Cooper Flagg’s meteoric rise at Montverde Academy often steals the spotlight, but the collective brilliance of his supporting cast powered an undefeated 33–0 campaign and a national championship. Who were these unsung stars whose contributions, though less heralded, proved indispensable to one of the greatest prep teams ever assembled?
The Stars Behind the Cooper Flagg Hype
Derik Queen
Derik Queen quickly translated his high school dominance to the college stage, anchoring Maryland as a freshman with 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. His reliable inside scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and helped the Terps reach their first Sweet Sixteen since 2016. Queen posted 15 double-doubles and delivered several clutch performances in the postseason.
Now declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, Queen joins fellow former stars Asa Newell and Cooper Flagg as top prospects. His growth from prep standout to pro-ready big man has come full circle.
Asa Newell
At 6’10”, forward Asa Newell combined length, athleticism, and a smooth skill set that made him a matchup nightmare. Whether handling the ball on the break, stepping out to knock down mid‑range jumpers, or switching onto guards defensively, Newell’s versatility gave Montverde a tactical edge against elite opponents.
His commitment to the University of Georgia in October 2023 underscored both his loyalty to his home state and his readiness to star in the SEC, where his multifaceted game will be on full display.
Liam McNeeley
Sharpshooter Liam McNeeley stands 6’8″ while playing for Texas as Montverde’s primary shooter outside the paint. Liam McNeeley’s swift release, combined with his smart basketball innovative thinking, forced defenders to double down while giving his teammates space for drives and open shots. Liam proved to be the coaches’ first choice in tight games because he delivered the crucial point-scoring shots.
After coming to UConn, he spent a year at the school. His freshman Big East award came alongside a game average of 14.5 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Shortly after graduation, he announced his intention to enter the NBA draft competition among elite shooting talent.
Just another day in the office for Cooper Flagg 🔥@MVABasketball I #ChipotleNationals pic.twitter.com/nvCyZmTVTn
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) April 6, 2024
Robert Wright III
Standing six feet, Robert Wright III orchestrated Montverde’s attack with poise and unselfishness. His court vision and timely ball distribution created high‑percentage looks for stars like Flagg and Queen, while his steady decision‑making minimized turnovers and controlled the game’s tempo.
After setting Baylor’s freshman assist records, Wright opted to continue his career at BYU, where his reputation as one of the nation’s top floor generals will guide the Cougars’ offense.
Curtis Givens
Memphis native Curtis Givens brought toughness and tenacity to the backcourt, using his strength to finish through contact and quick hands to generate steals. His improvement as a three‑point shooter added a valuable scoring dimension, making him a constant threat on both ends of the floor.
Now at LSU, Givens continues to develop, carving out a role as a high‑energy guard whose blend of physicality and skill translates seamlessly to the collegiate level.
Ace Flagg
Ace Flagg served as Cooper’s fraternal twin brother at point guard while also playing forward at 6’8″ during varsity games. Ace Flagg delivered motor-driven defensive skills and effective cutting movements, adding vital depth and intensity to Montverde’s team.
KEEP READING: 2-Round 2025 NBA Mock Draft
His move to Greensboro Day School led him to commit to the University of Maine, where he will display his versatile skills with high energy intensity as he begins his college basketball adventure.
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