Cooper Flagg’s freshman season at Duke was nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in a 35–4 record and a Final Four appearance. His impact was pivotal in securing the ACC Tournament title, with standout performances alongside fellow freshman Kon Knueppel. The Blue Devils entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed, defeating Mount St. Mary’s, Baylor, Arizona, and Alabama before a narrow loss to Houston in the Final Four.
Flagg’s individual accolades are a display of his dominance: he was named ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, joining an elite group of players to earn both honors in the same season. Nationally, he swept major awards, including the Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award, and AP Player of the Year, solidifying his status as the consensus top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Statistically, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. In the NCAA Tournament, he elevated his play, averaging 21 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over five games. His 42-point game against Notre Dame set new freshman scoring records for both Duke and the ACC.
Beyond the court, Flagg’s commitment to academics was recognized as he was named to the 2024–25 All-ACC Academic Team, alongside teammates Kon Knueppel, Sion James, Caleb Foster, Tyrese Proctor, Khaman Maluach, and Mason Gillis.
As he prepares for the NBA, Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with teams like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards vying for the top selection. His blend of offensive prowess, defensive tenacity, and high basketball IQ positions him as a potential franchise cornerstone at the next level.
For a visual recap of Flagg’s declaration for the NBA Draft, you can watch the following video:(YouTube)
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