Next Generation: Predicting the 5 future faces of the NBA 

5. Cooper Flagg- Montverde Academy, Senior, Committed to Duke

Having a high school kid on here is audacious (I know) but hear me out. This isn't your ordinary high school star. Flagg has been in the limelight since his freshman year of high school and his fame and game have continued to elevate even more, especially after his showing at the EYBL Circuit last summer, where he set the single-game record for points in a game with 52 on an absurd 16-of-18 from the field to go along with 12 rebounds!

He's a 6'9, lengthy, uber-athletic forward who's a generational versatile defender who can guard up to four positions on the court. His defensive instincts are second to none and he plays with as much effort defensively as he does offensively, which is rare to see in anyone, let alone a high school kid.

I even called him the "Best American Prospect Since LeBron James," considering he's been on the NBA's channel, where they've showcased his EYBL and high school games on Montverde... That's how good he is.

He was even featured on the NBA's channel, where they broadcast his EYBL games. That's how good he is. Flagg has accumulated triple-doubles with blocks on the circuit and he's doing that as a 6'9 wing who also set the EYBL single-game scoring record with 52 points!

Just check out this game where he had a 38-point triple-double with 16 rebounds and 11 blocks! Yes, you read that correctly—11 blocks!

Flagg is currently the No. 1 overall player in the Class of 2024 and is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He also just won the National Gatorade Player of the Year.

He's a highly acclaimed Montverde Academy senior, with a loaded squad averaging 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Flagg is committed to playing for the Duke Blue Devils next season as a projected one-and-done.