The Race to No. 1: Cooper Flagg Leads, But Rutgers’ Star Is Closing In
As the 2025 NBA Draft looms closer, the conversation around the No. 1 overall pick is intensifying—and for good reason. All signs point to Cooper Flagg, the 6’9″ athletic marvel from Duke, as the overwhelming favorite. With his rare blend of elite rim protection, advanced scoring instincts, and court vision, Flagg has captivated scouts and executives alike. He’s the kind of prospect franchises dream about: versatile, mature beyond his years, and unrelenting on both ends of the floor. His odds to go No. 1 have hovered around -300 for months, indicating a near-lock status.
But lately, there’s been a crackle of excitement surrounding another name: Ace Bailey, the electric freshman wing from Rutgers. Once considered a long shot, Bailey’s stock has skyrocketed thanks to a jaw-dropping second half of the season. Measuring 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan and freakish vertical pop, Bailey has displayed a skill set that’s as explosive as it is refined. He’s averaging 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting a blistering 42% from beyond the arc. Most impressively, he’s done it against some of the toughest defenses in college basketball.
Scouts rave about his two-way potential. “Ace isn’t just an athlete,” one Western Conference GM said anonymously. “He’s starting to process the game at a much higher level—making reads, anticipating plays, defending without fouling. It’s scary how good he could be.” His odds to go No. 1 have surged to +275, making him the only real challenger to Flagg’s throne.
The debate has become the story of the draft. Flagg, with his polished game and sky-high IQ, represents the safe, elite pick. He’s a franchise cornerstone. But Bailey brings that untapped upside, that Ja Morant-like energy that could make him the face of a new era for a lucky franchise. NBA front offices must now weigh floor versus ceiling, proven production versus late-season ascension.
Adding to the drama is the draft lottery, which could dramatically shift the equation. Teams like the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons are in desperate need of a player who can lead a rebuild. Flagg fits perfectly in that mold. But if a team like the San Antonio Spurs or Portland Trail Blazers leap to No. 1—with established young guards in place—they might lean toward Bailey’s scoring prowess on the wing.
Draft experts are now calling this the most suspenseful No. 1 pick decision since 2018’s Ayton-Doncic-Young debate. While Flagg still holds the edge, Bailey’s meteoric rise has turned this into a genuine race. As the pre-draft process continues—workouts, interviews, private scrimmages—every detail will matter.
For now, Cooper Flagg remains the favorite. But Ace Bailey has made it interesting. Very interesting.
