Stop everything. March Madness just got a new twist.
Just 48 hours before the biggest game of his life, Duke’s superstar freshman Cooper Flagg has been crowned the AP Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year—and the college basketball world is absolutely buzzing.
He’s 18. He’s a freshman. And he already a legend.
Flagg now joins an elite club that includes Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant as the only freshmen to ever win the coveted award—and all three were drafted No. 1 or No. 2 in the NBA just months later.
Could Flagg be next? Absolutely.
But first—he has a national championship to win.
Freshman Phenom Crowned King
Cooper Flagg AP Player of the Year is the headline ringing through every arena in America.
At just 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, the Maine native has bulldozed through expectations in his first—and likely only—college season. He’s not just Duke’s best player. He’s the best player in the entire country.
- 18.9 points per game
- 7.5 rebounds
- 4.2 assists
- 1.4 steals
- 1.3 blocks
- All as an 18-year-old freshman
Flagg does everything. Score. Dish. Defend. Lead. And now, win awards that most players don’t even dream of until senior year.
Only Four Freshmen Have Ever Done This
Let’s be clear—what Flagg just accomplished is historic.
He becomes just the fourth freshman in 64 years to win the AP National Player of the Year award. And look who he joins:
- Kevin Durant (2007)
- Anthony Davis (2012)
- Zion Williamson (2019)
That’s not just elite company. That’s NBA royalty.
All three went top two in the draft. All three became stars. Flagg? He might be the best of them all.
Duke’s Secret Weapon for a Championship Run
Duke heads into the Final Four this Saturday to face Houston in a clash of titans. Flagg is at the center of everything.
He’s the leading scorer, passer, rebounder, and defender for the Blue Devils. He’s their engine. Their heartbeat. And now, their newly crowned national player of the year.
His biggest games?
- 42 points vs Notre Dame, a new ACC freshman record
- 30 points in a Sweet 16 win over Arizona
- Highlight reel dunks, game-saving steals, and impossible blocks
Duke fans aren’t just watching history. They’re watching the future of basketball—right now.
Flagg vs Broome: A Battle of Final Four Stars
The award race came down to two names: Cooper Flagg and Auburn’s Johni Broome, another Final Four hero.
Both were unanimous All-Americans. Both led their teams to the sport’s biggest weekend. But in the end, Flagg won in a landslide, earning 41 of 61 votes.
Now they might meet again—in the national championship.
Is a Flagg vs. Broome title-game showdown destiny? Millions of fans hope so.
Humble, Focused, and Ready for War
Despite the massive hype, Flagg remains unshaken. During the award press conference—surrounded by family, teammates, and head coach Jon Scheyer—he smiled, thanked his supporters, and got back to business.
“I hold myself to a high standard,” Flagg said. “It’s just about trusting what you do and doing it to the highest level.”
It’s that laser focus that separates Flagg from the pack. While others are chasing fame, he’s chasing greatness—and he’s not done yet.
Scheyer Can’t Stop Smiling
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer knows talent when he sees it. But even he can’t believe how special this one is.
“He plays so hard, he’s competitive, a great teammate,” Scheyer said. “And obviously his ability is special.”
Scheyer’s seen his share of stars. But Flagg is different. He’s one of one.
Cooper Flagg AP Player – Growing Up Fast in the Spotlight
Let’s not forget: Flagg reclassified to leave high school early and start his college career a year ahead of schedule.
He was just 17 years old when he arrived at Duke.
Now, a few months later? He’s Player of the Year, Final Four-bound, and the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
Not bad for a kid from Newport, Maine, who used to dribble basketballs across the kitchen floor and battle his mom in driveway games of H-O-R-S-E.
From Family Driveways to National Headlines
Flagg’s mother, Kelly, played college basketball herself. She’s seen Cooper’s talent grow firsthand—and she’s not surprised by his success.
“He believes in himself. He doesn’t get rattled. That’s a special ability,” she said. “I wish I was more like that.”
She and husband Ralph relocated to North Carolina to support him this season. They’ve watched every step—every dunk, every game-winner, every roar from the crowd.
And they’ll be in the stands in San Antonio again this weekend.
Off the Court: Maturity Beyond His Years
Flagg’s growth hasn’t been just athletic—it’s personal. He’s focused on nutrition, sleep, recovery, and leadership.
He listens to teammates. Learns from veterans. Takes care of his body and mind. He even quit scrolling on his phone at night to get more rest before games.
How many 18-year-olds are doing that?
This isn’t a one-season wonder. This is a young man becoming a professional before our eyes.
The NBA Is Waiting—But Flagg Is Still Locked In
Yes, the NBA Draft is coming. Flagg is the likely No. 1 pick. Yes, endorsement deals are pouring in. But right now? Because he’s focused on cutting down nets.
He’s not thinking about next season. He’s thinking about Saturday night vs Houston. And maybe, just maybe, Monday night in the national championship.
That’s the mission. That’s the mindset.
Cooper Flagg AP Player – Big Games Bring Out the Best
Since the start of the year, Flagg’s numbers have skyrocketed.
- Scoring jumped from 16.9 to 20.1 PPG
- Assists up from 3.7 to 4.5
- Shooting percentage now over 51%
- Three-point shooting rose from 27% to 43%
When the lights get brighter, Cooper Flagg gets better.
Cooper Flagg AP Player of the Year and Future NBA Star
This award is just the beginning.
Cooper Flagg AP Player of the Year is a title that cements his legacy—and yet it’s only a preview of what’s coming next.
He’s the best player in college basketball. And he’s about to lead Duke into one of the most anticipated Final Fours ever. He’s set to be the top pick in the NBA.
And he’s still just 18.
The future of basketball is here. And his name is Cooper Flagg.
