Duke's Cooper Flagg headlines NBA potential to be showcased Friday at McKale Center

Leave it to outspoken former Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa to “praise” the highest-rated player in Duke’s latest wave of young talent.

“Obviously, the whole world is talking about Cooper Flagg,” said Kriisa, now a fifth-year player at Kentucky. “So excited to play against the No. 1 draft pick. Congrats to him already. Excited.”

Known over three seasons at UA for trying to get under the skin of opponents — and opposing fans — the Estonian guard drew chuckles with that “already” comment. And while Kriisa had just six points on 2-7 shooting without an assist against the Blue Devils, Flagg had two turnovers in the final 12 seconds that helped Kentucky pull away from a tie at 72 to win it 77-72.

But Flagg, the centerpiece of a scout’s dream Friday when Arizona and Duke will put 10 of ESPN’s Top 100 NBA Draft prospects on the floor, also had 26 points and 11 rebounds in that game, just his fourth as a collegian.

So the truth is this: He is, in fact, widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Already.

A 6-9 do-everything forward from Maine, Flagg built that sort of expectation after becoming his state’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a freshman, over years of dominating club ball, during his junior and senior seasons at powerhouse Montverde Academy of Florida … and in various USA Basketball functions that notably included his efforts against the USA senior team in a pre-Olympic warmup last July.

“Flagg’s memorable performance with the USA Basketball Select team this summer stuck with NBA executives,” wrote ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, “and there’s significant runway for him to confirm his status as the draft’s No. 1 pick with a winning and productive season.”

Or, as Suns forward Kevin Durant said after that Team USA exhibition last summer, “He looks like a hell of a player.”

Nothing Flagg has done at Duke so far has subtracted from his projections.

Named the ACC Rookie of the Week on Monday after his double-doubles against Kentucky and Wofford, Flagg is leading the Blue Devils in scoring (16.3), rebounding (9.5), assists (4.0), blocks (1.8) and steals (2.0). He’s shooting only 22.2% from 3-point range but 55.9% from two and drawing 5.4 fouls per 40 minutes while making free throws at a 78.9% rate.

In short, Flagg can hurt opponents a lot of ways. But he also has a lot of teammates who can do the same.

While Arizona has five players on ESPN's list of 100 top NBA Draft prospects, Duke has seven, including three freshmen who are consensus lottery picks: Flagg, forward Kon Knueppel and center Khaman Maluch. 

Arizona’s highest-rated player on ESPN’s list is freshman forward Carter Bryant, at No. 13 while center Motiejus Krivas isn’t far behind at No. 17.

Here’s how analysts view the potential NBA talent that will be on the floor Friday at McKale Center:

(Note: Ratings listed are from major two-round mock NBA Drafts, except those by ESPN are taken from its “Big Board,” which can vary slightly from its mock draft.)

Cooper Flagg, 6-9, freshman, Duke

Projections: 1 (unanimous)

Comment: “He’s already one of the best teenage defenders you’ll find with his exceptional combination of intensity, instincts and explosiveness. Duke’s lack of playmaking depth should give him opportunity to grow with perhaps the weakest part of his game, his shot creation, as the season progresses.” – Givony, ESPN

Kon Knueppel, 6-7, freshman, Duke

Projections: 6 (ESPN), 7 (Bleacher Report), 8 (USA Today, Sports Illustrated)

Analysis: “Knueppel’s ability to shoot off screens, pull up off the dribble and spot up from deep vantage points with picture-perfect footwork and mechanics should keep him prominent in draft conversations, especially with the way he has contributed in other areas.” – Givony

Khaman Maluach, 7-2, freshman, Duke

Projections: 5 (SI), 8 (ESPN, USA Today, BR)

Analysis: “His 7’2” size, massive reach and mobility will remain heavily coveted for translatable finishing and shot-blocking…. Duke has a handful of ball-handlers and shotmakers, so Maluach won’t receive regular opportunities to make plays with the ball himself. But over the course of a long season, we’re bound to see flashes of shooting touch and miscellaneous skill plays.” – Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report

Carter Bryant, 6-8, freshman, Arizona

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Projections: 13 (ESPN), 23 (USA Today), 24 (Sports Illustrated), 25 (Bleacher Report)

Analysis: “He has versatility and upside to tap into long term with his dynamic shotmaking ability, passing creativity, ability to finish emphatically around the rim and defensive versatility. Consistency wasn’t always there in high school, as his decision-making, toughness and shot selection were sporadic at times, making him a little more theoretical than some evaluators hoped, something we’ll have to learn more about this season.” – Givony

Motiejus Krivas, 7-2, sophomore, Arizona

Projections: 17 (BR, ESPN), NR (Athletic, SI)

Analysis: “Krivas looks like an awesome breakout bet based on how he played as a backup behind Oumar Ballo last season. Big men aren’t supposed to move the way he does. He has great coordination and footwork and showcases outstanding touch. He’s also willing to initiate contact and play through it. He seals his man when he can on the block and also moves well in ball screens when rolling to the rim.” – Sam Vecenie, The Athletic

Tyrese Proctor, 6-6, junior, Duke

Projections: 28 (ESPN), 41 (Athletic), 37 (BR), 48 (SI)

Comment: “Proctor can get his own shot, catch fire shooting and play the role of facilitator, but gaining confidence from scouts will come down to more consistency and few disappearing acts.” – Wasserman

KJ Lewis, 6-4, sophomore, Arizona

Projections: 31 (Athletic), 32 (SI), 34 (ESPN), 38 (BR)

Comment: “He’s going to use athleticism and physicality to score downhill offensively. His strength, length and quick leaping apply pressure and disrupt defensively. He can pass and deliver ball-assists. And his off-the-dribble game and shooting still need work for him to become a bigger scoring threat in the half court.” – Wasserman

Caleb Foster, 6-5, sophomore, Duke

Projections: 44 (ESPN), 48 (BR), NR (SI, Athletic)

Comment: “He is lethal off the bounce and excels in space when he can get to the rim or knock down pull-ups in the mid-range. Foster shot well from deep last season but seemed hesitant at times before taking those shots. He has a good feel for the game on offense, which helps the flow and pace of their sets in the half-court.” – Jace Derryberry, SI

Isaiah Evans, 6-6, freshman, Duke

Projections: 49 (ESPN), 56 (SI), NR (Athletic, BR)

Comment: “A long and talented big wing who is really making a name for himself and flying up the rankings. Evans is a big time shot maker. ... Has a ton of length and a long wiry frame. Needs to add strength but plays with toughness and isn’t afraid of contact.” – NBA Draft Room

Sion James, 6-6, senior, Duke

Projections: 52 (Athletic), 54 (ESPN),  NR (SI, BR)

Comment: “He produces in nearly every category, but he’s not known for being a top option on either end. Even then, he’s a capable scorer with improved range who can also rebound, pass and force turnovers on the defensive end. James is also capable of playing a high number of minutes, which speaks to his durability and conditioning. He's the ultimate role player who makes a difference nearly every night.” – SI Draft Digest.

Jaden Bradley, 6-3, junior, Arizona

Projections: 55 (ESPN), NR (Athletic, BR, SI)

Comment: “He’s bouncy, has good length for his size and is aggressive attacking the rim …. gets after it on defense and is a pesky on-the-ball defender. His length and good instincts help him deflect a lot of passes and he can guard up a position thanks to his strength and overall athleticism.” – NBA Draft Room

Caleb Love, 6-4, senior, Arizona

Projections: 89 (ESPN), NR (Athletic, BR, SI)

Comment: “An uber speedy and athletic combo guard with tremendous skill to get to the basket and let it fly from well beyond the arc … Iso skills are his calling card … Crafty ball-handler with a phenomenal first step and downhill speed going toward the basket.” – NBADraft.net