Cooper Flagg Selected as No. 1 Pick by Dallas Mavericks in 2025 NBA Draft
Former Duke University superstar Cooper Flagg was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg, the consensus top prospect for the draft class, attended the event with his family and expressed his excitement, calling it a "dream come true." The selection fulfilled widespread expectations, marking a significant moment for the young basketball talent and the Mavericks franchise.
Unpacked:
Cooper Flagg led Duke to the ACC regular season title, was named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, and played a key role in Duke’s run to the 2025 Final Four. He averaged impressive stats and won several individual honors, joining a select group to win both major ACC awards in one season.
Flagg was widely regarded as the top prospect due to his standout freshman season at Duke, where he led the team to significant success, displayed versatile skills, and earned major awards. His performances in high-stakes NCAA tournament games further solidified his status.
Flagg is expected to bring elite scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities to the Mavericks. His leadership and versatility could help transform the franchise, providing a cornerstone for the team’s future and potentially making them immediate playoff contenders.
Flagg’s selection as the No. 1 overall pick enhances Duke’s reputation for developing NBA talent. It continues the tradition of Duke players being chosen early in the draft and may help attract future top recruits to the program.