Cooper Flagg (middle) received the 2025 Naismith Award in April for most outstanding player in men's college basketball.
The Dallas Mavericks have the chance tonight to draft an 18-year-old who could become the NBA's next superstar.
Why it matters: The Mavericks have only one pick in the NBA Draft this year, and it's the top one.
Maine's Cooper Flagg could help the team bounce back after an injury-filled season that was punctuated by Luka Donฤiฤ's trade to the L.A. Lakers.
The latest: Flagg visited Dallas last week and had dinner with general manager Nico Harrison, head coach Jason Kidd and other members of the Mavericks front office, per the DMN.
"They are a very passionate fan base, and I think from what we understand and what we've seen on social media, they're ready to fully embrace Cooper," Flagg's father, Ralph, told ESPN.
The intrigue: Flagg is accustomed to playing well against people older than him, which could help him in the NBA.
He won a state championship as a high school freshman before enrolling at a Florida prep school that has become a pipeline to the NBA, per the Athletic.
Duke went 35-4 in one season with Flagg.
How to watch: The two-day draft begins at 7pm. You can watch on ABC or ESPN.
