Montverde Academy's Legacy in the NCAA Tournament

Montverde Academy has long been a powerhouse in high school basketball, and its influence continues to be felt in the NCAA tournament. This past weekend, several of its former students showcased their talent on college basketball's biggest stage, proving that the academy's legacy is as strong as ever.

Standout Performances from Montverde Alumni

Cooper Flagg (Duke Blue Devils): Flagg, a 6-foot-8 forward, has been nothing short of sensational. Winning both ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, Flagg has been a key player for Duke. His performance in the Sweet 16, where he posted 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, was a testament to his all-around game. He is currently projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Derik Queen (Maryland Terrapins): The 6-foot-10 center has been a force for Maryland, boasting the second-highest scoring average among freshmen in the school's history. His game-winning floater against Colorado State sent the Terrapins to the Sweet 16, and he is projected as the No. 10 pick in the draft.

Robert Wright III (Baylor Bears): Wright beat out a fifth-year senior for the starting point guard spot and led the team in assists. Despite Baylor's loss to Duke, Wright's contributions have been significant, earning him Big 12 All-Freshman honors.

Asa Newell (Georgia Bulldogs): The versatile forward led Georgia in both scoring and rebounds. Although the Bulldogs were eliminated in the first round, Newell's talent is undeniable, and he is projected as the No. 20 pick in the draft.

Liam McNeeley (UConn Huskies): McNeeley finished third in scoring and second in rebounds for UConn. His 22-point performance against Florida, despite the loss, showcased his potential, and he is projected as the No. 14 pick in the draft.

The Impact of Montverde Academy

Montverde's success isn't just about individual talent; it's about the culture of excellence and teamwork that the academy fosters. As former coach Kevin Boyle noted, the players' unselfishness and focus on their goals have been key to their success. With five alumni averaging more points in college than they did at Montverde, it's clear that the academy prepares its players not just for high school basketball, but for the next level.

Looking Ahead

As these young stars continue to develop, the influence of Montverde Academy on the NCAA tournament is likely to grow. Whether it's Cooper Flagg leading Duke or Derik Queen making clutch shots for Maryland, the academy's impact is undeniable. The future of college basketball looks bright, and Montverde Academy is at the heart of it.