Duke's Cooper Flagg Earns Coach K Praise, Projected No. 1 NBA Pick

Cooper Flagg, a freshman who led Duke in nearly all major statistical categories, has drawn widespread acclaim and is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, likely to be selected by the Dallas Mavericks. Legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who retired in 2022, praised Flagg as the best freshman to ever play at Duke and compared him favorably to Duke legends Grant Hill and Christian Laettner, highlighting Flagg's remarkable performance despite not winning a national championship. Flagg earned prestigious honors such as the Wooden Award and the Associated Press men's college basketball national player of the year, joining an elite group of freshmen with such recognition. His versatile game, combining scoring, playmaking, and defensive skills, positions him as a potential future star in the NBA, with Coach K envisioning him as a key American talent amid a league rich in international stars. Flagg's impending entry into the NBA will place him alongside other top Duke draft picks like Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero, continuing the university's legacy of producing high-caliber professional players. With the Mavericks securing the top draft pick, speculation continues, but all signs indicate Flagg will soon officially join their roster.