The NBA 2025 draft isn’t spoken about without the mention of Cooper Flagg. The Duke sensation is widely expected to be the no.1 pick. While he has revealed to not be solely focused on that, his defensive awareness has caught the attention of several NBA stars, making him a considerable prospect. But the college basketball space is proving to have more to offer, leaving fans in splits over their future top pick.

A more recent name, becoming the cause of the confusion, is Dylan Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard who’s growing with every game. In a recent matchup for Rutgers against Columbia, he notched the program’s first triple-double since 1983. Thanks to his impressive 16 points, accompanied by 11 rebounds and 12 assists on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting, Harper showcased his all-around game in a way that caught the attention of fans and scouts alike.

 

For sure, it was a jaw-dropping moment not just for the Scarlet Knights but for collegiate fans everywhere. While the triple-double was an amazing feat in itself, the standout moment remains the freshman guard from Don Bosco grabbing a defensive rebound late in the game.

And just like that, in front of 8,000 fans already on their feet, Harper fired a flawless pass to fellow freshman Ace Bailey, who finished it up with a smooth layup, and the arena erupted into pure pandemonium. While both players have been nothing short of spectacular, fans took notice of Harper’s electric energy.

Harper vs. Flagg a la fan’s perspective

Fans were quick to draw comparisons between Harper and other future NBA stars, notably Cooper Flagg. One fan posted, “Yeah, Harper’s the number 1 pick as of now. Cooper can’t do what Harper does. He’s a 3-level scorer, passer, and defender. Plus, the speed? He’s got it all.”

Harper has been outstanding, averaging 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 52.1%.

It’s clear that he has captured the attention of many, and his performance is more than just a one-off. Over the course of three games, Harper scored a combined 94 points, becoming the first Big Ten freshman in two decades to do so.

“He better be a top 2 pick,” wrote a spectator on X. “He should be the #1 pick,” added another. He’s been consistently dominant, even when facing top-tier teams like Alabama. His 37-point performance against the Crimson Tide solidified his place as a future NBA star, with coach Nate Oats calling him unguardable on the ball screens.

With the likes of Cooper Flagg in the mix, some fans are already calling for Harper to take the top spot in next year’s draft. “

Put that Flagg down,” one fan joked, suggesting that Harper’s all-around game could be more valuable than Flagg’s hype. And with performances like this, it’s hard to argue with that sentiment.

But there’s no doubt that Flagg is no less than Harper. The 6-foot-9 forward, often celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills, makes an impact on both ends of the floor. While he’s still developing offensively, his defensive abilities make him an asset. “Respectfully, no team is taking him over Coop. Cooper is generational. We see more Harpers than Coops,” added another user. As a freshman at Duke, Flagg is averaging 16.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 42.1%

Well, the debate is never-ending. But one thing’s for sure: both of them are the most highly anticipated prospects in the upcoming draft, making for an exciting wait.