2025 NBA Draft: Complete Coverage
NEW YORK – As the basketball world gears up for the 2025 NBA Draft, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg, who has emerged as the likely No. 1 prospect in this year’s class. After leaving Florida’s Montverde Academy, Flagg solidified his status during an impressive season at Duke, showcasing his exceptional basketball skills, on-court intelligence, and mature demeanor. His journey hasn’t been without intrigue; a recent playful incident involving high school teammate Liam McNeeley, who interrupted a press conference, drew attention. When asked if he enjoys Maine lobster, Flagg, the pride of the Pine Tree State, admitted it's not his favorite, although he does appreciate a well-made Maine lobster roll. This seems to be a diplomatic response, ensuring he remains in good graces with local fans for his future visits.
Tomorrow, Flagg will be at the Barclays Center, following today's events at the Lotte New York Palace hotel. The Dallas Mavericks appear poised to select him, having defied the odds with a mere 1.8% chance of landing the No. 1 pick. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas highlighted Flagg's versatility: “You can play him anywhere. He’s like a queen on a chessboard, capable of guarding multiple positions. His athleticism, length, and court awareness set him apart.” Bilas further emphasized Flagg’s ability to contribute across various statistical categories, suggesting that by focusing on making the right plays repeatedly, he might end up with significant stats by the game’s conclusion.
The potential addition of Flagg could significantly enhance the Mavericks' roster, which is already designed for immediate success under GM Nico Harrison after the Luka Dončić trade. Alongside talents like Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and PJ Washington, Flagg will find opportunities to thrive without the pressure to be the sole star. If selected first overall, Flagg would become the fifth No. 1 pick from Duke in the last three decades, joining notable names like Elton Brand (1999), Kyrie Irving (2011), Zion Williamson (2019), and Paolo Banchero (2022).
His Duke teammate, Kon Knueppel, who is also projected to be a lottery pick, praised Flagg, stating, “He competes at the highest level. At the end of the day, he’s just a great guy, too. That can be more important than anything about being a good basketball player.”
Cooper Flagg and Liam McNeeley are not the only Montverde Academy alumni in this draft class. They also share the spotlight with Maryland’s Derik Queen and Georgia’s Asa Newell, both of whom are potential first-round selections. Flagg expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s incredible to go through this experience with them.” The camaraderie among the Montverde players is evident, with the term “brother” frequently used to describe their relationships.
The competitiveness fostered under coach Kevin Boyle has led to a tradition of producing NBA talent at Montverde. If Flagg goes No. 1, it will mark the third recent alum to achieve this feat, following Ben Simmons (2016) and Cade Cunningham (2021). Newell aptly referred to Montverde as “The Factory,” emphasizing its role in preparing players for the NBA.
Another name to watch is Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, regarded as the second-best talent in the 2025 NBA Draft. Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, showcased his scoring ability with an impressive average of 19.4 points per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. His performance earned him 2024-25 AP All-America Honorable Mention honors, as well as a place on the All-Big Ten Third Team.
ESPN’s Jay Bilas believes that “Dylan Harper is a clear choice after Flagg for the Spurs.” Bilas emphasized the importance of length and athleticism in the NBA, noting Harper's knack for creating plays in pick-and-roll situations. While Rutgers struggled as a team, finishing with a 15-17 record, Harper’s persistence throughout the season speaks volumes about his character.
This year's draft presents a diverse international landscape. While recent drafts featured international players going No. 1 overall, this year’s talent pool is more balanced. Several international players are expected to be selected in the first round, including Joan Beringer (France), Noa Essengue (France), and Hugo González (Spain). The trend of international players transitioning to American college basketball continues, as they seek opportunities to enhance their skills while benefiting from Name, Image & Likeness deals.
With France leading the charge, players like Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf are also anticipated to make an impact. As the international scene grows in strength, Traoré remarked, “French players are playing great right now. We have a lot of attention on us.” Beringer added, “It’s a dream for every basketball player on this planet. I’m just blessed to be here.”
As the host of the draft, the Brooklyn Nets are in a prime position to excite their fans. Entering the draft with a league-high four first-round picks (Nos. 8, 19, 26, 27), they are poised to make significant changes to their roster. ESPN's Bobby Marks referred to their situation as the “Bingo Board," indicating that the plethora of options available could shape their offseason strategy significantly. Other teams, including the Spurs, Jazz, and Wizards, also hold multiple first-round selections, setting the stage for a dynamic draft night.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, the excitement builds around the prospects and the potential impact they will have on their future teams. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the outcomes that will shape the next generation of basketball stars.
