After his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg was put on the spot about a college-era tease courtesy of WNBA rookie Paige Bueckers.
Duke‘s prized freshman and Bueckers, a former UConn standout recently drafted atop the WNBA by Dallas Wings, have shared a spirited rivalry in casual banter.
At the Mavericks‘ introductory press event, Flagg didn’t hold back when addressing Bueckers‘ remark that she had “given him crap” for choosing Duke over UConn.
“She’s great. Obviously I went on a visit to UConn,” Flagg recounted.
“I was able to meet her on my visit, talk a little bit. She’s a great person. She’s had an incredible career so far. I think it’s funny, that’s just how that back and forth college stuff goes. I think it’s funny. She’s a great player, she’s had a great career and she’s a great person.”
Beyond the quip, this year’s draft marks a rare sports milestone: Dallas became the first city since 2003 to claim both NBA and WNBA No. 1 picks in the same year, thanks to Flagg‘s top slot and Bueckers‘ earlier selection by the Wings.
The city is buzzing with the promise of a dynamic duo of rising stars.
A deeper look at Flagg reveals a standout freshman year at Duke, where he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during a Final Four run.
His maturity and all-around skill earned him national player of the year honors, making him a polished package for Dallas.
Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers has swiftly made her mark in the WNBA, averaging around 18 points and nearly 5 rebounds per contest.
Two prospects, one city: shifting the spotlight in Dallas
This moment goes beyond playful jabs, it signals a new chapter in Dallas basketball. Both Flagg and Bueckers arrive as No. 1 picks into a city that expects growth and championships.
Flagg enters a Mavericks roster loaded with veteran stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, a rare environment for a rookie.
He’s projected to grow unburdened, with coach Jason Kidd planning to deploy him in multiple roles, even at point guard, highlighting his versatility.
Bueckers, meanwhile, brings proven elite pedigree at UConn, where she led the Huskies to a national title, broke scoring records, and dominated the collegiate scene.
Now a rookie leader for the Wings, she’s not only handling expectations but also offering insight and solidarity to others facing the spotlight, like Caitlin Clark.
Looking ahead, both will debut in July: Flagg will make his NBA Summer League debut against the Lakers on July 10 in Las Vegas . Bueckers will continue the Wings’ season as they face the Indiana Fever, an opportunity to reaffirm her status among Dallas‘s elite pro pick-ups.
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