Whereas there shall be a number of spectacular freshman prospects for NBA groups to select from in June’s draft, two are already beginning to separate themselves on the high of the checklist. If you have not been locked into faculty basketball but, get used to listening to the names Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper.
Let’s begin with Flagg, the Duke freshman. He is been within the highlight for a while, together with his high school highlights producing loads of buzz. The 6-foot-9 ahead entered the season as the highest freshman within the nation based on 247Sports.
What makes Flagg so intriguing is his potential as a two-way star. He brings a excessive degree of ardour to the ground, and it interprets on the defensive finish. Flagg’s shot blocking and positional versatility are a premium because the league continues to lean into position-less ball.
Flagg additionally flashes potential as an offensive playmaker. He is robust when attacking and might create alternatives for others. The one ability that Flagg can enhance on is his ball dealing with. He can get the job carried out on the faculty degree, however getting a tighter deal with will unlock a lot extra for him in one-on-one scoring alternatives on the subsequent degree.
Maybe an important issue to recollect is that Flagg is simply 17. He graduated a yr early, that means he ought to nonetheless be a senior in highschool. Flagg hasn’t been overwhelmed, although, placing up 17 factors and 9 rebounds per recreation for a top-10 staff. Certainly one of his greatest performances was Sunday in Duke’s 76-65 win at Louisville. Flagg was the very best participant on the court docket, ending with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
It may take a particular expertise to overhaul Flagg for the highest spot, however there is a hooper at Rutgers who would possibly do it. Dylan Harper is arguably the very best playmaker within the freshman class. At 6-foot-6, he has nice measurement for the purpose guard place. There is a smoothness to Harper’s recreation that instantly stands out. He has a mature recreation, not often taking part in uncontrolled.
Harper is adept at placing up factors for himself or placing others in place to get buckets. While you take a look at the traits of a few of the NBA’s greatest flooring generals, he checks an important packing containers.
Harper is a top-five scorer within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors whereas shelling out 4.6 assists and grabbing 4.3 rebounds per recreation. He actually caught individuals’s consideration on the Gamers Period Competition in November. Harper went off for 36 points, six rebounds and six assists in an additional time win over Notre Dame. He adopted that up with 37 points in a loss to Tenth-ranked Alabama. Each video games proved he can carry the offensive load when wanted.
There’s nonetheless loads of ball to be performed, and extra shall be revealed on the subject of the 2025 draft class. Now, nevertheless, Harper and Flagg are on the high. They might get even higher and extra snug because the season goes on.