Duke’s Flagg Taken No. 1 Overall, Four ACC Players Picked in First Round of 2025 NBA Draft…

Duke’s Flagg Taken No. 1 Overall, Four ACC Players Picked in First Round of 2025 NBA Draft…

 

Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg cemented his place in basketball history Wednesday night, becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Atlanta Hawks selected Flagg, marking the first time since Zion Williamson in 2019 that a Duke player has been taken first overall.

The 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, entered the draft as a consensus top prospect after a stellar season with the Blue Devils, where he averaged 17.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. Known for his elite defensive instincts, high basketball IQ, and all-around versatility, Flagg is expected to make an immediate impact in Atlanta.

“It’s a dream come true,” Flagg said moments after hearing his name called at the Barclays Center. “I’m thankful to Duke, to Coach Scheyer, and to everyone who helped me get here. I can’t wait to get started with the Hawks.”

Flagg becomes the fifth Duke player to go No. 1 overall, joining an elite group that includes Kyrie Irving, Elton Brand, and the aforementioned Williamson.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) was well-represented in the first round, with four players selected among the top 30 picks.

Joining Flagg was North Carolina guard Elliot Cadeau, who went No. 9 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies. Cadeau, a dynamic floor general with elite vision and pace, rose up draft boards during his sophomore campaign with the Tar Heels. He averaged 14.3 points and 7.1 assists per game while leading UNC to a deep NCAA tournament run.

Florida State forward Baba Miller also heard his name called early, going 16th overall to the Toronto Raptors. The 6-foot-11 Spaniard showcased significant development in his second season, displaying improved shooting touch and positional versatility that intrigued NBA scouts.

Rounding out the ACC selections was Miami’s Norchad Omier, selected 28th by the Denver Nuggets. Omier, known for his rebounding tenacity and physical interior play, gives the reigning Western Conference contenders a rugged big man off the bench.

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips praised the conference’s strong showing in the draft. “Tonight underscores the high level of talent and development happening in the ACC. We’re proud of Cooper, Elliot, Baba, and Norchad, and we look forward to watching their NBA journeys.”

The 2025 NBA Draft was headlined by a mix of elite one-and-done prospects like Flagg, breakout sophomores such as Cadeau, and international talent, reflecting the league’s growing global reach.

For Flagg and the rest of the ACC draftees, the next chapter begins now. With the Summer League on the horizon and training camps set to open in the fall, expectations will be high—but so is the talent.

If their college performances are any indication, this year’s crop of ACC talent is ready for the next level.