In a recent ranking by The Athletic, Duke forward Cooper Flagg was recognized as the second-best NBA prospect of the last decade, closely following only the towering Victor Wembanyama. This assessment was conducted by draft expert Sam Vecenie, who emphasized Flagg’s impressive competitiveness, skill set, and ability to elevate his teammates’ performance on the court.
Flagg’s ranking is particularly notable as he surpassed several established NBA stars, including Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum, who placed 12th. Vecenie praised Flagg as a “highly-skilled mismatch nightmare,” highlighting his relentless energy and toughness, which he brings to both ends of the court. According to Vecenie, aside from Wembanyama, Flagg possesses a unique blend of a high floor and high ceiling in potential, suggesting he could evolve into a leading wing player in the NBA.
The list also featured Rutgers guard Dylan Harper as the only other college player alongside Flagg. Impressively, nine out of the last ten No. 1 overall picks appeared on the list, with the intriguing possibility of Flagg being selected first in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.
An anonymous NBA executive echoed the positive sentiment regarding Flagg, stating he sees no “major weaknesses” in his game. The executive noted Flagg’s readiness to contribute immediately, regardless of his young age, describing him as a player capable of generating winning performances right off the bat.
At just 18 years old, Flagg has already made remarkable strides, leading Duke to the Final Four during his freshman year and recently being awarded the 2025 Naismith National Player of the Year title, where he averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. With his birthday approaching next month, he is positioned for an exciting future in professional basketball.
This rising star not only symbolizes potential on the court but also brings a hopeful narrative for college basketball, where talent continues to emerge and challenge the status quo in the league. Flagg’s journey reflects the dynamic talent landscape in college sports, inspiring both players and fans alike.