PLAYER PROFILE: DUKE'S COOPER FLAGG

By Evan Washington

 Duke Blue Devil’s Cooper Flagg is one of the premier basketball players in college basketball of the 2024-25 season so far, and is bound to be a top-5 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA draft this summer. 

   In 31 games this season, the Maine-Native is averaging 19.4 points and shooting 49% from the floor, while chipping in 7.6 rebounds a 4.2 assists as well. The 6’9 forwards versatile style of play has drawn comparisons to the likes of Jayson Tatum and Scottie Pippen. 

  One of the most interesting turnouts for Flagg this season is his performances when facing off against major competition.

  In 4 games against ranked teams on the year, Flagg is averaging 21.2 points and 8.5 rebounds, with arguably his best outing coming against 19th-ranked Kentucky, putting up 26 points and 11 rebounds. 

What’s also intriguing about Flagg as a prospect is not limited to just his production, but also the age in which he’s delivering such production. 

  Flagg is currently 18, and was originally a member of the 2025 high school senior class, but instead elected to leave Montverde Academy early and came to play with the Blue Devils a year earlier. 

  Getting this level of statistical output from someone who should essentially still be in high school speaks to his upside, and adds even more to overall stock going forward.

  Before becoming a standout for the Blue Devils, Flagg made name his early on in grassroots basketball, earning Gatorade Player of the year honors for the state of Maine as a freshmen in 2022 and winning a state championship with Nokomis Regional High School. 

  Following his tenure at Nokomis, Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. Montverde is one of the top High School Basketball programs in the country, producing names such as RJ Barrett, D’angelo Russell and Ben Simmons, to name a few. 

  In his two years at Montverde, Flagg continued to establish himself as a major prospect within his recruiting class, earning prestigious honors such as Gatorade National Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and Mr. USA Basketball all in the year of 2024.  

Flagg will look to help the Blue Devils as they begin their tournament play in March Madness on Thursday.