Cooper Flagg of Duke receives the ACC Player and Rookie of the Year honors.

Duke University has long been a powerhouse in college basketball, boasting an illustrious history of legendary players, national championships, and outstanding performances. In the 2024-2025 season, Duke’s basketball program welcomed a player who quickly became one of the most talked-about prospects in college basketball: Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a versatile and highly skilled forward, has made an immediate impact on the court, earning both the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year honors. His achievements have not only solidified his place in Duke’s rich basketball history but have also set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable future in the NBA.

In this article, we will explore how Cooper Flagg’s talent, work ethic, and leadership helped him earn these prestigious awards, the significance of his recognition for both Duke and the ACC, and what the future holds for this exceptional young player.

1. A Rising Star: Cooper Flagg’s Journey to Duke

Cooper Flagg’s rise to basketball prominence is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an innate ability to dominate the game. Before committing to Duke, Flagg was already well-known within the basketball world. Born in Maine, Flagg had a standout high school career at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he quickly became one of the most coveted high school basketball prospects in the nation. Known for his athleticism, basketball IQ, and leadership, Flagg garnered attention from top college programs across the country, ultimately choosing to play for Mike Krzyzewski’s successor, Jon Scheyer, at Duke.

Flagg’s decision to play for the Blue Devils was a significant one for both the player and the program. With his ability to impact all facets of the game, from scoring and rebounding to defense and playmaking, Flagg was poised to make an immediate difference at the collegiate level. His blend of size (standing at 6’8″) and skills—especially his versatility and ability to play multiple positions—allowed him to fit seamlessly into Duke’s up-tempo and versatile offensive and defensive systems.

2. Flagg’s Impressive Freshman Campaign

Cooper Flagg’s freshman year at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. Coming in as a highly-touted prospect, Flagg did not allow the pressure of high expectations to hinder his performance. Instead, he embraced the challenge and quickly proved himself as one of the most impactful players in the ACC. His combination of scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense made him a dynamic force on both ends of the floor.

On offense, Flagg’s scoring ability was apparent from the get-go. His ability to stretch the floor as a forward was a key asset to Duke’s offense, as he could knock down mid-range jump shots, hit three-pointers, and finish at the rim with authority. His versatile scoring also came from his ability to read defenses, finding gaps in the paint and finishing with contact. But Flagg was not just a scorer—his playmaking ability allowed him to run the offense, create opportunities for teammates, and make smart passes that led to high-percentage shots.

Defensively, Flagg’s length and agility made him a nightmare for opposing players. He quickly established himself as a dominant shot blocker and rebounder, using his athleticism to disrupt plays and prevent easy points in the paint. His ability to guard multiple positions allowed him to be a versatile defender, whether he was locking down an opposing forward in the post or switching onto a guard on the perimeter. His defensive presence was a major reason why Duke was one of the top defensive teams in the ACC during the season.

Flagg’s ability to impact the game in so many ways made him a standout from the very beginning, and it wasn’t long before his performances were recognized on a national scale. By the time the regular season ended, Flagg had established himself as one of the most dominant players in college basketball.

3. ACC Player of the Year Award

The ACC Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, recognizing the most outstanding player in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In the 2024-2025 season, Cooper Flagg’s performances throughout the year made him a clear choice for this award.

Flagg’s statistics alone were impressive enough to warrant serious consideration for the award. He averaged 17.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game, numbers that demonstrated his well-rounded game and ability to impact every facet of play. These stats were not only among the best in the ACC but also ranked him among the top players nationally.

However, statistics do not tell the full story of Flagg’s impact on Duke’s success. His leadership and presence on the floor were just as important. As a freshman, Flagg stepped into a leadership role, guiding a talented yet young Duke team. His ability to take control in crunch time, hit key shots, and lock down opposing players made him a go-to player for Coach Jon Scheyer. His performances in big games, such as the rivalry matchup against North Carolina or Duke’s pivotal contests in the ACC Tournament, further solidified his candidacy for the Player of the Year award.

The significance of Flagg’s ACC Player of the Year award cannot be overstated. Duke’s program, known for producing NBA-caliber talent, had not seen a freshman win the prestigious award since the likes of Zion Williamson in 2019. Flagg’s victory marked him as the new face of Duke basketball and established him as a future NBA star. His ability to dominate in his first season in the ACC was a testament to his maturity, work ethic, and natural talent.

4. ACC Rookie of the Year Award

In addition to the ACC Player of the Year honors, Cooper Flagg also received the ACC Rookie of the Year award, which is given to the top freshman in the conference. Flagg’s selection for this award was not a surprise to those who had closely followed his development throughout the season. His combination of skill, athleticism, and versatility made him the standout freshman in the conference, and his impact on the court from day one was undeniable.

Flagg’s recognition as the Rookie of the Year was particularly significant because it further highlighted his ability to succeed in the high-pressure environment of college basketball. In a conference as competitive as the ACC, where the level of play is consistently high and the coaching is elite, Flagg’s seamless transition from high school to college basketball was nothing short of extraordinary.

One of the key factors that set Flagg apart from other freshmen was his consistency. While many highly-ranked freshmen experience growing pains as they adjust to the speed and physicality of college basketball, Flagg quickly became one of the most consistent players in the ACC. His ability to score, defend, and rebound at a high level night in and night out made him the go-to player for Duke. As a result, he quickly became a fixture in the starting lineup and a key contributor to the team’s success.

5. Flagg’s Impact on Duke Basketball

Cooper Flagg’s success in the ACC is not just a reflection of his individual talent but also of his ability to elevate the Duke basketball program as a whole. His presence on the court made Duke a legitimate contender in the ACC, and the team’s success was in no small part due to Flagg’s all-around game. His ability to contribute in so many areas—scoring, rebounding, defense, and leadership—made him indispensable to the Blue Devils’ success.

Flagg’s impact extended beyond just his individual achievements. His ability to make his teammates better, through his vision on the floor and his selflessness, helped the Blue Devils become a more cohesive unit. His leadership was especially important in close games, where his poise under pressure allowed Duke to execute their game plan and come away with crucial victories.

Moreover, Flagg’s ability to compete at such a high level as a freshman raised the expectations for Duke basketball in the years to come. His success has solidified the program’s reputation as one of the best in the country and has set the stage for future success under Coach Jon Scheyer. With Flagg leading the way, Duke is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and remain a force in college basketball for years to come.

6. The Future for Cooper Flagg

With his remarkable freshman season, Cooper Flagg has firmly positioned himself as one of the top prospects for the upcoming NBA draft. While his success at the collegiate level is impressive, Flagg’s skill set suggests he is ready to make the jump to the professional ranks. His combination of size, versatility, and basketball IQ makes him a highly coveted prospect for NBA teams in need of a player who can impact both ends of the floor.

Despite the inevitable transition to the NBA, Flagg has made it clear that he remains focused on helping Duke achieve its goals in the present. His commitment to the team and his desire to continue improving as a player show that his journey is far from over. As he prepares for the next step in his basketball career, Cooper Flagg remains determined to leave a lasting legacy at Duke, both as an individual player and as a leader on a team with championship aspirations.