Cooper Flagg is about to change all that. Unless something inconceivable happens, he’ll be the consensus first overall pick in the next 2025 NBA Draft, taking place on Wednesday, June 21, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET. He would be rated only slightly lower than LeBron James. LeBron was the last player taken at 18 years and 178 days old in the 2003 draft. Flagg’s appointment will be historic for Duke University. If they made this pick, it would give the school the most players selected first overall in history, giving them five total.
Regarded as a no-doubt franchise-caliber talent, Cooper Flagg’s breakout has sent waves through the entire basketball community. He came out of high school as one of the top prospects in the country. Now, he’s the consensus top prospect, making him a perfect target for teams looking to establish their long-term future with an impact player.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg
Flagg’s rise up the draft boards is a product of his impressive two-way prowess and ability to fill multiple roles on the court. In return, he’s been showered with accolades for his game-changing talents. His unique talents can change the fortunes and big game potential of nearly any team he ends up on. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes him an attractive option for franchises aiming to secure a potential superstar.
Duke’s basketball program has a history draped in glory, and Flagg’s choice would add to its rich tapestry. The Blue Devils are known for their NBA pipeline and the elite talent they’ve produced over the years. This new accomplishment continues to prove their status as an incubator for the top tier of players. Flagg’s potential to be the first overall pick adds another dimension to Duke’s already impressive track record.
With the draft just weeks away, the buzz around Flagg’s future in the NBA continues to grow. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where he goes. They can’t wait to learn to what extent he’s going to be able to adapt to the professional game!
Other Top Prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft
While Cooper Flagg is generating significant attention as the likely first pick, several other promising players are expected to make an impact during the draft. VJ Edgecombe is one of them, expected to be picked in the lottery. His high-end creation on plays on the ball gives him the chance to make the impact of a strong contributor at the next level.
Edgecombe’s ceiling has led some analysts to compare his game to that of current NBA stars Victor Oladipo and Jaden Ivey. For what it’s worth, these comparisons are indicative of his offensive potential and overall skill set. They argue that he can turn into a great player for whatever team drafts him. As teams weigh their needs and preferences, they’ll be looking closely at Edgecombe’s showing through the pre-draft workout process. His results will have a major impact on his draft stock.
Dylan Harper, who’s projected to go No. 2 overall. Harper has the potential to be an All-Star player from Day One, flaunting exceptional skills and offensive talent that teams will be salivating to tap into. His monstrous size and strange athleticism are equally felt on offense as well as defense. It’s why he stands as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft.
Uncertainty Surrounding Ace Bailey
Unlike his draft classmates, Ace Bailey of Rutgers is left wondering what to do with the predraft plan. Aside from fellow U.S.-based prospect Edwin Weigang, Alejandro is the only U.S.-based prospect to not have already visited a club. This disconnect immediately raises questions about his preparedness and alternatives heading into the draft. Bailey’s story sheds light on the different journeys that players undergo as they graduate to their professional careers.
Even with this level of uncertainty, Bailey’s talent is hard to ignore. He has a unique skill set in general, but what teams find most appealing is his ability to contribute right away. Short of him being a pre-draft Hakeem Olajuwon, we’ll never know how low he could go in the draft order.
Kon Knueppel, another big name in this class, is a shooting guard/small forward from Duke. His well-rounded skill set could certainly turn him into a compelling option for any franchise in need of adding depth and quality to their backcourt. As teams make their final evaluations in preparation for draft day, Knueppel’s games will impact his ranking.
Record-Setting Lottery Picks
The 2025 class could be a record-breaking one in terms of the number of lottery picks. All of the fourteen expected lottery picks—but two—are projected as freshmen. This would be a new record for the most freshmen ever selected in lottery history. This trend is further evidence of the growing dependence on youthful exuberance at the highest level of hoops.
As teams look ahead to next spring’s draft, we’ve seen franchises become increasingly obsessed with stockpiling youthful prospects to stack their rosters. With an influx of fresh talent coming into the league, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. Teams are doubling down on early investments, betting on the right emerging stars, and seeking long-term success.
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