Cooper Flagg was named this year's National College Player of the Year The Dallas Mavericks selected 18-year-old college star Cooper Flagg with the first pick in the NBA draft. At 18 years 186 days, the guard is the second-youngest player to be selected first in draft history - LeBron James was eight days younger when picked by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Dallas had the first pick after winning the draft lottery in May, despite having only a 1.8% chance because they finished 10th in the Western Conference. "I'm feeling amazing. It's a dream come true," Flagg said. Flagg, who plays shooting guard or small forward, helped Duke University reach the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Final Four in 2024-25, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game as a freshman. He won the Wooden Award - given to the most outstanding college player each season - and was named Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year. He is the second number one overall pick in Dallas franchise history after the Mavs selected Mark Aguirre in 1981. The San Antonio Spurs took guard Dylan Harper with the second pick. Harper, 19, is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and his older brother Ron Harper Jr on the books with the Detroit Pistons. "I'm feeling everything - all the emotions mixed in one bucket," Dylan Harper said. "They've got a great young core over there. I'm just ready to get in there and make an impact any way I can with those guys." Guard VJ Edgecombe was selected third by the Philadelphia 76ers. Born in the Bahamas, he was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year after averaging 15 points and 5.6 rebounds per game at Baylor University. The Charlotte Hornets used the fourth pick to bring in guard Kon Knueppel.
Flagg, 18, drafted first by Mavericks
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"Dallas Mavericks Select Cooper Flagg First Overall in NBA Draft"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old standout from Duke University, has made history by being selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg's selection comes on the heels of an impressive collegiate career where he was named the National College Player of the Year. He played a pivotal role in leading Duke to the NCAA Final Four during the 2024-25 season, showcasing his skills with an average of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. Flagg's accolades also include winning the Wooden Award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding college basketball player, and being recognized as the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year. His achievement marks him as the second-youngest player to be drafted first overall in NBA history, just behind LeBron James, who was selected at 18 years and 178 days old in 2003. Flagg expressed his excitement, stating, 'I'm feeling amazing. It's a dream come true.' This marks a significant moment for the Mavericks, who secured the first pick after a surprising victory in the draft lottery, despite having only a 1.8% chance due to their 10th place finish in the Western Conference.
In the draft, the Mavericks' selection of Flagg was a highlight, but the event also saw other notable picks. The San Antonio Spurs selected Dylan Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, with the second overall pick. Harper, who is 19 years old, expressed his eagerness to join the Spurs, stating he is ready to make an impact with the team's young core. Following Harper, the Philadelphia 76ers picked guard VJ Edgecombe third, who had a standout freshman year at Baylor University and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. The Charlotte Hornets rounded out the top four selections by choosing guard Kon Knueppel. Overall, this draft showcased a range of young talent poised to make significant contributions to their respective teams in the upcoming NBA season.
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