Dallas Mavericks select Cooper Flagg in 2025 NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks have selected Duke forward Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg is Duke’s first No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft since Paolo Banchero in 2022.

Flagg was spectacular in his lone season for the Blue Devils. He started in all 37 of his appearances, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc.

For his efforts, Flagg reeled in a treasure trove of awards. He was named the ACC Player of the Year, the AP Player of the Year and the Naismith College Player of the Year. Additionally, Flagg won the Julius Erving Award and the Lute Olson Award.

Flagg’s individual achievements translated to team success. Duke finished the 2024-25 campaign with a 35-4 overall record and a stunning 19-1 mark in conference play.

With Flagg leading the charge, the Blue Devils won the regular-season conference championship, the ACC Tournament title and reached the Final Four for the first time since 2022. Cooper Flagg’s dominance at the collegiate level wasn’t exactly a surprise.

Flagg played high school basketball at Montverde Academy (FL), where he was a five-star prospect. In fact, Flagg was the No. 1 overall player in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Cooper Flagg

Experts don’t expect Flagg’s success to slow down at the next level. Ahead of the draft, On3’s James Fletcher III raved about the 6-foot-9 standout.

“His incredible defensive traits which transcend the position he plays were on display in bursts throughout his time at Duke, and he continued to make strides on the offensive end,” Fletcher wrote. “Continued growth as a shooter ultimately has him among the top young players in the sport.”

Fletcher isn’t the only expert who’s confident that Flagg’s game will translate to the NBA. Flagg received rave reviews from analysts on RotoWire.com.

“Flagg’s elite defensive versatility separates him from the rest of the 2025 class. He has the height, strength and instincts to play down low as a shot blocker, but he also has the quickness and athleticism to lock down on the perimeter. Plus, his motor never wanes on that end of the court. Offensively, Flagg, who put up elite numbers at Duke, is far from a polished prospect, but the potential is glaring.

“Flagg showed vast improvements early at the collegiate level and eventually emerged as Duke’s go-to offensive player in clutch situations. There’s nothing Flagg can’t do on a basketball court.”