Duke's Cooper Flagg is rapidly solidifying his status as the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Recently, he delivered a historic performance that reignited excitement surrounding this draft class. The Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Toronto Raptors have started to separate at the bottom of the standings, and the buzz is intensifying not just around Flagg, but also with players like Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis and Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, who are exceeding expectations and showing promise.

Flagg, standing at 6'9" and weighing 205 lbs, has made a significant impact during his recent games with Duke. His capabilities were on full display when he scored 42 points and registered seven assists in a game against Notre Dame. This performance highlighted a comprehensive skill set that includes self-creation, shot-making from all three levels, and intelligent passing. His free-throw shooting has also improved to 80.6 percent this season. Despite the current down year for the ACC limiting his opportunities against tough opponents, his past performances against teams like Kentucky and Arizona underscore his talent.

Other prospects are starting to climb the rankings as well. The New Orleans Pelicans, currently holding an 8-32 record and projected to be picking second, have seen Dylan Harper make his mark this season, despite a bout with the flu that affected his previous games. Harper's ability to find his shooting spots and finish in traffic has impressed scouts, positioning him as a scoring lead guard. The Toronto Raptors, also at 8-31 and projected third, feature Ace Bailey, who has shown inconsistency paired with occasional brilliance, notably scoring 39 points in a game without Harper. Other noteworthy players include VJ Edgecombe for the Charlotte Hornets, whose athleticism and shot-making are being closely monitored.