The 2023-24 Montverde Academy squad didn’t just win - they steamrolled their way into high school basketball history. A perfect 33-0 record, a national title, and a roster stacked with future NBA talent made this team feel more like a prep-level dynasty than just another dominant program.
Led by the powerhouse quartet of Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen, Liam McNeeley, and Asa Newell, Montverde wasn’t just beating teams - they were dismantling them. That kind of dominance rarely translates so cleanly to the next level, but this group proved to be the exception. All four were first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, a testament to both their individual talent and the level of competition they forged together.
Flagg went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Mavericks, the kind of generational pick that can reset a franchise’s direction. Queen landed at 13 to the New Orleans Pelicans, Newell was taken 23rd by the Atlanta Hawks, and McNeeley rounded out the group at 29 to the Charlotte Hornets. That’s four first-rounders from one high school roster - a staggering reflection of just how loaded that Montverde team really was.
Now, a year later, that same Montverde chemistry might be back on the table - this time in the NBA trade market.
There’s been chatter around Dallas and a potential trade involving veteran big man Anthony Davis. The Mavericks are reportedly exploring options, and the Hawks have surfaced as a possible trade partner. But according to NBA insider Michael Scotto, Atlanta is drawing a hard line: Zaccharie Risacher and their upcoming first-round pick from the Pelicans are off-limits.
That’s significant. Risacher, despite struggling to carve out consistent minutes in Atlanta, had been floated earlier this season as a potential trade piece. But with those rumors cooling off and the Pelicans’ pick firmly out of play, the Hawks’ most logical trade chip might now be Asa Newell.
Newell, though not yet a regular in Atlanta’s rotation, has quietly been one of the most efficient rookie shooters in the league. He’s knocking down 56% of his shots from the field and 44% from deep - the best three-point clip among rookies with at least 40 attempts. That kind of efficiency, especially from a young forward with size and athleticism, doesn’t go unnoticed.
His athleticism was a hallmark of his Montverde days, and it’s starting to translate at the next level. Defensively, he’s showing signs of growth too - improving his awareness and ability to switch across multiple positions. He may not be a finished product yet, but there’s a lot to like.
And here’s where things get interesting: Cooper Flagg has publicly praised Newell’s game and the chemistry they shared at Montverde. If Dallas is indeed leaning into a youth-driven rebuild around Flagg, adding a familiar face like Newell - someone who already has that on-court rapport with their franchise cornerstone - could be a smart move. It’s not just about talent; it’s about building a foundation that fits.
The Mavericks, like any team navigating a potential blockbuster, will weigh all their options. But if they’re looking for a young, ascending player who brings shooting, athleticism, and a strong connection to their No. 1 pick, Asa Newell might be more than just a throw-in - he could be a key piece.
And if that Montverde magic is still alive, Dallas might be wise to reunite two of its brightest stars.