Revisiting My Big Board: Early Answers to Big Preseason Questions
From Flashes of Promise to Lingering Concerns: A Month In
One month ago, I unveiled my Big Board 1.0, a list of my top 25 prospects for the 2024 NBA Draft. Heading into what I deemed one of the most anticipated college basketball seasons in recent memory, I laid out the key questions and areas for growth I wanted to see from each prospect. At the forefront of this year’s draft conversation is a legitimate three-way race for the No. 1 pick between Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper—each staking their claim to the throne.
The intrigue doesn’t stop there. Over the first month, several prospects have exceeded expectations, others have fallen short, and a handful of new names have forced their way into the conversation.
With early impressions shaping the landscape, it’s time to revisit several questions I posed a month ago and evaluate how these prospects are faring so far.
Cooper Flagg
Duke
Freshman
Combo Forward
6’9” | 205
Age on draft night: 18.5
Big Board 1.0 Rank: No. 1
Cooper Flagg: A Mismatch Nightmare, But Is He a No. 1 Option?
The key question I had for Cooper Flagg this season was simple: Can he carry an offense? Through eight games, the answer so far is yes—at least at the college level. Flagg has been the centerpiece of Duke’s offense, leading the team in both points and assists. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while maintaining his reputation as an elite defender with 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals.
At this stage, I still see Flagg as an exceptional play finisher and connector—a mismatch nightmare who thrives against smaller defenders. But I’m not convinced yet that he projects as a true No. 1 offensive option at the NBA level.