Freshmen Fireworks: Top Prospects Dominate in Exhibition Action
Flagg, Bailey, and Harper Show Why They’re the Headliners of the 2025 NBA Draft
As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, highly touted freshmen are already giving fans a preview of what’s to come in exhibition and charity games.
Future lottery picks are starting to flash their star power, while an under-the-radar big man overseas is positioning himself as a sleeper in the 2025 NBA Draft. Here’s a closer look at standout performances from Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, Rutgers’ dynamic duo of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, and Italy’s rising star Mouhamad Faye.
Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg wasted no time in putting his stamp on Duke’s 2024-25 exhibition debut, wowing the Cameron Crazies with a display that was equal parts athletic, cerebral, and downright dominant. The projected No. 1 pick in next year’s draft showed off his all-around offensive versatility, electrifying defense, and high-level basketball IQ in a 107-56 rout of Lincoln (Pa.). Flagg looked every bit the part of a future NBA star, racking up 22 points, six assists, four blocks, and leaving the crowd in awe from start to finish.