Flagg reclassifies, might be leading ’25 NBA draft choice

• Jeff Borzello, ESPN

  • Staff WriterAug 11, 2023, 03:39 PM ET Close Basketball recruiting insider.
  • Signed up with ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.Cooper Flagg, arguably

the best prospect in high school basketball, revealed Friday he is reclassifying from 2025 into the 2024 class– making him the new favorite to be the No. 1 choice in the 2025 NBA draft.Flagg made his statement on Instagram.Flagg, a 6-foot-8 forward from Maine, went into the summer

ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 60 for 2025, but controlled throughout June and July and is now widely thought about the leading possibility regardless of class.Editor’s Picks He earned MVP honors at the prominent National Basketball Players Association Top 100 Camp in Orlando, Florida, in late June, and then had one of the very best Nike EYBL Peach Jam provings in case’s history. Dipping into the 16U level with Maine United, Flagg ended up Peach Jam with averages of 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 6.9 blocks.The Montverde Academy (Florida )product notched a double-double in all 7 games and set up three triple-doubles, including two all-time performances: 38 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 12 blocks versus Pro Skills; and 37 points, 12 rebounds, 6 helps and 10 blocks against New Heights Lightning in the playoffs.Duke has actually long been considered the preferred for Flagg and hosted him for an informal go to earlier this month, but will deal with competitors in his recruitment. UConn was a staple

at Flagg’s games in July, while Kansas and Kentucky are also involved.Flagg’s reclassification, which had been expected for a number of months, puts him in position to possibly be picked No. 1 overall in the 2025 draft. He will turn 18 in late December of his freshman year of college, putting him simply inside the cutoff date to state for the draft.