“Cooper Flagg is Maine’s most impactful export since lobster.” These words from ESPN analyst Jay Bilas sum up the energy of a basketball phenom whose name has been a buzz in the NBA already. For fans who witnessed his record-breaking 42-point game for Duke, Flagg’s ascent feels inevitable. With a reclassification making him eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft, the 6’9″ phenom has set the stage for a career worth watching.

Flagg’s freshman season at Duke has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s turned out to be right in the line of some of the NCAA’s top players. Averaging 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His 42 points against Notre Dame were a historic score for Duke. The freshman’s efficiency was remarkable in that game—shooting 11-of-14 from the field, 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 16-of-17 from the free-throw line.

This achievement wasn’t just a flash in the pan. Scouts are salivating about Flagg’s all-around game, which includes his defensive intensity and offensive versatility. Now, analysts see him as a near lock as the first pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Interestingly, Austin Rivers shared his thoughts on Flagg during his podcast, Off Guard. “I know whoever is running DC at this point has to be rubbing their hands right now. You’re watching Cooper Flagg go for 42. The question is, will DC get it? It doesn’t guarantee you a spot; it just means you have the worst record. Look at the year the Pistons tied last year; they weren’t even close to the top pick. If Charlotte got it, that would be interesting.”

The Washington Wizards, with the worst record in the league in mid-January with a 6-32 record, are likely to get the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

But, as Rivers said, the lottery system brings the note of chance into the matter. With the worst record, the Wizards would have only a 14 % chance of getting the first pick. However, their current position on the leaderboard is enough to make them contenders for Flagg.

Flagg’s dominance isn’t limited to scoring. His versatility extends to his ball-handling and perimeter shooting, areas that Rivers noted on his podcast. “I always knew he could develop something; it’s just a matter of how long it’s going to take for him to get that off the dribble. Getting that one-two dribble package where you have a couple of moves to go hesi left, hesi right, and then rise right into a three-pointer. That type of skill is really hard to guard, especially when you have that size. We know he can finish at the basket, and with no elite shot blocking, Cooper is going to eat. He’ll be living in that paint”.

It has to be said that Flagg has only strengthened his position as the leading contender for the first overall draft pick. At just 18 years old, he will be the second-youngest college player ever drafted when the NBA makes its selection in June 2025. He’s compared to players like Andrei Kirilenko both for his defensive instincts and basketball IQ. And his offensive growth makes for a projection that he can be a complete two-way player.

The Blue Devils’ freshman phenom has been instrumental in Duke’s 14-2 record, with the team remaining undefeated in ACC play. Since turning 18, his efficiency has really separated him from his peers, shooting 63% from the field. Despite the fact that Flagg remains the favorite, other talented prospects have popped up as well. 

Cooper Flagg and rising competition in the 2025 draft class

Rutgers’ Dylan Harper is noteworthy with averages of 21.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. And his teammate Ace Bailey is an all-around player whose versatility has kept him in the top three discussions. VJ Edgecombe of Baylor is also impressing scouts with his athleticism and scoring ability, too. Yet, Flagg’s size, talent, and basketball IQ keep him the most sought-after prospect.

This season’s 2025 draft class is looking like one of the best in recent years and rounds out the intrigue. NBA franchises, such as the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Toronto Raptors, are on pins and needles, hoping the lottery will come their way.

Only time will tell as to how long Flagg will be able to continue this level of play throughout his college season. But he has certainly positioned himself as the top pick in the draft. Flagg is at its center, and the 2025 class is one that will be transformative for the league. With comparisons to legendary rookies and a skillset that has yet to peak, the NBA’s 538 current players have every reason to keep their eyes on this rising star.