In a surprising turn of events, Duke's standout forward, Cooper Flagg, is poised to end a two-year streak of French players being selected first in the NBA Draft. Flagg, a projected one-and-done star, has been lighting up the high school and grassroots circuits, solidifying him as the frontrunner for the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Standing at an impressive 6-foot-9, Flagg has consistently dominated his competition throughout his career, earning him the reputation of a generational talent. His all-around skill set and impact on both ends of the court have caught the attention of all 30 NBA franchises, making it difficult to imagine anyone replacing him at the top of draft boards.

While things may change between now and next June, Flagg's talents and potential have placed him firmly at the forefront of discussions for the No. 1 pick. His presence at Duke, where the Blue Devils are currently ranked ninth in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 preseason college basketball rankings, further solidifies his standing as a top prospect.

With the NBA's flattened lottery odds, tanking is no longer a surefire strategy to secure the top pick. However, the hashtag #TankForFlagg is expected to gain popularity next season, with the Brooklyn Nets already being on the path towards securing a high draft pick. It is anticipated that more franchises will join them in due time.

In addition to Flagg, other notable prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft include Rutgers' Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, Alabama's Mark Sears, North Carolina's RJ Davis, and Pennsylvania's Bethea, known for his exceptional shooting ability.

The 2025 draft also holds potential for Baylor to extend its streak of first-round selections, with Edgecombe anticipated to follow in the footsteps of previous one-and-done prospects from Scott Drew's program. Similarly, Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center from Africa's NBA Academy, is expected to stand out due to his shot-blocking ability and potential as a modern-day center.

UConn's track record of developing college players into pro prospects continues, with McNeeley, a 6-foot-7 wing, predicted to be a lottery pick next year. His shooting prowess and strong statistics have garnered attention, and like many players from UConn, he is expected to leave the program with an improved game.

Sons of former professional players are also making their mark in the 2025 NBA Draft class, with Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, making a name for himself as a versatile guard. Additionally, Russian standout Demin, Real Madrid veteran Gonzalez, and Kentucky transfer Bradshaw are among the prospects generating buzz with their unique skill sets.

As the anticipation for the 2025 NBA Draft builds, all eyes will be on Flagg and whether he can bring an end to the French streak of top picks. With his exceptional talent and the support of Duke's basketball program, Flagg is poised to make waves in the basketball world and potentially become the No. 1 selection in next year's draft.