While there will be several impressive freshman prospects for NBA teams to choose from in June’s draft, two are already starting to separate themselves at the top of the list. If you haven’t been locked into college basketball yet, get used to hearing the names Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper.
Let’s start with Flagg, the Duke freshman. He’s been in the spotlight for some time, with his high school highlights generating a lot of buzz. The 6-foot-9 forward entered the season as the top freshman in the nation according to 247Sports.
What makes Flagg so intriguing is his potential as a two-way star. He brings a high level of passion to the floor, and it translates on the defensive end. Flagg’s shot blocking and positional versatility are a premium as the league continues to lean into position-less ball.
Flagg also flashes potential as an offensive playmaker. He’s strong when attacking and can create opportunities for others. The one skill that Flagg can improve on is his ball handling. He can get the job done at the college level, but getting a tighter handle will unlock so much more for him in one-on-one scoring opportunities at the next level.
Perhaps the most important factor to remember is that Flagg is just 17. He graduated a year early, meaning he should still be a senior in high school. Flagg hasn’t been overwhelmed, though, putting up 17 points and nine rebounds per game for a top-10 team. One of his best performances was Sunday in Duke’s 76-65 win at Louisville. Flagg was the best player on the court, finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
It’s going to take a special talent to overtake Flagg for the top spot, but there’s a hooper at Rutgers who might do it. Dylan Harper is arguably the best playmaker in the freshman class. At 6-foot-6, he has great size for the point guard position. There’s a smoothness to Harper’s game that immediately stands out. He has a mature game, rarely playing out of control.
Harper is adept at putting up points for himself or putting others in position to get buckets. When you look at the characteristics of some of the NBA’s best floor generals, he checks the most important boxes.
Harper is a top-five scorer in the country, averaging 23.1 points while dishing out 4.6 assists and grabbing 4.3 rebounds per game. He really caught people’s attention at the Players Era Festival in November. Harper went off for 36 points, six rebounds and six assists in an overtime win over Notre Dame. He followed that up with 37 points in a loss to 10th-ranked Alabama. Both games proved he can carry the offensive load when needed.
There’s still a lot of ball to be played, and more will be revealed when it comes to the 2025 draft class. Now, however, Harper and Flagg are at the top. They could get even better and more comfortable as the season goes on.
