Cooper Flagg continues to prove why he’s the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Flagg is projected to be the first name called on Wednesday when NBA commissioner Adam Silver takes the podium for the 2025 NBA Draft. The Duke alum does not turn 19 until December, potentially making him the youngest first overall pick since LeBron James.
The Maine native chose to reclassify in high school to be able to graduate in three years. While speaking to reporters Tuesday ahead of the draft, Flagg explained why he made the decision.
“A quote my mom likes to say a lot: ‘If you’re the best player in the gym, then you need to find a new gym,'” Flagg answered.
Flagg added that it was “an easy decision” and had nothing left to prove at the high school level. He felt like making the leap to college a year earlier would accelerate his development as a player.
Given Flagg’s immense success in high school, it’s not hard to understand why he left early. As a freshman, Flagg carried Nokomis Regional High School to a state championship with averages of 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks. He became the first freshman ever to be named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year.
Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida after his freshman year. He helped lead Montverde to a 34-0 record and the eighth national championship in the program’s history. He announced the decision to reclassify after his sophomore season and later committed to play for Duke.
Flagg faced adversity in his lone Duke season that he would have never experienced at the high school level. The Blue Devils were considered favorites to win the NCAA tournament, but fell a game short of the championship game.
While Flagg’s immense talent and physical profile make him an obvious NBA talent, his drive to improve puts him over the top as a franchise player in the making.
