Media day for the Dallas Mavericks brought together three of the NBA’s most talked-about stars, and Anthony Davis made sure he stole the spotlight. Standing alongside Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving, Davis took a moment to remind everyone of one distinction that sets him apart. While all three players were top draft picks, Davis is the only one to have captured an NCAA national championship during his college career at Kentucky.
The moment quickly became a viral highlight. The NBA’s official Instagram shared a photo of Davis, Irving, and Flagg posing with wide smiles and holding up their index fingers to signify their No. 1 draft status. It was a classic photo-op moment, but Davis couldn’t resist turning it into a playful jab. He looked directly at his teammates and delivered a line that drew laughter from the room. “I’m looking at three No. 1 picks. Two that went to a school you can’t spell without University of Kentucky. You can’t spell Duke without the UK. They’re holding up number ones for me because I’m the only one that won a national championship out of these three,” he said.
Davis’ reference harks back to his triumphant 2012 season at Kentucky, when he led the Wildcats to victory over Kansas in the NCAA championship game. Not only did Davis capture the national title, but he also earned the Most Outstanding Player award, cementing his legacy in college basketball. His comment at media day mixed pride, humor, and a gentle roast for his Mavericks teammates, showcasing his personality off the court just as much as his talent on it.
Meanwhile, Flagg and Irving bring their own impressive resumes, even if a national championship eluded them. Kyrie Irving’s time at Duke in 2011 was cut short by injury after only 11 games, but he managed to help the team reach the Sweet Sixteen before leaving college for the NBA. Cooper Flagg, the newest addition to the Mavericks following the trade that sent Luka Doncic elsewhere, had an outstanding 2025 season. He earned College Player of the Year honors and guided Duke to the Final Four, falling just short of a title after a crucial missed shot against Houston.
The dynamic of Davis, Irving, and Flagg in Dallas is drawing considerable attention. Their combination of veteran leadership, established stardom, and rising talent has the potential to create a formidable lineup. Fans and analysts are eager to see how their individual skills and personalities mesh on the court. Will Davis’ experience and championship pedigree elevate the team in tight moments? Can Irving’s scoring prowess and Flagg’s emerging star power blend into a cohesive unit? The answers will shape the Mavericks’ trajectory this season.
Davis’ lighthearted jab at media day is more than just a funny moment. It underscores his competitive nature and the playful yet confident energy he brings to the locker room. It also sets a tone for the season, signaling that while this trio is new, they are already embracing a dynamic, winning-minded culture. Every game, every play, and every moment together will be watched closely, with fans eager to witness chemistry develop between a proven champion and two highly talented players seeking to make their mark.
As the 2025-26 NBA season begins, the Dallas Mavericks will be a team to watch. Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg have all the tools to make waves, both individually and collectively. Davis’ humorous declaration of being the only national champion serves as a reminder that experience and achievement matter, but it is the collaboration of this trio on the court that will ultimately define their success. Mavericks fans can expect excitement, drama, and moments of brilliance as these three stars begin their journey together in Dallas.
