Durham, N.C. — Cooper Flagg is aiming to maintain a straightforward approach in his basketball journey. With the immense attention surrounding his rise, he plans to focus primarily on the game itself, treating all the extra hype as secondary. The talented 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward for No. 7 Duke enters the new season not only as the top recruit in the country but also as a strong contender for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. The buzz has started building rapidly with Flagg’s college debut on the horizon, and managing this wave of excitement will be essential for him, especially with his likely only year of college basketball ahead.
Flagg’s path to Duke is reminiscent of former star Zion Williamson, who captivated audiences during his freshman season. As Flagg prepares for his first game against Maine, the program from his home state, the excitement is palpable in Durham. Coach Jon Scheyer has accomplished a significant recruiting victory over perennial powerhouse UConn to secure Flagg’s commitment.
The McDonald’s All-American recently showcased his skills during a July scrimmage against seasoned NBA players, which certainly raised eyebrows. He earned recognition as only the ninth freshman ever to be named to The Associated Press preseason All-American team, a distinction that dates back to the 1986-87 season. Additionally, he made headlines by being the first men’s college basketball player to sign an endorsement deal with Gatorade, all before he even celebrates his 18th birthday in December.
In terms of Flagg’s skillset, Coach Scheyer enters his third season leading the Blue Devils with confidence in Flagg’s capabilities. Scheyer commended his work ethic, noting instances where he found Flagg already working hard in the gym during early morning hours. “He’s a confident player, a real confident player, which is great,” Scheyer commented, adding that Flagg is eager for guidance and keen to improve his game continuously.
Flagg possesses a versatile playing style, excelling with a soft shooting touch and excellent passing skills, whether taking a shot from beyond the arc, driving in for mid-range jumps, or playing in the post. His physical advantages allow him to shoot effectively over many defenders while also being a threat defensively. As Arizona State’s coach Bobby Hurley described, Flagg’s competitive nature fuels his performance, a trait that will be instrumental in his development as a player.
While Flagg’s on-court talents are evident, managing external expectations and attention is another challenge he faces. There will be instances of scrutiny for every move he makes, including adoring fans seeking selfies and autographs. Associate head coach Chris Carrawell, who has experienced high levels of attention during the Williamson era, noted the growing recognition of Flagg already reaching well beyond standard basketball fans.
The buzz surrounding Cooper Flagg began long before he emerged as a top NBA prospect, noted Andy Bedard, who recognized Flagg’s talent at a young age when he played in leagues significantly above his grade level. Bedard began an AAU team that featured Flagg, leading to a rapid rise in their collective recognition as they dominated regional competitions. Flagg’s game continuously turned heads, garnering attention that eventually led him to transfer from his local Maine high school to Montverde Academy in Florida for his final prep year.
Flagg acknowledges the spotlight he finds himself under but strives to remain humble and respectful towards those who support him. “I just take it as a compliment, try to be respectful of everybody,” Flagg stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on basketball amidst the distractions. His teammate, freshman Darren Harris, described Flagg as someone who seeks to live life as a typical teenager despite the fame. Graduate forward Mason Gillis noted that Flagg is handling the pressure remarkably well for someone his age, which speaks volumes about his character and maturity.