Duke Blue Devils prodigy Cooper Flagg, the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, broke his silence on the Dallas Mavericks’ stunning victory in Monday’s draft lottery. The 2025 Naismith College Player of the Year also weighed in on his potential fit alongside Dallas’ veteran-heavy core.

Duke made its feelings known on Wednesday after the Dallas Mavericks landed the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery and the right to select Cooper Flagg—posting a not-so-subtle graphic on social media with a simple caption.

Mar 3, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts as he heads to the bench during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 93-60. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

During the prime of his career, Mavericks great Dirk Nowitzki often was unfairly compared to Larry Bird. Potentially, eventually, Flagg might be the much better Bird comp because of his two-way abilities; he’s more athletic than Bird and Nowitzki.

Cooper Flagg said people told him he'd never play Division I basketball because of where he's from, but he's proven those doubters wrong.

The talent speaks for itself,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “But I love coaching the person. He’s all about the right stuff.”

Duke Blue Devils basketball phenom Cooper Flagg was mentioned in the same breath as the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz, for what it's worth.

There isn’t much to complain about with Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg’s game. The 18-year-old forward averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists