As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes are on Duke University basketball sensation Cooper Flagg, who is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. At just 18 years old, turning 19 in December, Flagg is poised to make history as the youngest top pick since LeBron James in 2003. His immense talent has drawn comparisons to some of basketball's greatest, with ESPN's Kendrick Perkins controversially calling him a fusion of LeBron James and Kevin Garnett, citing his all-around play and intense tenacity, though acknowledging Flagg's athletic differences.

Flagg is expected to be drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, a team that surprisingly won the draft lottery despite a mere 1.8% chance. This unexpected outcome creates a unique and advantageous situation for Flagg, unlike most No. 1 picks who typically join struggling franchises. LeBron James himself highlighted Flagg's fortunate position, noting he will join an established team with veteran leaders like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson, and Hall of Fame coach Jason Kidd, providing an immediate blueprint for success. This setup is considered by many to be the best for any No. 1 overall pick in NBA history, allowing Flagg to immediately impact winning at the highest level.

Born in Newport, Maine, Flagg’s journey to the top prospect status began early. As a 6-foot-6 eighth grader, he sought challenges, even playing against Division I college athletes like Ja’Shonté Wright-McLeish to push his limits and develop his game. This early exposure to higher competition instilled in him a quiet confidence and a relentless drive to dominate. After winning a state championship and being named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year at Nokomis Regional High, Flagg and his twin brother, Ace, transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida, a renowned pipeline for NBA talent. Flagg reclassified in August 2023 to enroll in college a year early.

In his single "one-and-done" season with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg demonstrated why he is considered a generational talent. He averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game. His exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including National College Player of the Year, Consensus First-Team All-American, Lute Olson Award, Julius Erving Award, Wayman Tisdale Award, NABC Freshman of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, First-Team All-ACC, ACC Rookie of the Year, and ACC All-Defensive Team. He led the Blue Devils to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance.

Flagg's game is marked by its versatility and high basketball IQ. He excels at handling the ball, initiating offense, and finding open teammates, demonstrated by his 156 assists in 37 games. He's also effective off-ball as a screener and cutter. Defensively, Flagg is a force, with a 7-foot wingspan and a 35.5-inch vertical, allowing him to collect steals and block shots. His competitive spirit is a cornerstone of his success; he doesn't take possessions off and is fearless, even holding his own against NBA All-Stars like Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Jrue Holiday during U.S. Select Team scrimmages.

One area of his game that saw significant improvement at Duke was his jump shot. Early in the season, he shot 27% from three-point range, but after mechanical adjustments and dedicated work with his trainer Matt MacKenzie, he improved dramatically, shooting a sizzling 44% from beyond the arc in his final 24 games. He finished his freshman year shooting 38.5% from deep on 3.6 attempts per game and 84% from the free-throw line. His coachability and desire for honest feedback are key to his continuous development.

The Dallas Mavericks' acquisition of Flagg creates a potential "holy trinity" of former Duke stars, as Kyrie Irving (No. 1 pick in 2011) and Dereck Lively II (No. 12 pick in 2023) are already key players for the team. This synergy is expected to further solidify Duke fans' allegiance to the Mavericks. Flagg's arrival is seen as a game-changer for Dallas, making their lineup more dynamic on both ends of the floor. Coming from Maine, Flagg deeply feels the support of his home state, and his success is a watershed moment for basketball in the region, inspiring many.

As Flagg prepares for the monumental shift to NBA life, he emphasizes the importance of a strong, tight-knit circle of family and friends to navigate the transition. The 2025 NBA Draft is a two-night event, with Round one airing live on Wednesday, June 25, on ESPN and ABC, and Round two on Thursday, June 26, on ESPN, both starting at 8 p.m. EDT.