Who’ll Become the Top Pick?
Basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the 2025 NBA Draft, not just for one potential superstar, but for two: Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Duke’s Cooper Flagg. These young phenoms dominate discussions around the draft, and for good reason. While Flagg has consistently been at the top of mock drafts, Harper’s meteoric rise is an added boon to prospect collectors.
Harper, a 6-foot-5 combo guard, has basketball in his blood. Dylan Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, blends skill, poise, and a high basketball IQ. His game is defined by versatility, as he can score, distribute,, and defend at an elite level. Harper is a physically mature option for teams seeking an immediate contributor. Flagg doesn’t turn 18 until the end of the year.
Recently, Derek Parker of Sports Illustrated made the case for Harper as the top pick: “Harper (showed) why he’s one of the best and most talented freshmen in the country, continuing to bolster a growing case for why he should be taken first on draft night.”
In that game against Penn State, Harper scored a game-high 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting, again showcasing his elite finishing and an added ingredient: three-point shooting. Harper entered the contest shooting 31% from beyond the arc, so his three triples on six tries were a welcome sign for both scouts and the Scarlet Knights. He also added 12 rebounds and two blocks.
Harper’s skill set has drawn comparisons to some of the NBA’s best guards. According to scouting reports from NBADraftRoom, Harper “projects as a primary playmaker with All-Star upside” due to his court vision and scoring ability. His performance at Rutgers, with consistent double-doubles and clutch plays, has solidified his status.
These on-court achievements have captured the attention of the trading card world. Harper’s Bowman U Now card has already sold out, and collectors are eagerly snatching it up on the secondary market.
The long-presumed top pick, Flagg, is making a strong case to remain there. At 6-foot-9, Flagg’s all-around game has people believing he’s a generational talent. At Duke, he’s shown flashes of dominance on both ends of the court. According to Sportscasting, Flagg’s rim-protecting ability and three-point shooting give him a unique skill set that could sway teams looking for a two-way franchise cornerstone. Note that Flagg is officially listed as a guard, and is an effective passer and playmaker, too.
Like Harper, Flagg’s Bowman U Now quickly sold out.
As the 2025 draft approaches, the debate between Harper and Flagg will only intensify. Both players bring unique strengths to the table. Harper’s polished offensive game and NBA-ready frame make him a safe bet. Flagg’s positional versatility and defensive instincts offer franchise-changing upside.
According to Yardbarker, the choice between the two could come down to which team gets the top pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. A franchise looking for a dynamic playmaker might lean toward Harper, whereas a team seeking an all-around player who defies positional classification could prioritize Flagg. Regardless of who goes first, both are poised to impact the NBA immediately.
As the countdown to the draft continues, the Harper-Flagg debate will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling storylines in all sports.
