Montverde Academy Makes History Again with Four NBA First-Round Picks

Montverde Academy (MVA) once again cemented its place as the premier pipeline to the NBA, with four of its alumni selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, a feat previously achieved in 2021. The historic night showcased the sheer talent coming out of Montverde Academy and the bond shared among the former teammates who led the Eagles to an undefeated 33–0 national championship season in 2023–24. 

Leading the way was Cooper Flagg, taken No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks. The 6’9” forward, widely regarded as a generational talent, is being hailed as the future face of the franchise. Known for his elite two-way play and fierce competitiveness, Flagg becomes MVA’s third-ever No. 1 pick, following Ben Simmons in 2016 and Cade Cunningham in 2021. 

At No. 13, Derik Queen was selected by the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. The former Maryland standout showed dominant form in college, averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game and making clutch plays in the NCAA Tournament, including a buzzer beater against Colorado State in the second round. He joins a young Pelicans squad poised to make waves in the Western Conference. 

Just ten picks later, Asa Newell, selected 23rd overall by the Pelicans, before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks. A Georgia Bulldog and Atlanta native, Newell brings size, athleticism, and defensive upside to his hometown team. The 6’11 forward earned SEC All-Freshman honors and adds long-term potential to the Hawks’ building core.  

Rounding out the quartet, Liam McNeeley was selected No. 29 by the Phoenix Suns, with his rights traded to the Charlotte Hornets. A skilled shooter and playmaker from UConn, McNeeley, the Big East Freshman of the Year last year, delivered an emotional draft-night moment alongside his mother, Ashley. He credited his Montverde “brothers” for pushing him to this moment. He averaged 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game with the Huskies in his one season there. 

This year’s draft served as a powerful reminder of Montverde Academy’s influence on the basketball world. With four first-round picks sharing the same high school roots, the night wasn’t just a victory for the athletes—it was a celebration of a program that continues to set the gold standard in player development.