Cooper Flagg the projected no. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft announced his commitment to Duke on October 30, 2023 and went on to cap off his senior year of high school with Montverde Academy being named a McDonald’s All-American, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball USA, and Naismith Prep Player of the Year, while also leading them to a perfect 33-0 record as well as an eighth national title. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists. 2.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game. He came into Duke as the no. 1 ranked recruit in the class of 2024.
This past summer Flagg was the first college player in over a decade to be called up for the USA Select Team. As a member of this team, he trained in Las Vegas alongside the U.S. Men’s National Team as they prepared for the Olympics. He played very well in the scrimmage so much so that he garnered praise from the likes of Devin Booker who said “He wants it,” and also saying “I know this experience he’s going to take with him and move forward.” A teammate of his on the select team Jaime Jaquez Jr. who plays for the Miami Heat said “To be able to do what he did, not even playing a college game, let alone an NBA game, there’s no fear,” as well as “It’s relentless. And the thing that you can tell about him is that he just has a knack and the will to win. He doesn’t need the ball. He just finds a way to it. And the ball finds its way to him. That’s something that you can’t teach. He’s just got a great feel for the game.” “I was shocked, I was surprised and I was really excited for this opportunity,” Flagg said of suiting up with the select team. “And I’m just really blessed that I was able to come out and capitalize on it and show what I have. I was really grateful to come out and learn. That was the biggest thing for me — just being able to learn and grow, to share a gym with all of these great, great names. Legends. So, I’m just truly blessed.”
Duke came into the season ranked no. 7 in the country and alongside Flagg brought in 3 other 5-star recruits in Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Kon Knueppel, as well as 4-star recruits in Patrick Ngongba II and Darren Harris. At 6 ‘9 with the versatility to be able to play multiple positions as well as an ever-improving game at both ends of the floor include that with his high floor and very high ceiling you have a player who looks primed and ready to lead the Blue Devils to their 6th national championship.
So how have the first few games gone so far? Duke started the regular season with a home opener against Maine where they would win 96-62 with Flagg playing well with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals but you could argue that he got outshone by fellow freshman Kon Knueppel who led all scorers with 22 points including 3 threes and shot over 50% from the field. Next game would be against Army where Flagg would stand out more with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds including 2 steals and 3 blocks as the Blue Devils would win 100-58.
After the first two games Duke would go up one to no. 6 as they faced their biggest test yet against no. 19 Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic where Flagg had his best game yet, dropping another double-double this time with 26 points and 12 rebounds which included 2 blocks. He did however turn the ball over late in the game twice as Duke would suffer their first loss of the season 77-72. Duke’s next game is against Wofford at home on Saturday as Cooper Flagg will look to yet again impress as he continues to be the most hyped up Duke prospect since Zion Williamson.
