By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK — Cooper Flagg is the new Maine man in Dallas.

The Mavericks took the Duke forward with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday night, hoping they have found their next franchise superstar less than five months after trading one away.

Mavericks fans were furious when Dallas traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers on Feb. 1, some immediately threatening to end their support of the team.

But the ones who stuck around may quickly love Flagg, the college player of the year who averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading Duke to the Final Four. The Mavericks quickly announced that Flagg would wear No. 32 in Dallas, where fellow Duke products Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are on the roster.

“I’m really excited. I think I keep saying I’m excited to be a sponge, to get down there and just learn, be surrounded by Hall of Fame-caliber guys and just to be able to learn from them,” Flagg said. “It’s going to be an incredible experience.”

His selection – considered likely ever since Flagg showed off his considerable game last summer after being invited to the U.S. Olympic team’s training camp – was a daylong celebration in his home state for the 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine.

“It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state. I know how many people showed up today and supported me at some of the draft parties back home,” Flagg said. “It feels amazing knowing I can inspire younger kids. I was in their shoes really not that long ago, so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me, it means a lot.”

He joined Elton Brand, Irving, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero as Duke players drafted No. 1 since 1999, and he returned the draft to its longtime start with a one-and-done college player.

That’s the way the draft began every year from 2010 until Banchero’s selection in 2022, but the last two No. 1 picks, Victor Wembanyama and Zaccherie Risacher, are both from France.

Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper was taken by the Spurs with the No. 2 pick and will try to follow Wembanyama and Stephon Castle and give San Antonio a third straight NBA Rookie of the Year.

“It’s definitely a goal of mine to make it three in a row,” Harper said. “I think the coaching staff and the players are going to make it easy for me to go out there and showcase my talent, so definitely.”

The 76ers then took Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, getting the first sustained burst of loud cheers of the draft from what seemed to be a number of Philadelphia fans who made the trip to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The first two picks had long been expected, but the No. 3 spot was the first one where there was intrigue.

Kon Knueppel made it two Duke players in the first four picks when the Charlotte Hornets took him at No. 4. When big man Khaman Maluach went at No. 10 – a pick made by the Houston Rockets but headed to Phoenix as part of the trade for Kevin Durant that can’t become official until next month – it gave the Blue Devils three top-10 picks and 50 in the first round since 1989, moving past Kentucky (48) for most by any school.

“It was so emotional getting to see my teammates, my fellow freshmen getting drafted,” Maluach said. “I was so happy for them because they deserve everything they have. They worked hard for it, for that moment, too.”

Ace Bailey, Harper’s teammate with the Scarlet Knights who could have been in the mix to go third but declined to work out for the 76ers, ended up going at No. 5 to Utah to end a draft process in which he was criticized for how his camp handled it.

“I’m glad it’s over,” Bailey said. “I’m ready to play some basketball now.”

Then it was Tre Johnson of Texas to the Washington Wizards at No. 6 and Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears to New Orleans at No. 7, before the host Nets took BYU’s Egor Demin at No. 8, Brooklyn’s first of potentially five selections in the first round. Toronto took South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9.

The Nets would later add French guard Nolan Traore at No. 19, North Carolina’s Drake Powell at No. 22 (once a three-way trade with Boston and Atlanta is complete), Ben Saraf of Israel at No. 26 and Michigan center Danny Wolf at No. 27.

The NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder took Georgetown center Thomas Sorber at No. 15, their first of two picks in the first round. They added Nique Clifford at No. 24.

The first night of the two-night draft, a format the NBA went to last season, had some mid-round trades involving some of college basketball’s top players. New Orleans acquired the rights to Maryland forward Derik Queen, the No. 13 pick, from Atlanta for the rights to the No. 23 pick, Asa Newell of Georgia, and a future first-round pick.

Walter Clayton Jr., the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four after leading Florida to the national championship, was drafted by Washington at No. 18 but his rights were dealt to Utah for the rights to Illinois’ Will Riley, who went 21st.

The draft will resume at Barclays Center on Thursday night. All of the players invited to the green room were taken in Round 1, with UConn’s Liam McNeeley the last at No. 29, with Phoenix sending his rights to Charlotte.

FIRST-ROUND PICKS

1. Dallas Mavericks — Cooper Flagg, forward, 6-8, 221, Duke

Scouting report: Only the fourth freshman named the Associated Press men’s national player of the year. He led a Final Four team in scoring (19.2), rebounding (7.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.4) and blocked shots (1.4). He shot 38.5% from 3-point range and 84% on free throws. He ranked in 85th percentile or better in converting as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls, post-ups and transition, according to Synergy’s analytics rankings. He set the Atlantic Coast Conference freshman record with 42 points against Notre Dame. Turns 19 in December.

2. San Antonio Spurs — Dylan Harper, guard, 6-5, 213, Rutgers

Scouting report: The freshman lefty who thrived as a scorer (19.4) and lead ballhandler with two-way potential. He notably scored 36 points against Notre Dame, then 37 a day later against then-No. 9 Alabama in November. Averaged 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals. He is the son of former NBA guard Ron Harper. He couldn’t lift Rutgers to a winning record despite playing with fellow top prospect Ace Bailey. Turned 19 in March.

3. Philadelphia 76ers — VJ Edgecombe, guard, 6-4, 193, Baylor

Scouting report: Explosive athleticism stands out at both ends. He’s an above-the-rim finisher who creates highlight-reel moments. The freshman ranked among combine leaders in max vertical leap (38.5). Must improve outside shooting consistency (34%), but had seven games with at least three 3-point baskets. Had 11 games with three-plus steals.

4. Charlotte Hornets — Kon Knueppel, forward, 6-7, 217, Duke

Scouting report: Efficient wing scorer. He shot 40.6% from 3-point range. Ranked in Synergy’s 98th percentile on spot-up shooting (52.9%). Ranked sixth nationally at the foul line (91.4%). Had 10 games with at least four assists, indicating potential as secondary playmaker. ACC Tournament MVP. Lacks elite athleticism.

5. Utah Jazz — Ace Bailey, forward, 6-8, 203, Rutgers

Scouting report: Versatile, athletic shot-maker with midrange and step-back skills. A streaky shooter, he had five January games with at least four 3-point baskets for defense-stretching potential, yet also notable skids at the foul line and behind the arc. Last season’s second-ranked recruit, he couldn’t lift Rutgers to a winning record despite playing with fellow top prospect Dylan Harper. Turns 19 in August.

6. Washington Wizards — Tre Johnson, guard, 6-5, 190, Texas

Scouting report: The SEC’s scoring leader (19.9), who also led all Division I freshmen. He broke Kevin Durant’s freshman Longhorns record with 39 points against Arkansas. He shot 39.7% from 3-point range with 12 games of at least four 3-point baskets. He shot 87.1% on free throws. Needs strength on a slender frame. Turned 19 in March.

7. New Orleans Pelicans — Jeremiah Fears, guard, 6-3, 180, Oklahoma

Scouting report: The freshman combo guard is adept at creating space. Averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Attempted 6.3 free throws per game. Had a four-point play to beat then-No. 24 Michigan. Shot 28.4% from 3-point range and averaged 3.4 turnovers. Must add strength. Turns 19 in October.

8. Brooklyn Nets — Egor Demin, guard/forward, 6-8, 199, BYU

Scouting report: Russian playmaker with size. Averaged 5.5 assists, second among Division I freshmen. Had 15 assists against two turnovers in 54 minutes in the last two games for a Sweet 16 team. Must improve shooting (27.3% from 3-point range, 69.5% on free throws).

9. Toronto Raptors — Collin Murray-Boyles, forward, 6-7, 240, South Carolina

Scouting report: He’s a sophomore with a 7-1 wingspan and two-way potential. Averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocked shots. Thrived in halfcourt by shooting 57.9% to rank in Synergy’s 88th percentile. Shooting is a concern after hitting 23.1% (9 for 39) from 3-point range and 69.5% of free throws in two seasons.

10. Houston Rockets (traded to Phoenix Suns) — Khaman Maluach, center, 7-1, 253, Duke

Scouting report: He has the length and size of an elite rim protector and lob threat. He runs the floor well and thrived in pick-and-roll chances, ranking in Synergy’s 99th percentile. He has a still-developing offensive skillset with 71.2% shooting largely coming on dunks and putbacks. He had the draft combine’s biggest wingspan at 7-6¾. From South Sudan, he turns 19 in September.

11. Portland Trail Blazers (traded to Memphis) — Cedric Coward, guard, 6-5, 213, Washington State

Scouting report: Has journeyed through Division III Willamette, Eastern Washington, an injury-shortened year at Washington State and a planned transfer to Duke. He stayed in the draft after testing well at the combine. Projects as a “3-and-D” wing with 38½-inch max vertical leap and a 7-2 wingspan.

12. Chicago Bulls — Noa Essengue, forward, 6-9, 194, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Scouting report: A versatile Frenchman with floor-running athleticism. He thrived in transition, ranking in Synergy’s 91st percentile in those scenarios. Performed well in combine agility testing. Shooting range is still a question. Turns 19 in December.

13. Atlanta Hawks (traded to New Orleans) — Derik Queen, forward/center, 6-9, 248, Maryland

Scouting report: Skilled freshman who averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds. Shot 76.6% on free throws and attempted 6.1 per game. Hit buzzer-beater to reach the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Shot 7 for 35 from 3-point range (20%). He had the combine’s worst standing vertical leap (23½ inches) and tied for the second-worst in max vertical (28 inches).

14. San Antonio Spurs — Carter Bryant, forward, 6-7, 215, Arizona

Scouting report: The former Corona Centennial High star has potential as a floor-stretcher and defender. Shot 37.1% from 3-point range. Averaged a block in 19 minutes as a freshman reserve. Tied for combine’s fourth-best max vertical leap (39½ inches).

15. Oklahoma City Thunder — Thomas Sorber, forward/center, 6-9, 263, Georgetown

Scouting report: Big-bodied freshman able to handle bumps in the post. Averaged 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Converted 57.1% of his post-up chances, according to Synergy. Has a 7-6 wingspan, tied for second-best at the combine. Averaged 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals. Shot just 6 for 37 from 3-point range (16.2%).

16. Memphis Grizzlies (traded to Portland Trail Blazers) — Hansen Yang, center, 7-1, 249, Qingdao (China)

Scouting report: Has shooting and passing touch with a 9-3 standing reach and nearly 7-3 wingspan. Was combine’s only player to rank in the top three of both hand length and width. Turns 20 on Thursday.

17. Minnesota Timberwolves — Joan Beringer, center, 6-11, 230, Cedevita Olimpija (Slovenia)

Scouting report: French rim-runner with defensive potential. Projects well for pick-and-roll, transition and lob situations. Had one of the combine’s biggest wingspans at better than 7-4. Turns 19 in November.

18. Washington Wizards (traded to Utah Jazz) — Walter Clayton Jr., guard, 6-2, 199, Florida

Scouting report: The senior combo guard was an AP first-team All-American and the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after leading the Gators to the NCAA title. Gamer who elevated from averaging 17.2 points and shooting 36.4% from 3-point range in the regular season to 22.3 and 43.5% in the NCAA Tournament. He began his career at Iona.

19. Brooklyn Nets — Nolan Traore, guard, 6-5, 175, Saint-Quentin BB (France)

Scouting report: Scoring playmaker with athleticism and speed. Drew recruiting interest from programs like Duke, Alabama and Gonzaga. Finished in the top 15 of combine’s lane agility and shuttle-run testing. Needs to improve defensively. Turned 19 last month.

20. Miami Heat — Kasparas Jakucionis, guard/forward, 6-5, 205, Illinois

Scouting report: Freshman with an all-around floor game (15 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists). Had four double-digit rebounding games and eight with seven-plus assists. Averaged 5.1 free-throw attempts per game. Shot 31.8% from 3-point range. Averaged 3.7 turnovers for sixth-worst in Division I, including 13 games with five-plus turnovers. Turned 19 last month.

21. Utah Jazz (traded to Washington Wizards) — Will Riley, guard/forward, 6-8, 186, Illinois

Scouting report: Freshman from Canada with potential as a playmaker, either at guard or wing forward. Selected as the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 12.6 points. Needs to get stronger. Turned 19 in February.

22. Atlanta Hawks (traded to Brooklyn Nets) — Drake Powell, guard/forward, 6-6, 195, North Carolina

Scouting report: Freshman wing with perimeter size, athleticism and defensive potential. Shot 37.9% from 3-point range. Has a 7-foot wingspan and combine’s best marks for standing vertical leap (37½ inches) and max vertical leap (43 inches).

23. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Atlanta) — Asa Newell, forward/center, 6-9, 224, Georgia

Scouting report: The five-star freshman helped the Bulldogs get back to the NCAAs for the first time in a decade. Ranked 22nd nationally at 3.33 offensive rebounds per game. Has athleticism to finish at the rim. Offers defensive versatility but needs bulk and shooting range (29.2% from 3-point range).

24. Oklahoma City Thunder — Nique Clifford, guard, 6-5, 202, Colorado State

Scouting report: Versatile wing who began five-year career at Colorado. Posted career-best numbers (18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists) last year. Improved from 33.8% on 3-point attempts in first three seasons to 37.7% on higher volume in his last two.

25. Orlando Magic — Jase Richardson, guard, 6-1, 178, Michigan State

Scouting report: Combo guard who shot 41.2% on 3-pointers as a freshman. Had eight games with at least three made 3s. Son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson. Small frame raises questions of matching up against bigger opponents.

26. Brooklyn Nets — Ben Saraf, guard, 6-6, 201, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Scouting report: A lefty from Israel known for passing, ballhandling and playmaking. Averaged 12.8 points and 4.6 assists last season while working often as the ballhandler in the pick-and-roll. Capable spot-up shooter. Turned 19 in April.

27. Brooklyn Nets — Danny Wolf, forward/center, 6-11, 252, Michigan

Scouting report: Productive post presence thrived after moving from Yale in the Ivy League. Junior averaged 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds. Made 38 3-pointers in 37 games. Lacks explosive athleticism but performed solidly in multiple combine agility tests.

28. Boston Celtics — Hugo Gonzalez, guard/forward, 6-6, 205, Real Madrid (Spain)

Scouting report: Has perimeter size and motor to attack off the dribble. Saw only spot action as a reserve last season, shooting 29% from 3-point range (7 for 24) with more turnovers (16) than assists (10) in 30 EuroLeague games. Turned 19 in February.

29. Phoenix Suns (traded to Charlotte Hornets) — Liam McNeeley, forward, 6-7, 215, UConn

Scouting report: Joined two-time reigning national champion and became freshman starter. Floor-stretching wing shot just 31.7% from 3-point range, but had big games like 38 points against then-No. 24 Creighton, 26 against then-No. 8 Gonzaga and 22 in the NCAA Tournament against eventual champ Florida.

30. Clippers — Yanic Konan Niederhauser, forward/center, 6-11, 243, Penn State

Scouting report: He’s a rim-runner and shot blocker. Led all combine big men with a 37-inch max vertical leap. The junior from Switzerland has a 7-3 wingspan. Ranked 12th nationally by averaging 2.31 blocks.

AP sports writer Aaron Beard contributed to this story.

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