a significant haul with a league-high four first-round picks. This abundance of choices positions them to reshape their roster effectively, setting the stage for an exciting offseason for the franchise.

With the Draft just around the corner, anticipation continues to build around these young prospects, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how it all unfolds.