Few players have transformed the culture and style of basketball quite like legendary point guard Allen Iverson, whose Hall of Fame career was primarily spent with the Philadelphia 76ers.
But every so often, a new talent emerges with the potential to become the face of the league. This year, that player is Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who is expected to hear his name called first overall at the 2025 NBA draft on Wednesday night.
Flagg was considered the consensus No. 1 pick even before he played a game for the Blue Devils—and somehow, he managed to exceed those lofty expectations. At just 18 years old, he led Duke to 35 wins, a Final Four appearance, and captured the Wooden Award, among several other honors.
With the Dallas Mavericks holding the top pick after defying the odds in the lottery, all signs point to Flagg becoming the new cornerstone in Dallas.
On Saturday night, Flagg arrived in New York for draft week, and by Sunday, he was already making waves—thanks to a viral interaction with Allen Iverson at Fanatics Fest, where both stars were in attendance.
“That’s a bad dude right there. That’s a bad guy,” Iverson said with a smile. “What’s up, baby! How you doing? You excited? Good luck—do what you do, man. I love watching you play.”
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Flagg hails from Newport, a small town in Maine, and he’s embraced his roots as a core part of his humble personality—both during his standout season at Duke and now as he stands on the brink of achieving his NBA dream.
Upon arriving in New York for the draft, Flagg made it clear just how grateful and excited he is for the opportunity.
Former Duke star forward Cooper Flagg
Former Duke star forward Cooper Flagg
David Banks-Imagn Images
“I'm excited—should be a fun week, filled with a bunch of events," Flagg said. "I feel blessed to be here. It means a lot. A bunch of my family and friends are making the trip up from Maine to celebrate. Hopefully I’ll hear my name called. It’s just a really cool and special experience.”