We’re just two days and some hours away from hearing Duke Blue Devils’ Cooper Flagg get picked first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft. Flagg is part of Duke’s 2025 class which is one of its strongest in recent memory.
The class could potentially give three first-rounders in this year’s draft. Let’s take a look at them:
1. Cooper Flagg – Projected No. 1 Overall Pick
This can now be considered as an afterthought already as Cooper Flagg brings massive upside with him. The Mavericks, who are unlikely to trade off this pick will be picking him Wednesday night with their first overall pick.
When Cooper Flagg faced off against 23 of the best players in the country 🔥 @McDAAG
The 2025 #NBADraft presented by State Farm begins Wednesday, June 25th at 8pm/et on ABC + ESPN 👀 pic.twitter.com/WxEcV6QGPs
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 9, 2025
As a freshman with Duke, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He swept almost all national player of the year awards after a sensational season.
Flagg is a consensus No. 1 pick on all mock draft boards. Last season, he led Duke to the Final Four before being named as ACC Player & Rookie of the Year.
2. Kon Knueppel – Projected Late Lottery (Top 10)
Knueppel made his own name alongside Flagg last season where he averaged nearly 14.4 points per game on top of multiple 20+ point games. He was named the ACC Tournament MVP after he averaged 21.0 points on 48.7% shooting along with 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists across three games.
Multiple mock drafts have him between the No. 6 and No. 10 pick.
3. Khaman Maluach – Projected First Round
The 7-foot-2 center rose to stardom following his performances with the South Sudan national team and Duke Blue Devils. His projections have been varying with some seeing him inside the top 10 while others think he could go late in the first round.
With Duke last season, Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. He shot 71.2% from the field while shooting 25.0% from the 3-point line.
Those teams looking to draft a defensive anchor and rim protector might consider him a work in progress before regularly starting him inside the paint.
Meanwhile, Duke will be in business in the second round as well. Junior Tyrese Proctor and grad transfer Sion James are projected to be picked in that round as per Yahoo Sports and The Athletic.
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