It is highly unlikely that Cooper Flagg will be anything other than the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has the size, athleticism, as well as the skill to be a future star in the league, and Flagg has shown all that before playing a minute of college basketball. However, in the unexpected case Flagg massively disappoints this season, other highly qualified prospects have a case to be first over Flagg. Here are the top prospects who could be the first overall pick over Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft, should Flagg disappoint this season.
Prospects Who Could Be The First Overall Pick Over Cooper Flagg
Dylan Harper
Of all the prospects on this list, Dylan Harper, son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, has one of the strongest arguments to be the first overall pick over Cooper Flagg. Of course, this assumes Flagg has a down year and Harper greatly impresses. There is a good chance he does impress as he had numerous accomplishments before committing to Rutgers. Notably, he was named McDonald’s All-American MVP and the MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic. The Rutgers guard possesses a game similar to Cade Cunningham stylistically. If he can perform at Cunningham’s level during his freshman year, it will put him in the conversation for being first.
As a player, Harper uses his six-foot-six frame well to overpower opposing guards when going to the basket. From there, Harper shows serious touch around the rim and can leverage his mid-range scoring. Another impressive part of Harper’s game is his ability to dissect defenses with his passing and court vision, doing so with great maturity and patience. Furthermore, Harper possesses a strong handle that allows him to easily break down his defender and play at his own pace. Additionally, Harper’s strong frame gives him the tools to be a high-level defender. Harper does need to improve his three-point shooting consistency, but he does have a decent jumper currently. With his well-rounded skill set, many people would give Harper another look to put him first if he performs well at Rutgers.
Ace Bailey
Second on this list, and the second Rutgers player is Ace Bailey. While possessing more flaws in his game than Harper, such as his shot selection, he certainly has incredible strengths as a player. Firstly, Bailey has a high degree of athleticism that he leverages when attacking the rim. Bailey loves to throw down highlight dunks and he can finish through traffic. Secondly, Bailey possesses the unique ability to take and make tough shots at his height of six-foot-ten. He can easily knock down shots over his defenders. He loves taking shots in the mid-range and can extend his range beyond the arc. Additionally, Bailey has shown flashes as a passer and has the tools to be a versatile defender. Furthermore, Bailey is good at rebounding. If Bailey can further refine and showcase these skills, especially his scoring, it could make his case for being the first overall pick louder.
VJ Edgecombe
VJ Edgecombe turned many heads while playing for the Bahamas during the summer. His athleticism at the guard position stood out as he demonstrated when operating in transition. He can get into the paint at will in the half-court, where he possesses good touch. He can knock down shots in the mid-range and from three, making him a three-level scorer. Also, Edgecombe plays defense with a lot of energy and leverages his athleticism to make plays. He is a disruptive defender who loves playing passing lanes and pressuring the ball-handler. Edgecombe does have issues to work out. He isn’t the best passer nor is his shooting consistent. However, his strengths overshadowed his deficiencies significantly on the international stage. If he can meaningfully improve and refine the skills he’s already good at during his time at Baylor, he can challenge Flagg for first.
