The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a night to remember, with all eyes on Cooper Flagg, the highly touted prospect from Maine. Flagg, who played a season at Duke, has cemented his position as the likely No. 1 pick in the draft. His impressive skills, basketball IQ, and maturity have made him a standout player. Flagg’s NBA future seems destined for Dallas after the Mavericks cashed in on 1.8% odds to land the No. 1 pick.
Flagg isn’t the only Montverde Academy product in this draft class. He’s joined by fellow first-round talents Liam McNeeley, Derik Queen, and Asa Newell. The four players have developed a strong bond, with Flagg praising their competitiveness and camaraderie. Montverde Academy has become a breeding ground for NBA talent, with Flagg’s selection as the No. 1 pick potentially marking the third recent alum to achieve the feat.
Rutgers guard Dylan Harper is regarded as the second-best talent in the draft, with his impressive shot-making skills and court sense. Harper’s teammate, Airious “Ace” Bailey, is also a projected lottery pick. The two players have developed a strong friendship, with Harper praising Bailey’s skills and work ethic. Harper averaged 19.4 points per game on 48.4% shooting, including 33.3% on 150 3-point attempts. Bailey, a 6-foot-8 forward, averaged 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in 33.4 minutes per game, showing enough range to connect on 34.6% of his 3s.
The 2025 NBA Draft features a diverse group of international players, with several expected to be selected in the first round. Players like Joan Beringer, Noa Essengue, and Hugo González are among the notable international prospects. France is particularly well-represented, with several players expected to be selected in the first round. Beringer said it’s a pride to be part of this draft class, while Nolan Traoré feels that French players are playing great right now and are well-deserved of the attention.
The Brooklyn Nets are hosting the draft and are expected to make significant moves. With four first-round picks, they’re poised to add talent to their roster. The Nets’ picks could be crucial in shaping their future and potentially adding to their salary cap space. According to ESPN NBA analyst Bobby Marks, the Nets’ multiple picks control the offseason, giving them a lot of options to reshape their roster.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the top prospects and the teams looking to build their rosters. With a talented group of players and intriguing storylines, the 2025 NBA Draft promises to be an exciting event. The combination of top prospects, international talent, and strategic team moves will make for a thrilling night of basketball.
