Cooper Flagg’s mom discusses Duke basketball national championship chances, NBA Draft.
Cooper Flagg, a highly touted high school basketball prospect, is one of the most promising players in the 2025 class. He has made waves with his skills and performances at various levels, and as a result, he has become one of the most watched young players in the basketball world. The basketball community is eager to see how he will develop and whether he will be a game-changer at the collegiate and professional levels. One of the top schools courting Flagg is Duke University, a powerhouse program with a rich history of success, particularly in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
In an exclusive interview, Flagg’s mom, whose insights into her son’s journey are invaluable, discussed her thoughts on his potential, his future at Duke, and the possibilities regarding the NBA Draft. She opened up about her son’s mindset, what the future might hold for him, and her hopes for his success, not just on the court, but in terms of his personal growth and maturity as well.
The Early Days and Development of Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg has been in the spotlight for some time now, ever since he started making a name for himself as a standout player in high school basketball. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the greats in the sport, and it’s no surprise that elite college programs are eager to have him join their ranks. His mother spoke at length about how his early years shaped the player he is today.
“Cooper has always had an incredible work ethic,” she shared. “Even as a little kid, he loved the game, and we made sure he was always playing. We didn’t push him too hard, but we encouraged him to love what he was doing. He’s always been driven, but he also knows the importance of team and building relationships with his teammates.”
She noted that from an early age, Cooper was not just focused on scoring but on becoming a well-rounded player, working on his defense, basketball IQ, and leadership skills. It was clear to his family that his potential was off the charts, but they always made sure that he maintained a sense of humility, understanding that talent alone wasn’t enough to reach the highest levels.
The Role of Duke University in His Career
As Cooper Flagg’s recruitment began to intensify, many were curious as to which college he would choose. The Blue Devils, with their storied history and success under coach Mike Krzyzewski (and now Jon Scheyer), have long been a dream destination for top-tier prospects. Flagg’s mother shared how they approached the recruiting process and why Duke stood out.
“Choosing a college is an incredibly important decision, and for Cooper, it wasn’t just about the basketball program but also about the people there and how they would support his growth as a player and as a person,” she explained. “Duke offers the combination of a challenging academic environment and an elite basketball program that could help him reach his fullest potential.”
She continued by speaking highly of Jon Scheyer, the head coach of Duke, and how he has cultivated an environment that balances the demands of college basketball with the need for personal development. “Cooper has a lot of respect for Coach Scheyer. He’s someone who has a clear vision for the future of Duke basketball, and he’s been incredibly supportive of Cooper throughout the recruiting process. That was really important for us.”
National Championship Aspirations with Duke
One of the biggest topics in college basketball is always the possibility of winning a national championship. Duke, as one of the premier programs in the nation, is always a contender, and with a player like Cooper Flagg potentially joining the roster, the stakes are high. Flagg’s mother was asked about her thoughts on the Blue Devils’ chances of competing for a national title, especially with a player of her son’s caliber.
“Duke is always a team that can make a deep run in the tournament,” she said. “With Cooper’s potential, there’s definitely a lot of excitement about the possibility of them winning a national championship. But basketball is a team sport, and while Cooper brings a lot to the table, it’s important that he learns how to contribute to the success of the team as a whole.”
She stressed that her son is aware of the pressure that comes with being one of the most hyped recruits, and she believes that he will approach the challenge with humility and determination. “At the end of the day, it’s not about individual glory. It’s about helping your team succeed. I know Cooper has that mentality. He wants to contribute in whatever way he can to help Duke reach that level.”
As for her personal expectations, she admitted that while winning a national title would be amazing, the development of her son as a player and person was her top priority. “Cooper’s journey isn’t just about winning trophies. It’s about learning and growing, both on and off the court.”
The NBA Draft and Cooper’s Professional Future
One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to a player like Cooper Flagg is his future in the NBA. As one of the top prospects in the 2025 draft class, Flagg’s mother was asked about her thoughts on her son’s potential entry into the NBA and what that process might look like.
“Cooper has always dreamed of playing in the NBA, but we’ve always focused on the steps in front of us,” she stated. “First, it’s about succeeding in college, developing his skills, and learning from the great coaches and players at Duke. If he continues to work hard and stay focused, the NBA will come when the time is right. But for now, our focus is on getting the most out of his time in college and becoming the best version of himself.”
She acknowledged that Cooper’s skill set is well-suited for the modern NBA, with his ability to shoot, defend, and contribute in various ways. “The NBA is evolving, and there’s a place for players who can do it all. Cooper has the tools to fit that mold, but he still has a lot of growing to do, both as a player and in terms of his mental game.”
While the NBA is the ultimate goal for many prospects, she emphasized the importance of patience and not rushing the process. “There’s no need to get ahead of ourselves. He has the time to develop and refine his game. We’ll take things one step at a time.”
The Pressure of Expectations and the Importance of Balance
One of the most difficult aspects of being the parent of a highly touted prospect like Cooper Flagg is dealing with the intense media scrutiny and the high expectations placed on him. Flagg’s mother was candid about how she and her family have handled the pressure and the importance of maintaining a sense of balance.
“It’s tough,” she admitted. “The expectations are high, and it’s easy to feel the weight of it all. But we’ve always tried to keep Cooper grounded. We remind him that it’s okay to fail sometimes, and that it’s not about being perfect. It’s about learning, growing, and staying true to yourself.”
She also mentioned that family time was essential for keeping Cooper balanced. “We try to keep things normal. He’s a teenager, and he needs time to be a kid. Whether it’s going on a trip, playing video games, or just spending time with friends, it’s important to have that balance. It helps him stay focused and reminded of what really matters.”
The Future of Cooper Flagg
As the interview came to a close, Cooper Flagg’s mom reflected on the journey ahead and expressed excitement about what the future holds for her son. “I’m incredibly proud of everything Cooper has achieved so far, but I know he’s just getting started. He has a long road ahead of him, but I have no doubt he’s going to keep working hard and chasing his dreams.”
She emphasized that while the world of college basketball and the NBA can be glamorous, the real reward comes from the personal growth and the relationships formed along the way. “Basketball is a huge part of his life, but at the end of the day, it’s about who he becomes as a person and how he impacts the people around him.”
In the coming years, Cooper Flagg will undoubtedly be one of the most closely followed athletes in both the college basketball and NBA circles. With his mother’s guidance and support, he is poised to navigate the challenges of stardom while staying focused on what matters most: growth, development, and success as a team player. Whether he leads Duke to a national title or enters the NBA as one of its next big stars, Cooper Flagg’s journey is just beginning, and the world is watching.