SAN ANTONIO — As the Duke Blue Devils close in on a trip to the Final Four, freshman Cooper Flagg is already thinking ahead beyond the basketball court. Instead of focusing solely on game strategies, he plans to equip himself with a water gun, inspired by the playful antics of his teammates Khaman Maluach and Patrick Ngongba during cold tub sessions. “I’m definitely ordering one as well,” Flagg remarked with a smile, showcasing his youthful spirit.
Despite his light-hearted nature, Flagg’s performance on the court defies his age. The 18-year-old has made an immediate impact with his exceptional skills in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense. Entering college with high expectations as a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick, Flagg’s prowess has led his team to the cusp of a national championship with only two more victories needed.
This impressive debut season has earned Flagg the title of The Associated Press men’s college basketball national player of the year, making him only the fourth freshman to claim this honor in the 64-year history of the award. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 205 pounds, the forward from Newport, Maine, triumphed over Auburn’s Johni Broome in a neck-and-neck race for this distinction. Both players were unanimous first-team AP All-Americans participating in the Final Four, with Flagg receiving 41 out of 61 votes from AP Top 25 voters.
Flagg now joins the ranks of notable freshman winners such as Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant, each of whom preceded him as either the No. 1 or No. 2 pick in the NBA draft. This accolade marks the eighth time a player from Duke has won the award, the most for any single program.
Family, friends, and the Duke team were present at the San Antonio press conference to celebrate Flagg’s achievement. Among them was Duke’s coach Jon Scheyer, who complimented Flagg’s relentless effort and talent. “He plays so hard, he’s competitive, a great teammate,” Scheyer noted.
Having reclassified to graduate early, Flagg began his college career at Duke at just 17 years old, surpassing expectations as the nation’s top-ranked recruit. Leading his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals, he also ranks second in blocks. “I hold myself to a high standard, high expectations,” Flagg said, attributing his success to the dedication and long hours he’s invested.
Flagg accomplished many feats this season, setting an Atlantic Coast Conference freshman record with a 42-point game against Notre Dame, a spectacular dunk against Pittsburgh, and a critical performance in Duke’s win over Auburn that showcased his tournament ability.
The Duke squad is the only team ranked in KenPom’s top five for both offensive and defensive efficiency, and Flagg’s growth during the season has been evident. He credits getting acclimated to the details required to excel in college basketball, from a solid pre-practice recovery routine to being mindful of sleep patterns.
“I couldn’t really care less about outside expectations,” Flagg said. His focus is on meeting the expectations of his teammates and coaches, always counting on their support as he learns and grows.
Flagg’s mother, Kelly, admires her son’s ability to remain unaffected by external pressures. “He’s so comfortable with who he is,” she shared, praising his self-belief and resilience.
Having moved to North Carolina while his twin brother Ace finishes high school nearby, Flagg enjoys the proximity of family. “When you are able to step back and just take a break, it can be really good to just get your mind clear and kind of refocus,” he said.
Following the start of 2023, Flagg demonstrated improvement in critical areas such as scoring, assists, shooting, and three-point percentage, attributes his mother recalls in his childhood resolve to succeed.
Flagg has embraced his time at Duke, valuing connections with peers and enjoying his status as a prominent figure in college basketball. While he maintains silence on any plans for an NBA future, at present, his immediate focus is on the Final Four—and acquiring that water gun for his next locker room battle. “I have to,” he chuckled. “What am I going to do? I’m going to be unarmed?”