Whereas there will probably 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 prime of the listing. 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, along with his high school highlights producing loads of buzz. The 6-foot-9 ahead entered the season as the highest freshman within the nation in accordance with 247Sports.
What makes Flagg so intriguing is his potential as a two-way star. He brings a excessive stage 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 sturdy 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 accomplished on the faculty stage, however getting a tighter deal with will unlock a lot extra for him in one-on-one scoring alternatives on the subsequent stage.
Maybe a very powerful issue to recollect is that Flagg is simply 17. He graduated a yr early, which means he ought to nonetheless be a senior in highschool. Flagg hasn’t been overwhelmed, although, placing up 17 factors and 9 rebounds per sport for a top-10 workforce. One among his greatest performances was Sunday in Duke’s 76-65 win at Louisville. Flagg was one of the best participant on the court docket, ending with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
It’ll take a particular expertise to overhaul Flagg for the highest spot, however there is a hooper at Rutgers who may do it. Dylan Harper is arguably one of the best playmaker within the freshman class. At 6-foot-6, he has nice dimension for the purpose guard place. There is a smoothness to Harper’s sport that instantly stands out. He has a mature sport, hardly ever taking part in uncontrolled.
Harper is adept at placing up factors for himself or placing others in place to get buckets. While you have a look at the traits of a few of the NBA’s greatest ground generals, he checks a very powerful packing containers.
Harper is a top-five scorer within the nation, averaging 23.1 factors whereas doling out 4.6 assists and grabbing 4.3 rebounds per sport. 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 time beyond regulation 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 will probably be revealed in terms of the 2025 draft class. Now, nevertheless, Harper and Flagg are on the prime. They might get even higher and extra comfy because the season goes on.
