Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen and Asa Newell Grab Attention at NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 8:30 AM ET

The 2025 NBA Draft went down in style at Barclays Center, New York, on June 25. All eyes were on the No. 1 pick, and as expected, Cooper Flagg’s name was the first to be called. The Duke sensation and Montverde Academy product is already being called one of the best No. 1 picks of the decade. Landing with the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg joins a stacked frontcourt, and his all-around game defense, playmaking, athleticism had Jay Bilas comparing him to a “queen on a chessboard.”

But Flagg wasn’t the only Montverde star to shine. His high school teammates Derik Queen and Asa Newell also made first-round headlines. Queen, a physical forward out of Maryland, was selected 13th overall by the Pelicans.

Meanwhile, the Hawks snagged Newell at No. 23 after a draft-day trade with New Orleans. Newell, a big man from Georgia, called Montverde “The Factory,” saying, “It prepares NBA players.” All three were part of the Montverde squad that went 33-0 and won the 2024 high school national championship.

This incredible run from Montverde has fans hyped for what’s next.

The "Montverde 4" are ready for the 2025 Draft

The #NBADraft presented by State Farm begins at 8pm/et on ABC and ESPN! pic.twitter.com/qCzEY8ko0e
— NBA Draft (@NBADraft) June 25, 2025

“Montverde ain’t raising players, they dropping future All-Stars ” one fan posted.

Another wrote, “Can’t wait to see The 'Montverde 4' play in da NBA!”

"Ready for it," a fan said.

"Let's go! This draft would make champions," one fan commented.

Add Liam McNeeley at No. 29 to the mix, and Montverde officially had four one-and-done first-rounders, a rare feat for any high school program. With Robert Wright projected as a 2026 first-rounder, the pipeline isn’t stopping anytime soon.

2024 Montverde officially had four one and done first rounders

Cooper Flagg (Pick 1)
Derik Queen (Pick 13)
Asa Newell (Pick 23)
Liam McNeeley (Pick 29)

And Robert Wright is a projected first rounder in 2026.

One of the best high school teams ever. pic.twitter.com/1HLx47cWKB
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) June 26, 2025