Cooper Flagg
{{short description|American basketball player (born 2006)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Cooper Flagg
| image = Duke at UNC, Mar 2025, Flagg.jpg
| caption = Flagg with Duke in 2025
| team =
| number =
| position = Shooting guard / small forward
| league =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 9
| weight_lb = 225
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2006|12|21}}
| birth_place = Newport, Maine, U.S.
| high_school = Nokomis Regional
(Newport, Maine)
Montverde Academy
(Montverde, Florida)
| college = Duke (2024–2025)
| highlights =
- National college player of the year (2025)
- Consensus first-team All-American (2025)
- Lute Olson Award (2025)
- Julius Erving Award (2025)
- Wayman Tisdale Award (2025)
- NABC Freshman of the Year (2025)
- ACC Player of the Year (2025)
- First-team All-ACC (2025)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2025)
- ACC All-Defensive team (2025)
- ACC All-Freshman Team (2025)
- National high school player of the year (2024)
- McDonald's All-American (2024)
- Jordan Brand Classic (2024)
- Nike Hoop Summit (2024)
- Gatorade National Men's Athlete of the Year (2024)
- USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2022)
| medal_templates =
{{MedalSport|Men's basketball}}
{{MedalCountry|the {{bk|USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIBA Under-17 World Cup}}
{{MedalGold|2022 Spain|Team}}
}}
Cooper Flagg (born December 21, 2006){{Cite web|url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/12/21/cooper-flagg-scores-13-points-on-his-18th-birthday-in-duke-win/|title=Cooper Flagg scores 13 points on his 18th birthday in Duke win|date=December 21, 2024|website=Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel}} is an American basketball player. He attended Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine as a freshman before transferring to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. Flagg won multiple national high school player of the year honors as a senior and was ranked the top recruit in the 2024 class. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, where he was named a consensus first-team All-American and the consensus national player of the year.
Early life and high school career
Flagg was born in Newport, Maine,{{cite web |last1=Manoj |first1=Kenneth |title=Cooper Flagg returns to Hoophall: Learn more about the Maine-born basketball phenom |url=https://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/2024/01/cooper-flagg-returns-to-hoophall-learn-more-about-the-maine-born-basketball-phenom.html |website=Mass Live |access-date=January 26, 2024 |date=January 12, 2024}} and initially attended Nokomis Regional High School.{{Cite web |last=Levinsky |first=Greg |date=July 6, 2022 |title=A 6–8 freshman from Maine is the nation's third-ranked basketball prospect in the Class of 2025 |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/06/sports/cooper-flagg-maine-basketball-prospect/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111195520/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/06/sports/cooper-flagg-maine-basketball-prospect/ |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=The Boston Globe}} He became the first freshman to be named the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 20.5 points, 10 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.7 steals, and 3.7 blocks per game.{{Cite web |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Cooper Flagg named Gatorade Maine boys basketball player of the year |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2022/03/16/sports-digest-cooper-flagg-named-gatorade-maine-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115124541/https://www.pressherald.com/2022/03/16/sports-digest-cooper-flagg-named-gatorade-maine-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year/ |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=The Portland Press Herald}} Nokomis won the Class A state championship with Flagg scoring 22 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in a 43–27 win against Falmouth High School in the state final.{{Cite web |last=Craig |first=Steve |date=March 5, 2022 |title=Boys' basketball: Cooper Flagg leads Nokomis to its first state championship |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2022/03/05/boys-basketball-cooper-flagg-leads-nokomis-to-its-first-state-championship/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115151456/https://www.pressherald.com/2022/03/05/boys-basketball-cooper-flagg-leads-nokomis-to-its-first-state-championship/ |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=The Portland Press Herald}}
Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, at the end of his freshman year of high school.{{Cite web |last=Bonifant |first=Drew |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Twins Cooper, Ace Flagg to leave Nokomis High for Florida prep school |url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/03/29/twin-brothers-cooper-and-ace-flagg-to-leave-nokomis-for-montverde-academy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111195519/https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/03/29/twin-brothers-cooper-and-ace-flagg-to-leave-nokomis-for-montverde-academy/ |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=Kennebec Journal}} Prior to the beginning of his first year at the school, he played in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) for the Florida Eagles, an Amateur Athletic Union team affiliated with Montverde.{{Cite web |last=Jordan |first=Jason |date=July 21, 2022 |title=Flagg Pushing Past the Top Spot at Nike Peach Jam |url=https://www.si.com/college/2022/07/21/cooper-flagg-peach-jam-usa-basketball-nike-college-basketball-recruiting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115131215/https://www.si.com/college/2022/07/21/cooper-flagg-peach-jam-usa-basketball-nike-college-basketball-recruiting |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=SI.com}}{{Cite web |last=Bonifant |first=Drew |date=March 15, 2022 |title=Nokomis freshmen Ace and Cooper Flagg to compete in nationally renowned basketball league |url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/03/15/nokomis-freshmen-ace-and-cooper-flagg-to-compete-in-nationally-renowned-basketball-league/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115131216/https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/03/15/nokomis-freshmen-ace-and-cooper-flagg-to-compete-in-nationally-renowned-basketball-league/ |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=Kennebec Journal}} Flagg was named the MVP of the 2023 Hoophall Classic after scoring 21 points with five steals, five rebounds, and three assists in Montverde's 85–63 victory over La Lumiere Academy.{{Cite web |last=Nutter |first=Greg |date=January 14, 2023 |title=Montverde Academy's Cooper Flagg proud to represent Maine at Hoophall Classic: 'It's a great feeling |url=https://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/2023/01/montverde-academys-cooper-flagg-proud-to-represent-maine-at-hoophall-classic-its-a-great-feeling.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116195033/https://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/2023/01/montverde-academys-cooper-flagg-proud-to-represent-maine-at-hoophall-classic-its-a-great-feeling.html |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=MassLive.com}} He also was named a semifinalist for the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award.{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2023 |title=Maine high school basketball star up for top national award |url=https://www.wabi.tv/2023/02/03/maine-high-school-basketball-star-up-top-national-award/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220205131/https://www.wabi.tv/2023/02/03/maine-high-school-basketball-star-up-top-national-award/ |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |access-date=February 20, 2023 |website=WABI.tv}} Flagg averaged 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and three assists per game in his first season at Montverde.{{Cite web |last=Bass |first=Tobias |date=August 11, 2023 |title=Cooper Flagg, top NBA Draft prospect, reclassifies to Class of 2024: How it impacts draft expectations |url=https://theathletic.com/4769347/2023/08/11/cooper-flagg-class-of-2024-reclassifying/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811201218/https://theathletic.com/4769347/2023/08/11/cooper-flagg-class-of-2024-reclassifying/ |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=The Athletic}} After the season, he played for Maine United in the EYBL and averaged 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 6.9 blocks in seven games at the Peach Jam tournament.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/peach-jam-cooper-flagg-maine-united-upset-cameron-boozer-nightrydas-154836275.html|title=Peach Jam: Cooper Flagg, Maine United upset Cameron Boozer, Nightrydas|first=Krysten|last=Peek|website=Yahoo Sports|date=July 5, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/top-ranked-recruit-cooper-flagg-reportedly-set-to-announce-commitment-this-week|title=Top-ranked recruit Cooper Flagg reportedly set to announce commitment this week|first=John|last=Fanta|website=Fox Sports|date=October 25, 2023|access-date=November 16, 2023}} Flagg reclassified to the 2024 recruiting class after his sophomore year.
Flagg was selected to play in the 2024 McDonald's All-American Boys Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/story/_/id/39370717/duke-commit-cooper-flagg-tops-mcdonald-all-american-game-rosters|title=Duke commit Cooper Flagg tops McDonald's All American Game rosters|first=Jeff|last=Borzello|website=ESPN.com|date=January 23, 2024|access-date=January 26, 2024}} On March 27, 2024, He was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-basketball/star-duke-commit-cooper-flagg-wins-gatorade-national-boys-basketball-player-of-the-year|title=Star Duke commit Cooper Flagg wins Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year|first=|last=|website=Fox Sports|date=March 29, 2024|access-date=April 3, 2024}}{{Cite web |title=2023-2024 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year |url=https://playeroftheyear.gatorade.com/winner/cooper-flagg/40218 |access-date=April 3, 2024 |website=Gatorade.com}} Flagg was also named Mr. Basketball USA and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/college/duke/basketball-blue-devils-add-another-mr-usa-5-24|title=Duke Basketball: Blue Devils Add Another Mr. Basketball USA|first=Matt|last=Giles|website=SI.com|date=May 4, 2024|access-date=May 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pressherald.com/2024/03/08/basketball-cooper-flagg-named-naismith-player-of-the-year/|title=Basketball: Cooper Flagg named Naismith Player of the Year|work=The Portland Press Herald|date=March 8, 2024|access-date=May 7, 2024}} He finished the season averaging 16.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game during his final high school season while leading the Eagles to a perfect 34–0 record and the program's eighth national title.{{cite web|url=https://www.fayobserver.com/story/sports/college/acc/2024/04/14/cooper-flagg-duke-basketball-recruiting-khaman-maluach-isaiah-evans-patrick-ngongba-nike-hoop-summit/73305942007/|title=What Duke basketball's Cooper Flagg, Blue Devils recruits did in Nike Hoop Summit game|first=Rodd|last=Baxley|work=Fayetteville Observer|date=April 14, 2024|access-date=May 7, 2024}}
=Recruiting=
Flagg was ranked the third-best prospect in the 2025 recruiting class following the conclusion of his freshman season.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Ernie |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Cooper Flagg ranked No. 3 high school freshman basketball player in the country by ESPN |url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/04/21/sports/espn-ranks-cooper-flagg-the-no-3-high-school-freshman-basketball-player-in-the-country/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111195520/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/04/21/sports/espn-ranks-cooper-flagg-the-no-3-high-school-freshman-basketball-player-in-the-country/ |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=Bangor Daily News}}{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Ben |date=July 24, 2022 |title=Cooper Flagg and top Kentucky basketball recruiting links |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-recruiting/next-cats-blog/article263702793.html |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=Lexington Herald Leader}} He re-ranked as the class's second-best recruit in August 2022 following his performance in the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Adam |date=June 23, 2022 |title=ESPN's Fran Fraschilla says Cooper Flagg is 'possibly on the verge of stardom' |url=https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/06/23/espns-fran-fraschilla-says-cooper-flagg-is-possibly-on-the-verge-of-stardom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115131516/https://www.sunjournal.com/2022/06/23/espns-fran-fraschilla-says-cooper-flagg-is-possibly-on-the-verge-of-stardom/ |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=Sun Journal}} Flagg received his first NCAA Division I scholarship offer from Bryant while in the eighth grade.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Ernie |date=August 3, 2021 |title=A 6-foot-7 Newport basketball star has a college scholarship offer. He just finished 8th grade. |url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2021/08/03/sports/high-school-sports/a-6-foot-7-newport-basketball-star-has-a-college-scholarship-offer-he-just-finished-8th-grade/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115150525/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2021/08/03/sports/high-school-sports/a-6-foot-7-newport-basketball-star-has-a-college-scholarship-offer-he-just-finished-8th-grade/ |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=Bangor Daily News}}
Flagg reclassified to the class of 2024 during the summer after his sophomore year.{{Cite web |last=Borzello |first=Jeff |date=August 11, 2023 |title=Cooper Flagg reclassifies, could be top 2025 NBA pick |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38173878 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812030610/https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38173878 |archive-date=August 12, 2023 |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} On October 30, 2023, Flagg verbally committed to play for Duke after also considering an offer from UConn.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38778660|title=Projected top pick in '25 NBA draft Cooper Flagg commits to Duke|first=Jeff|last=Borzello|website=ESPN.com|date=October 30, 2023|access-date=October 30, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/4982017/2023/10/30/cooper-flagg-duke-basketball-scheyer/|title=Cooper Flagg's commitment proves Duke basketball's staying power under Jon Scheyer|first=Brendan|last=Marks|website=The Athletic|date=October 30, 2023|access-date=October 30, 2023}} He had initially planned to announce his commitment on October 27, but pushed it back in the aftermath of the 2023 Lewiston shootings in his home state of Maine.{{cite web|url=https://www.deseret.com/2023/10/26/23933411/cooper-flagg-college-decision-deferred-focus-on-supporting-victims-of-maine-shooting|title=Cooper Flagg was supposed to announce his college decision this week. Now he wants the focus on supporting victims of Lewiston shooting|first=Trent|last=Wood|work=Deseret News|date=October 26, 2023|access-date=October 30, 2023}} Flagg signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Blue Devils on November 8, 2023, during the early signing period.{{cite web|url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2023/11/08/cooepr-flagg-signs-national-letter-of-intent-to-play-basketball-at-duke/|title=Cooper Flagg signs National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Duke|first=Bill|last=Stewart|website=Kennebec Journal|date=November 8, 2023|access-date=November 14, 2023}} Flagg finished as the highest rated recruit in the 2024 class.{{cite web|url=https://www.on3.com/db/cooper-flagg-152774/industry-comparison/|title=Cooper Flagg-Industry Comparison|website=On3.com|access-date=July 11, 2024}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=no|collapse=no|year=2024}}
{{College Athlete Recruit Entry
| recruit = Cooper Flagg
| position = SF
| hometown = Newport, ME
| highschool = Montverde Academy (FL)
| feet = 6
| inches = 8
| weight = 200
| 40 =
| commitdate = October 30, 2023
| On3 stars = 5
| rivals stars = 5
| 247 stars = 5
| espn stars = 5
| espn grade = 97
}}
{{College Athlete Recruit End
| 40 =
| year = 2024
| rivals ref title = Duke 2024 Basketball Commitments
| scout ref title =
| espn ref title = 2024 Duke Blue Devils Recruiting Class
| rivals school = duke
| scout s =
| espn schoolid = 150
| On3 overall = 1
| 247 overall = 1
| rivals overall = 1
| espn overall = 1
| accessdate = December 7, 2023
| bball = yes
}}
College career
Flagg enrolled at Duke University in June 2024 in order to take part in the Blue Devils' summer practices.{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/duke/article/first-look-cooper-flagg-in-action-with-duke-basketball-233064366/|title=First Look: Cooper Flagg in action with Duke Basketball|first=Adam|last=Rowe|website=247Sports.com|date=June 20, 2024|access-date=June 24, 2024}} He made his college basketball debut during Duke's season opener against Maine on November 4, 2024, and scored 18 points with seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a 96–62 win.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/cooper-flagg-drops-18-points-throws-down-massive-dunk-in-duke-debut-while-leading-blue-devils-to-win-over-maine-015938526.html|title=Cooper Flagg drops 18 points, throws down massive dunk in Duke debut while leading Blue Devils to win over Maine|first=Ryan|last=Young|website=Yahoo Sports|date=November 4, 2024|access-date=November 5, 2024}} On November 18, Flagg earned Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rookie of the week honors.{{cite web|url=https://theacc.com/news/2024/11/18/stanfords-raynaud-dukes-flagg-earn-weekly-acc-mens-basketball-honors.aspx|title=Stanford’s Raynaud, Duke’s Flagg Earn Weekly ACC Men’s Basketball Honors|date=November 18, 2024|publisher=Atlantic Coast Conference|access-date=March 29, 2025}} On December 31, he scored 24 points, six assists, and four steals in a 88–65 win over Virginia Tech.{{cite web|url=https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2024/12/duke-virginia-tech-mens-basketball-game-recap-jon-scheyer-cooper-flagg-brown-knueppel-proctor-evans-schutt|title=Flagg leads No. 4 Duke men's basketball in 88-65 New Year's Eve victory against Virginia Tech|last=Perchinsky|first=Callan|date=December 31, 2024|publisher=Duke Chronicle|access-date=January 1, 2025}} On January 4, 2025, Flagg had a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds in a 89–62 win against SMU.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401724791|title=Flagg's double-double leads No.4 Duke to an 8th straight win, 89-62 over SMU|date=January 4, 2025|website=ESPN.com|access-date=January 25, 2025}}
Flagg delivered a record-breaking performance in Duke's victory against Notre Dame on January 11, 2025. He scored 42 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out seven assists, shooting 11-of-14 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range, and 16-of-17 from the free-throw line. This set new freshman scoring records for both Duke University and the ACC.{{Cite web |title=Duke 86-78 Notre Dame (Jan 11, 2025) Box Score |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore/_/gameId/401724748 |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=ESPN |language=en}} On January 18, Flagg scored 28 points and five rebounds in a 88–63 win over Boston College.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401724812|title=Flagg returns to New England and leads No.3 Duke past Boston College|date=January 18, 2025|website=ESPN.com|access-date=January 25, 2025}} On January 25, 2025, Flagg scored 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 63–56 win over Wake Forest.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401724827|title=Flagg, No. 2 Duke push past Wake Forest 63-56 to stay unbeaten in ACC|date=January 25, 2025|publisher=ESPN.com|access-date=April 6, 2025}} On January 27, Flagg scored 28 points and seven rebounds in a 74–64 victory against NC State.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401724830|title=Flagg's big 2nd half helps No. 2 Duke hold off NC State 74-64 to stay unbeaten in ACC|date=January 25, 2025|publisher=ESPN.com|access-date=April 6, 2025}} On February 1, Flagg tallied 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in a 87–70 win against arch-rival North Carolina.{{cite web|url=https://goduke.com/news/2025/2/1/mens-basketball-duke-cruises-past-north-carolina-87-70|title=Duke Cruises Past North Carolina, 87-70|date=February 1, 2025|publisher=Duke Blue Devils|access-date=April 6, 2025}} On February 12, Flagg scored 27 points and five rebounds in a 78–57 win against California.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article300063484.html|title=Blue Devils blitz Bears. Three takeaways as Cooper Flagg scores 27 points in Duke win|last=Wiseman|first=Steve|date=February 13, 2025|publisher=The News & Observer|access-date=April 6, 2025}} On February 17, Flagg had a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds in a 80–62 win over Virginia.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401724880|title=Flagg has 17 points and 14 rebounds as No. 3 Duke beats Virginia 80-62|date=February 17, 2025|website=ESPN.com|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=April 6, 2025}} He became the first ACC player with 500+ points, 100+ assists and 30 blocks in the regular season in the last 25 years.{{cite web|url=https://247sports.com/college/duke/article/cooper-flagg-hits-historic-acc-threshold-for-stat-stuffing-245877019/|title=Cooper Flagg hits historic ACC threshold for stat stuffing|website=247Sports|date=February 18, 2025|access-date=March 13, 2025}} On March 3, Flagg scored 28 and tallied eight rebounds and seven assists in a 93–60 victory against Wake Forest.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401724912|title=Cooper Flagg, No. 2 Duke beat Wake Forest 93-60 to claim at least share of ACC regular-season crown|date=March 3, 2025|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 6, 2025}}
Flagg led the Blue Devils to the ACC regular season title, as Duke finished 19–1 in conference play.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/standings/_/group/2|title=NCAA Men's Basketball Standings|website=ESPN|date=March 14, 2025|access-date=March 14, 2025}} On March 13, 2025, Duke would go on to defeat Georgia Tech 78–70 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament despite Flagg leaving the game due to a sprained ankle injury, which forced him to miss the rest of the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401743770|title=No. 1 Duke beats Georgia Tech 78-70 after losing Flagg, Brown to injuries in ACC quarterfinals|date=March 13, 2025|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 6, 2025}} On March 15, Duke defeated Louisville 73–62 in the ACC tournament championship game.{{cite web|url=https://goduke.com/news/2025/3/15/mens-basketball-duke-claims-23rd-acc-tournament-title-defeats-louisville-73-62|title=Duke Claims 23rd ACC Tournament Title, Defeats Louisville, 73-62|date=March 15, 2025|website=GoDuke.com|publisher=Duke Athletics|access-date=April 6, 2025}} Flagg and Duke entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the East region and defeated both Mount St. Mary's and Baylor in the first and second rounds of the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401746003|title=No. 1 seed Duke rolls past Mount St. Mary's 93-49 to open NCAAs in Flagg's return from injury|date=March 21, 2025|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 6, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6225310/2025/03/23/duke-basketball-cooper-flagg-baylor-ncaa-tournament/|title=No. 1 Duke’s blowout of Baylor shows why Blue Devils are capable of run well beyond Sweet 16|last=Marks|first=Brendan|date=March 23, 2025|website=The New York Times|access-date=March 23, 2025}} On March 27, Flagg scored 30 points, six rebounds and seven assists in a 100–93 win over Arizona in the Sweet 16.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401746061|title=Flagg flies in March Madness and Duke wins 100-93 over Arizona to reach the Elite Eight|date=March 27, 2025|publisher=ESPN|access-date=March 27, 2025}} On March 29, Flagg added 16 points and nine rebounds in a 85–65 victory against Alabama in the Elite Eight.{{cite web|url=https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2025/03/duke-alabama-mens-basketball-elite-eight-game-recap-ncaa-tournament-jon-scheyer-cooper-flagg-tyrese-proctor-knueppel-sears|title=JERSEY DEVILS: No. 1-seed Duke men's basketball shuts down Alabama 85-65, advances to Final Four|last=Kaplan|first=Rachael|date=March 29, 2025|publisher=Duke Chronicle|access-date=March 29, 2025}} On April 5, Flagg scored 27 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in a 70–67 loss against Houston in the Final Four.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401746080|title=Houston rallies to beat Duke 70-67 in the Final Four, will face Florida for the NCAA title|date=April 5, 2025|publisher=ESPN|access-date=April 6, 2025}} Following his freshman season, Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility.{{cite news |last1=Beard |first1=Aaron |title=Duke standout Cooper Flagg declares for NBA Draft |url=https://www.nba.com/news/cooper-flagg-declares-2025-nba-draft |access-date=May 12, 2025 |work=NBA.com |date=April 21, 2025}}
He was named the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, joining Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley III, and Jahlil Okafor as the only players in conference history to win both awards in the same season.{{cite web|url=https://goduke.com/news/2025/3/10/mens-basketball-flagg-earns-acc-player-rookie-of-the-year-awards-five-blue-devils-receive-honors|title=Flagg Earns ACC Player, Rookie of the Year Awards; Five Blue Devils Receive Honors|date=March 10, 2025|website=GoDuke.com|publisher=Duke Blue Devils|access-date=March 16, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://theacc.com/news/2025/3/10/dukes-cooper-flagg-headlines-acc-mens-basketball-2024-25-season-honors.aspx|title=Duke’s Cooper Flagg Headlines ACC Men’s Basketball 2024-25 Season Honors|date=March 10, 2025|publisher=Atlantic Coast Conference|access-date=April 6, 2025}}
National team career
Flagg played for the United States under-17 basketball team at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup.{{Cite web |last=Givony |first=Jonathan |date=July 19, 2022 |title=Cooper Flagg's rise, D.J. Wagner's struggles and other takeaways from FIBA U17s |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34263182 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111201149/https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/34263182 |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}} He was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 9.3 points, 10 rebounds, 2.9 blocked shots, and 2.4 steals per game as the United States won the gold medal.{{Cite web |last=Mandell |first=Mike |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Sidelines: After striking gold with U17 national basketball team, Cooper Flagg receives warm homecoming |url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/07/13/sidelines-after-striking-gold-with-u17-national-basketball-team-cooper-flagg-receives-warm-homecoming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114214047/https://www.centralmaine.com/2022/07/13/sidelines-after-striking-gold-with-u17-national-basketball-team-cooper-flagg-receives-warm-homecoming/ |archive-date=November 14, 2022 |access-date=November 14, 2022 |website=Kennebec Journal}} Flagg scored 10 points with 17 rebounds, eight steals, and four blocked shots in a 79–67 win over Spain in the final.{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2022 |title=Sports Digest: Flagg finishes just shy of triple-double as U.S. wins U17 Basketball World Cup |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2022/07/10/sports-digest-flagg-finishes-just-shy-of-triple-double-as-u-s-wins-u17-basketball-world-cup/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115145204/https://www.pressherald.com/2022/07/10/sports-digest-flagg-finishes-just-shy-of-triple-double-as-u-s-wins-u17-basketball-world-cup/ |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=The Portland Press Herald}} He was named the 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for his performance in the Under-17 World Cup and is the youngest player to win the award.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Adam |date=December 21, 2022 |title=Cooper Flagg named USA Basketball's Male Athlete of the Year |url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/12/21/sports/high-school-sports/cooper-flagg-usa-basketball-male-athlete-of-the-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222010808/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/12/21/sports/high-school-sports/cooper-flagg-usa-basketball-male-athlete-of-the-year/ |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Bangor Daily News}}{{Cite web |last=Giles |first=Matt |date=December 23, 2022 |title=Five-star Duke basketball recruiting target wins huge national honor |url=https://www.si.com/college/duke/recruiting/duke-basketball-recruiting-target-national-honor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225182617/https://www.si.com/college/duke/recruiting/duke-basketball-recruiting-target-national-honor |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |access-date=December 25, 2022 |website=SI.com}}
Flagg was named to the USA Select Team to practice with the United States men's national team in preparation for the 2024 Summer Olympics.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5598684/2024/06/28/cooper-flagg-select-team-olympic-training-camp/|title=Cooper Flagg headlines select team that will practice against Team USA during Olympic training camp|first=Joe|last=Vardon|website=The Athletic|date=June 28, 2024|access-date=June 28, 2024}}
Career statistics
{{NBA player statistics legend}}
=College=
Personal life
Flagg's mother Kelly played college basketball at Maine, where she was a team captain as a senior.{{Cite web |last=Kahn |first=Andrew |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Michigan basketball offers scholarship to a top high school freshman |url=https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2022/04/michigan-basketball-offers-scholarship-to-a-top-high-school-freshman.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111195519/https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2022/04/michigan-basketball-offers-scholarship-to-a-top-high-school-freshman.html |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=MLive.com}}{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Adam |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Cooper Flagg's mom gives her son basketball tips over Twitter |url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/11/16/sports/high-school-sports/cooper-flaggs-mom-intimidation-twitter-rebuke/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117081859/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/11/16/sports/high-school-sports/cooper-flaggs-mom-intimidation-twitter-rebuke/ |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |access-date=November 17, 2022 |website=Bangor Daily News}} His father, Ralph, played NJCAA basketball at Eastern Maine Community College.{{Cite web |last=Canfield |first=Sam |date=October 2, 2023 |title=The impossible rise of Cooper Flagg |url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/10/02/sports/high-school-sports/impossible-rise-of-cooper-flagg-joam40zk0w/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007033314/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/10/02/sports/high-school-sports/impossible-rise-of-cooper-flagg-joam40zk0w/ |archive-date=October 7, 2023 |access-date=October 5, 2023 |website=Bangor Daily News}} Flagg has a fraternal twin brother, Ace, who was a teammate at Nokomis, transferred to Montverde,{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Ernie |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Flagg twins' quest for improvement is not an indictment of Maine high school basketball |url=https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/03/31/sports/high-school-sports/flagg-twins-quest-for-improvement-is-not-an-indictment-of-maine-high-school-basketball/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111195519/https://www.bangordailynews.com/2022/03/31/sports/high-school-sports/flagg-twins-quest-for-improvement-is-not-an-indictment-of-maine-high-school-basketball/ |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=Bangor Daily News}} and has since verbally committed to play at Maine starting in 2025–26.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42100173/ace-flagg-brother-duke-phenom-cooper-flagg-commits-play-maine |title=Ace Flagg, brother of Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, commits to Maine |first=Myron |last=Medcalf |website=ESPN.com |date=October 30, 2024 |access-date=November 3, 2024}} Flagg's older brother Hunter was also a Nokomis basketball player and was a senior when the former was a freshman.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Sam |date=February 22, 2022 |title=Three Maine brothers are three wins away from achieving childhood dream |url=https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/sports/three-maine-brothers-are-three-wins-away-from-achieving-childhood-dream-sports-basketball/97-b8186e1f-85f9-45ab-b687-207199884ac4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115151929/https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/sports/three-maine-brothers-are-three-wins-away-from-achieving-childhood-dream-sports-basketball/97-b8186e1f-85f9-45ab-b687-207199884ac4 |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=newscentermaine.com}} His family relocated from Newport to Florida after he and his twin brother transferred to Montverde Academy.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5245996/2024/02/02/duke-cooper-flagg-nba-draft-2025/|title=Cooper Flagg and the small New England town that raised basketball's brightest young star|first=Brendan|last=Marks|website=The Athletic|date=February 2, 2024|access-date=July 11, 2024}}
Flagg signed a shoe deal with New Balance prior to the start of his freshman year at Duke.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/41000405/duke-cooper-flagg-signs-new-balance-shoe-endorsement-deal|title=Duke's Cooper Flagg signs New Balance shoe endorsement deal|first=Adrian|last=Wojnarowski|authorlink=Adrian Wojnarowski|website=ESPN.com|date=August 26, 2024|access-date=September 4, 2024}} Flagg's decision to choose New Balance was influenced by the company's ties to his home state of Maine, with two of their factories being located near his hometown of Newport.{{cite news |last1=Welty |first1=Matt |title=Cooper Flagg Signing to New Balance Is the Intelligent Ch... |url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/a/matt-welty/cooper-flagg-signing-to-new-balance-is-the-intelligent-choice |access-date=February 16, 2025 |work=Complex |date=August 27, 2024 |language=en}} He also became the first men's college basketball player to be sponsored by Gatorade.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/42074937/rising-star-duke-freshman-cooper-flagg-inks-deal-gatorade|title=Rising star, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg inks deal with Gatorade|first=Myron|last=Medcalf|website=ESPN.com|date=October 29, 2024|access-date=October 29, 2024}}
==See also==
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://goduke.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cooper-flagg/20760 Duke Blue Devils bio]
- [https://mvasports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cooper-flagg/3728 Montverde Academy Eagles bio]
- [https://www.usab.com/players/cooper-flagg USA Basketball bio]
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