The Dallas Mavericks were truly blessed with the first overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft after the tumultuous second half of the 2024-25 NBA season, picking Flagg, whose hype for the draft matched that of even LeBron James back in 2003.

Rookie Cooper Flagg may not have been happy with his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League, but he still drew rave reviews all around after the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers,

Hill got a close look at Flagg's competitive edge last summer when USA Basketball invited the then-high school phenom to practice with the Select Team ahead of the Paris Olympics. As managing director of the program, Hill watched Flagg hold his own against NBA players -- a rare opportunity for a teenager.

On the first attempt, Bronny ended up fouling Flagg, so the Mavericks had the ball to inbound on the sideline. The ESPN cameras zoomed in on the Lakers' second-year guard and the Dallas No. 1 overall pick having a quick conversation.

Cooper Flagg is one of the most well-rounded prospects to enter the NBA in recent memory. His competitve drive started pea picking in Maine.