Cooper Flagg’s Dominance Solidifies No. 1 Status in 2025 NBA Draft Class

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg entered the 2024-25 college basketball season as the consensus top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, and his performance has only widened the gap between him and the rest of the field. Flagg, who turned 18 in December, has exceeded even the highest expectations, leading Duke (31-3, 19-1 ACC) to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament while earning ACC Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and All-American honors.

With a blend of elite scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess, Flagg is being compared to some of the best No. 1 picks in recent history. Now, as Duke prepares for March Madness, NBA scouts and executives agree—he’s as NBA-ready as any prospect in the past decade.

Flagg’s Explosive Freshman Season

Despite facing intense competition early in the season, Flagg embraced the challenge of being Duke’s centerpiece. In 20 ACC regular-season games, he averaged:

  • 21.2 points
  • 7.1 rebounds
  • 4.4 assists
  • 50% field goal percentage, 40% from three

This level of production puts him in elite company, joining Kevin Durant, CJ McCollum, and Michael Beasley as one of only four Division I freshmen in the past 25 years to achieve these numbers in conference play.

Even after suffering an ankle injury in the ACC Tournament, Flagg is expected to return at full strength for the NCAA Tournament, where Duke will open against Mount St. Mary’s on Friday.

Why Flagg Is a Lock for the No. 1 Pick

NBA executives rave about Flagg’s relentless competitiveness, versatility, and ability to impact winning. One Eastern Conference executive described him as an “ass kicker in every sense,” noting that his drive and leadership make him a transformative player for any struggling franchise.

Elite Defensive Impact

  • Flagg’s defensive instincts are among the best scouts have seen in years.
  • He can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and protect the rim with elite timing.
  • His ability to recover quickly and cut off angles makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing offenses.

Offensive Growth

  • His shooting has improved dramatically, making him a legitimate three-level scorer.
  • His assist-to-turnover ratio surpasses past No. 1 picks like Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero, and Cade Cunningham.
  • His unselfish play and ability to elevate teammates make him an ideal franchise cornerstone.

One Western Conference scout compared him to prime Kawhi Leonard, emphasizing his two-way dominance and ability to defend guards, wings, and bigs. However, Flagg is already a better passer and shooter than Leonard was at the same age.

Could Flagg Return to Duke for a Sophomore Season?

Although highly unlikely, Flagg has not ruled out returning to Duke. He’s enjoying college basketball, and the millions he’s earning in NIL endorsements allow him to consider staying.

However, financially, delaying his NBA career could cost him $75-$125 million over time, as it would postpone his eligibility for supermax contracts in the NBA. Given that no projected No. 1 pick in modern NBA history has returned to school, the expectation remains that Flagg will declare for the 2025 NBA Draft after March Madness.

Final Thoughts

Cooper Flagg’s NBA future is inevitable. He’s not just the best prospect in this draft class—he’s one of the most complete and polished No. 1 picks in years. As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Flagg to see if he can lead Duke to a championship before making the jump to the NBA.