Montverde Academy, a powerhouse in high school basketball, has once again proven to be a fertile ground for NBA talent. The 2025 NBA draft spotlighted four former Montverde Eagles—Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen, Asa Newell, and Liam McNeeley—each of whom carved a distinct path from their days at Montverde to the professional ranks, underscoring the school’s reputation for developing elite players with both skill and character.
A Legacy of Excellence
The 2024 Montverde Eagles team made history by not only capturing the coveted Chipotle Nationals title but by completing a perfect 33-0 season, dominating opponents by an average of 34 points per game. This remarkable achievement elevated them into the conversation as possibly the greatest high school basketball team ever assembled. Their dominance on the court was matched by an unselfish team culture, highlighted by former Montverde coach Kevin Boyle, now at SPIRE Academy, who praised their willingness to sacrifice personal statistics for team success.
The Montverde Quartet in the 2025 NBA Draft
Cooper Flagg, selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks, was a prodigious talent even before his college tenure at Duke University, where he was crowned National Player of the Year. At Montverde, his versatile stat line averaged 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game over two seasons. Flagg’s remarkable all-around abilities and leadership propelled Duke to a Final Four appearance, solidifying him as a top NBA prospect.
Derik Queen, picked 13th by the New Orleans Pelicans, made his mark as a dominant presence in the paint. His efficiency was impressive, shooting 66% from the field with averages of 14.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game during his time with the Montverde Eagles. Queen continued his ascent at the University of Maryland, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and leading the Terrapins deep into the NCAA Sweet 16. Asa Newell, the rising star taken 23rd by the Atlanta Hawks, was known for his size, versatility, and defensive prowess. At Montverde, Newell averaged 9.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. His impact extended beyond high school as he became a matchup nightmare for opponents with the Georgia Bulldogs, where he earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Newell’s ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor marks him as a promising talent in the NBA’s competitive landscape.
Liam McNeeley, drafted 29th by the Charlotte Hornets, was a sharpshooting threat for Montverde, connecting on 44% of his three-point attempts and averaging 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. McNeeley carried that shooting touch to the University of Connecticut, where he garnered Big East Freshman of the Year accolades while helping UConn make a significant impact in college basketball.
The Culture Behind the Success
Coach Kevin Boyle emphasized that these players’ journey to professional success was rooted not just in talent but in their selflessness and commitment to team ethos. “They really sacrificed numbers and accolades to win,” Boyle noted. The same dedication helped Montverde build a basketball culture that consistently produces NBA-caliber players, following in the footsteps of past great alumni such as Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, Moses Moody, and Day’Ron Sharpe.
Looking Ahead
As these four Montverde alumni embark on their NBA careers, their shared history and foundational training at Montverde Academy continue to inspire. Asa Newell, in particular, emerges as a noteworthy figure—his development from a versatile high school standout to a formidable college athlete and now an NBA rookie embodies the pathway Montverde offers to aspiring basketball players.
The Montverde Academy legacy, built on talent, teamwork, and tenacity, once again shapes the future of professional basketball through the impressive achievements of Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen, Asa Newell, and Liam McNeeley. Their journeys highlight the pivotal role of elite high school programs in molding the next generation of NBA stars.
