Janice R. Andrews
Cooper Flagg is not just meeting expectations in the world of college basketball—he is vastly exceeding them. At merely 18 years old, the standout freshman for the Duke Blue Devils is leading his team in every major statistical category and is widely regarded as the top prospect for next June’s NBA Draft. Flagg’s extraordinary performances have captured the attention of fans, scouts, and analysts, drawing comparisons to basketball legends and paving the way for what promises to be an illustrious professional career.
An Unconventional Basketball Idol
While many young athletes look up to contemporary NBA stars like LeBron James or Stephen Curry, Cooper Flagg’s first basketball inspiration was Larry Bird, a Celtics icon who retired 14 years before Flagg’s birth. Growing up in Newport, Maine, Flagg and his twin brother, Ace, were introduced to Bird’s legacy through DVDs that highlighted the legendary player’s career and his intense rivalry with Magic Johnson. These early exposures were crucial in shaping Flagg’s approach to the game.
Cooper often spent hours lying on the living room floor, engrossed in documentaries about Bird or watching complete game replays from the 1985-86 Celtics season in the back of the family’s Chrysler minivan on the way to practices. According to his parents, Kelly and Ralph Flagg, the aim was to teach their sons the essence of teamwork and the significance of contributing to a team’s success, much like Bird did throughout his career.
Parental Guidance and Early Growth
Kelly Flagg, a former co-captain of the University of Maine women’s basketball team, emphasized the principles she and her husband wanted to instill in their sons. “What we tried to instill in our kids is that however you can have an impact on winning, that’s the most important thing,” she told Yahoo Sports in November. “That’s really to me what Larry Bird encapsulates as a player. He did whatever the team needed him to do night in and night out. Cooper is the same way. He isn’t somebody who feels like doing the dirty work is beneath him.”
This foundation of teamwork, selflessness, and an unrelenting drive for excellence has been evident throughout Flagg’s development. From playing against older boys in elementary school to leaving his hometown in Maine for higher competition, Flagg’s journey has been marked by dedication and a relentless pursuit of improvement.
Outstanding Freshman Year at Duke
Cooper Flagg’s impact at Duke University has been nothing short of extraordinary. Leading the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals, Flagg has set a new standard for his peers. His impressive statistics include averaging 23.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over the past eight games, with shooting percentages of 55% from the field and 50% from three-point range. Such performance marks the most dominant stretch by a college freshman since Zion Williamson’s explosive rookie season at Duke in 2019.
Duke’s impressive 8-0 start in ACC play and victories over high-profile teams like Auburn and Arizona have been largely driven by Flagg’s exceptional play. Under the guidance of Coach Jon Scheyer, Flagg has evolved into the face of one of college basketball’s most storied programs, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure and lead his team to significant victories.
Ascending to the Top
Flagg’s rise to prominence was not instantaneous. His initial six weeks at Duke were solid but not extraordinary. However, as he grew more comfortable in his role, his performance skyrocketed. Recent games have showcased his ability to exploit mismatches and create his own shots in half-court situations, addressing earlier questions about his potential as a top NBA scorer.
In a standout performance against Boston College, Flagg scored 28 points in an 88-63 victory, highlighting his assertiveness and elevated skill level. “The thing about Coop, he just keeps getting better,” Coach Scheyer remarked. “He started off the year great, but he’s hit just a new level with what he’s doing and his assertiveness.”
Setting Records and Making History
Cooper Flagg has already made his mark in the record books. On January 11, 2025, he set an ACC freshman record by scoring 42 points against Notre Dame, achieving this feat with only 14 field-goal attempts. This explosive performance underscores his efficiency and scoring prowess, garnering widespread attention and admiration.
Flagg’s highlights don’t end there. Earlier in the season, he delivered a midseason dunk-of-the-year candidate with a powerful one-handed slam over Pittsburgh’s Guillermo Diaz Graham. His ability to dominate both in scoring and athleticism has made him a household name in college basketball.
Surpassing the Competition
While Auburn’s Johni Broome has been a significant contender for the Wooden Award, Flagg has steadily overtaken him, especially with Broome sidelined due to a high ankle sprain. Auburn’s recent performances without Broome, including victories over AP Top 25 teams, have kept them in the title conversation, but Flagg’s consistent excellence has firmly positioned him as the favorite for national accolades.
Flagg’s ability to produce jaw-dropping highlights and consistently perform at a high level has elevated him beyond just a top prospect to being recognized as the premier player in college basketball. His performances have not only captured the attention of fans and media but have also set high expectations for his future career.
Early Achievements and National Acclaim
Before joining Duke, Flagg had already made a name for himself on the national stage. At 15, he led the U.S. U-17 World Cup team to a gold medal and became USA Basketball’s youngest male athlete of the year. By 16, he guided an underdog team from Maine to the Peach Jam title game, solidifying his status as the top player in his class. At 17, Flagg was the only teenager selected to train with the U.S. men’s national team in preparation for the Paris Olympics, showcasing his ability to compete against some of the NBA’s biggest stars.
Matt Mackenzie, Flagg’s longtime trainer, praised his ability to rise to any challenge. “Every time we put a challenge in front of this kid, he not only rises to the occasion, he blows it out of the water,” Mackenzie told Yahoo Sports last year.
Seamless Transition from High School to Duke
Cooper Flagg’s transition from high school phenom to college superstar has been seamless. Before even stepping onto the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, he was named to the AP’s 2024-25 preseason All-American team. His early performances at Duke validated this selection, as he quickly made an impact with his defensive instincts, playmaking abilities, and scoring efficiency.
NBA scouts initially questioned whether Flagg could generate offense in half-court situations and create his own shots. Early challenges, such as turnovers against Kentucky and Kansas, served as valuable learning experiences. Under Coach Scheyer’s mentorship, Flagg has refined his game, finding creative ways to exploit mismatches and enhance his shot creation. His ability to blow by larger defenders, finish at the rim against guards, and hit open three-pointers has made him a versatile and dangerous offensive weapon.
A Promising Future
With his unparalleled skill set and relentless work ethic, Cooper Flagg is well on his way to becoming one of the NBA’s brightest stars. His performance this season has not only solidified his status as the top college basketball player but has also made him a prime candidate for the Wooden Award, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Flagg’s journey from a young boy in Maine, inspired by Larry Bird, to a national sensation at Duke is a testament to his dedication and the strong foundation laid by his family. As he continues to break records and lead his team to new heights, the basketball world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this extraordinary talent.
Community Impact and Legacy
Cooper Flagg’s influence extends beyond the basketball court. His story resonates with young athletes who aspire to reach the highest levels of the sport through hard work and dedication. Flagg’s humility and team-first mentality, traits instilled by his parents, serve as an inspiration both on and off the court.
Kelly Flagg, Cooper’s mother, shared her pride and joy in her son’s achievements. “We’re from New England,” she said. “We bleed green.” While Flagg’s dream of playing for the Boston Celtics may no longer be a realistic possibility, his legacy in the region remains strong. His performances have ignited a renewed passion for basketball in Maine and the broader New England area, inspiring the next generation of players.
Overcoming Challenges
Cooper Flagg’s path to success has not been without its hurdles. Playing against older and more experienced opponents from a young age, leaving his home state to seek better competition, and facing high-pressure situations in college basketball have all tested his resilience and adaptability. Each obstacle has only strengthened his resolve, making him a more formidable player and leader.
His ability to learn from setbacks, such as the turnovers against top-tier teams, demonstrates his maturity and commitment to continuous improvement. Flagg’s adaptability and willingness to evolve his game have been crucial in his rise to prominence, showcasing his potential to excel at the highest levels of professional basketball.
NBA Aspirations
As Cooper Flagg continues his dominant freshman season, the basketball world watches with anticipation. His combination of size, coordination, skill, and athleticism is rare, making him a highly coveted prospect for the NBA. Flagg’s performances have already generated buzz among top franchises, each eager to secure his talents in the upcoming draft.
Flagg’s journey from a young enthusiast of Larry Bird’s playstyle to a potential NBA superstar exemplifies the essence of basketball greatness. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and exceptional talent, setting him apart as a player destined for greatness.
Looking Ahead
Cooper Flagg is not merely meeting the high expectations set before him; he is far surpassing them, establishing himself as a dominant force in college basketball and a likely future star in the NBA. His exceptional performances at Duke, combined with his strong work ethic and team-oriented mindset, make him a standout athlete with a bright future ahead. As he continues to break records and inspire those around him, Cooper Flagg is undoubtedly a name that will be remembered in the annals of basketball history.
