The 2025 NBA Draft was a showcase of talented rookies poised to make their mark in the league. This year, a record 18 freshmen were selected in the first round.

As always, the evening was filled with surprise transactions, strategic maneuvers, and potential franchise-altering picks as each team sought to position itself for an NBA championship. While the selection of Duke's Cooper Flagg to the Dallas Mavericks, and Rutgers' Dylan Harper to the San Antonio Spurs, were almost forgone conclusions, the rest of the first round was unpredictable to say the least. 

On the biggest night of their young lives, BET.com was on hand at the Red Carpet event and caught up with several players to discuss the emotional roller coaster of the NBA Draft.

Flagg, who was the Naismith College Player of the Year and is widely held as the best player in the draft, spoke about how his background as a native of Maine shaped him into the person and player he is today.

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“Going through the process of being myself and my roots have made me who I am, and given me my values. So I'm thankful for where I can come from,” Flagg said. “Also, I think going to Duke really prepared me for the next level.”

Flagg also spoke about what he plans to bring to the league as the No. 1 pick of the Mavericks.

“I’m a high-level, two-way guy who will impact the ball on both sides, and just impact winning in a lot of different ways around the game that people don't always do,” he added.

Harper could not contain his excitement about having his dream of playing in the NBA become a reality. The swingman is looking forward to showing off his skill set to the Spurs.

“I'm through the roof excited. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Harper explained. “You get to do this only once. I'm just trying to take it all in and just be happy and be grateful.”

He also spoke about following in the footsteps of his father, a 5-time NBA champion, Ron Harper, and claimed he’ll go down as the best player in the family.

“I think me and my brother are going to do a good job carrying his legacy, carrying the name, and keeping the family name alive.”

When it comes to his game, Harper says he can fit in anywhere.

“I’ll do everything they need me to do. Whether it's scoring the ball, playing making, or getting stops. I'm going to bring the energy, and I'm just going to be the happiest one in the locker room,” Harper concluded.

The Philadelphia 76ers chose V. J. Edgecombe of Baylor University with the third pick, and he was focused on how his mother would respond to his draft selection.

“I'll be looking to see my mama's reaction. That's the main thing, Edgecombe noted. 
“She’s the most special person in my life. I'll be looking to see my mama's reaction.”

A native of the Bahamas, Edgecombe shared that he only eats his mother’s seafood cuisine since he's been in America.

“I don't eat any seafood outside of the Bahamas, unless my mama is cooking,” he laughed.

On the court, Edgecombe brings superior athleticism and a strong work ethic that will have a positive impact on the Sixers.

“I'm a hard worker. I'm coming in to win, and I’ll do anything I can to impact the game, ” Edgecombe said.

Kon Knueppel, another Duke freshman, will remain in North Carolina after being selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the fourth pick. He spoke about how attending Duke allowed him to cultivate his skills.

“I think Coach Jon Scheyer and his staff do a really good job of developing players, " Knueppel shared. “There's a certain mentality that you've got to have to succeed at Duke, and I think they do a good job of getting those guys in the building.”

Knueppel also looks forward to playing hard and being a versatile player for the Hornets. 

“I think a big one is just working hard. I'll be out there hustling around, getting on the floor. I think fans will like that,” he added. 

Khaman Maluach, another Duke player who was drafted with the 10th pick by the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Hailing from Sudan, he can’t wait to represent his native country.

I'm very happy. I feel blessed to be in such a great position to succeed,” Maluach said. “Whatever team I'm going to, I'm going to bring energy and positivity to the team.”

Maluach also shared why centers are still vital in today’s game.

“Because it's the game of basketball, you gotta have height and size. That never changes, because everybody has a role in the game of basketball, and sometimes the other role is done by a tall person,” Maluach continued. “That's why every team needs a center.

Derik Queen of the University of Maryland was drafted with the 13th pick by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He stated that he would be glad with any team that selected him.

“I'm gonna have a big smile on my face. Whatever a team needs, or whatever they’re missing, or whatever the coach needs me to do, I’m ready, “Queen said

Ace Bailey, also from Rutgers University, was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 5th pick, which was one of the biggest surprises of the night. Bailey said that he’s focused on being himself with his new team.

"My mom always told me, ‘Don't change who you are. Always be you, no matter who you become or how big you become.’ So I'm always gonna be me. I’m bringing the energy, supporting them, and clapping for the first person and the last person. When asked what he does best on the court, Bailey confidently replied, “Everything.”

Carter Bryant of Arizona University was selected 14th by the Spurs, and said that he will feel like a child when his name is called.

“I’m really excited, man. It’s a dream come true. When you guys see me up there smiling big, it’s the six-year-old Carter going crazy,” Bryant said.

He looks forward to bringing intangible qualities such as leadership and consistency to San Antonio.

“It’s about attitude, energy, playing on the defensive end of the ball, being able to make shots, and having leadership qualities, " Bryant said. “I think it's something that starts before you get on the court. It’s my habits. Every day, waking up, being able to do the same thing over and over again, consistently. That's the key.”

The Brooklyn Nets picked Danny Wolf of Michigan University with the 27th pick, and he wants to show his new team what he has to offer.

“It's been an awesome journey. It's exciting. There’s a lot of emotions, and I’m just thankful to be here, Wolf said. “I think I can do a few things well, so I’m versatile. Just excited to learn, and excited to get to the league to start working.”

The Wizards drafted Walter Clayton Jr, who won a national championship with Florida University, with the 18th pick. Later, he was traded to the Jazz. Known for his playmaking and hard-nosed play, Clayton is bridging those characteristics to the league.

"My family's very excited. So very excited,” Clayton said. “A lot of teams do a lot of scouting. They already have some idea of your skill set. So, whatever a team needs, I'm bringing a great attitude every day, and I’m a willing worker.”