Cooper Flagg Shines as NBA Draft Buzz Grows Before Final Four Showdown

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four sets the stage for a showdown featuring some of the nation’s top collegiate basketball talents, with standout Cooper Flagg already being discussed as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Flagg, a freshman at Duke, has demonstrated his scoring prowess and versatility throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable performance against Arizona where he tallied 30 points, seven assists, and three blocks. Now just two wins away from a national title, Flagg’s next challenge comes against a formidable Houston team known for its stingy defense.

“Cooper Flagg is now two games away from winning a national title before going No. 1 in the draft,” noted Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman. “He faces his toughest test of the season against a Houston defense that just held Tennessee to 50 points.”

With averages of 19.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field, Flagg has lived up to expectations set during his high school career. “He seemingly impacted every possession, whether he was creating offense, finishing it, or making plays for teammates,” Wasserman added.

The Final Four roster includes not just Flagg, but a plethora of prospects who have caught the eye of NBA scouts. Dylan Harper from Rutgers is regarded as the consensus No. 1 guard option after demonstrating elite finishing and shooting skills throughout the tournament, including a near triple-double against USC.

“Harper’s downhill game and shotmaking production have widened the gap between him and the next-best prospect,” Wasserman stated. Teams like the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets are likely to consider him in their quest for ball-handling depth.

Baylor‘s VJ Edgecombe and Rutgers’ Ace Bailey also strengthened their draft prospects with impressive performances leading into the tournament. Edgecombe’s explosive game and Bailey’s size and shooting ability have made them two players to watch closely in the draft discussions.

In addition to Flagg and Harper, scouts have closely monitored players like Jeremiah Fears from Oklahoma and Khaman Maluach from Duke. Fears declared for the draft after a standout season where he averaged 17.1 points, while Maluach impressed with his 7-foot-2 frame and incredible athleticism.

“This year has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for all the love and support I have received from the OU fan base!” Fears stated after declaring for the draft. “I want to express my gratitude to coach Porter Moser and the entire coaching staff, who believed in me and allowed me to showcase my abilities.”

The upcoming NBA Draft is anticipated to be thrilling, with teams like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards laying the groundwork for a promising future. As the tournament progresses and draft boards shift, more players are expected to emerge as top prospects, ultimately reshaping the landscape of the NBA.