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Congratulations: Cooper Flagg Claims CBS Sports Player of the Year Honors
The college basketball world is buzzing—and rightfully so—as Cooper Flagg has officially been named the CBS Sports Player of the Year, capping off one of the most spectacular freshman seasons in recent memory. The 6-foot-9 Duke phenom has lived up to—and in many ways exceeded—the sky-high expectations placed on his shoulders since the day he reclassified and committed to the Blue Devils.
From the moment he stepped on the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, it was clear that Flagg was no ordinary freshman. Now, with the season winding down and hardware being handed out, the praise is rolling in. CBS Sports has joined the chorus, recognizing Flagg’s unmatched impact, dominance, and sheer will to win with one of the highest individual honors in the game.
Let’s break down what made Cooper Flagg’s 2024–25 campaign not just impressive, but historic.
A Freshman Like No Other
Flagg entered the season surrounded by unprecedented hype. As the consensus No. 1 player in the country, the Maine native had NBA scouts circling Durham like sharks before he even played a game. But instead of being weighed down by expectations, Flagg thrived under the spotlight.
He averaged 21.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, all while shooting a hyper-efficient 54% from the field and 41% from three-point range. But these numbers only scratch the surface of his influence. His combination of basketball IQ, effort, versatility, and leadership made him the heart and soul of a Duke team that climbed the national rankings and made a deep tournament run.
Unlike most freshmen, Flagg didn’t need time to adjust. He hit the ground running with a 26-point, 11-rebound, 5-block performance in his college debut against Kentucky in the Champions Classic. It was a clear message to the nation: Cooper Flagg had arrived.
Two-Way Dominance
What separates Flagg from so many elite scorers in the college game is his ability to impact both ends of the floor. Offensively, he has the full package: a smooth jumper, the ability to create his own shot, court vision, and elite finishing around the rim. But it’s his defense that truly sets him apart.
Flagg routinely guarded the opposing team’s best player—whether that meant a shifty point guard or a bruising power forward. His anticipation, timing, and length made him a nightmare in passing lanes, while his ability to block shots and alter drives discouraged teams from attacking the paint.
In a sport that often separates offense and defense as two distinct phases, Flagg was the bridge—a complete player in every sense.
A Leader Beyond His Years
Though a freshman, Flagg quickly assumed a leadership role at Duke, earning the respect of veterans and coaches alike. His work ethic, humility, and team-first attitude became infectious. In a locker room filled with talent, he was the glue that held it all together.
Coach Jon Scheyer couldn’t say enough about Flagg’s maturity.
“Cooper’s the type of guy who makes everyone around him better,” Scheyer said. “He practices like a pro, prepares like a pro, and competes like a champion. I’ve coached a lot of great players, but Cooper is different. He’s the full package.”
Teammates echoed those sentiments, describing Flagg as the most focused and driven player they’ve ever been around. Despite the media attention and fanfare, Flagg remained grounded, letting his play do the talking.
Game-Changers and Signature Moments
Flagg’s season was littered with jaw-dropping highlights and game-changing performances, but a few moments stood above the rest:
- 30 points and 12 rebounds in a win over North Carolina at Chapel Hill, silencing the hostile crowd and cementing his status as a Blue Devil legend-in-the-making.
- A game-saving block and buzzer-beater three-pointer in a thriller against Kansas that instantly went viral and was replayed on SportsCenter for days.
- A 27-point, 15-rebound, 4-block effort in the ACC Championship Game to lead Duke to the title and secure a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
In every big moment, Flagg rose to the occasion—often carrying Duke across the finish line with poise well beyond his age.
Statistical Excellence
A deeper dive into the analytics further validates Flagg’s impact. According to KenPom’s advanced metrics:
- He ranked in the top 5 nationally in PER (Player Efficiency Rating).
- He led all freshmen in Box Plus-Minus.
- He was one of only three players in the country to average 20+ points, 9+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks.
His combination of production and efficiency placed him in rare company, drawing comparisons to college legends like Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson.
Award Season Sweep?
With the CBS Sports Player of the Year now secured, the question becomes: How many more awards will Flagg claim?
He’s a front-runner for the Naismith Trophy, Wooden Award, and the Associated Press Player of the Year. He’s already been named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Freshman of the Year, and First-Team All-American by nearly every major outlet.
There’s a very real chance Flagg could complete an unprecedented sweep of every major individual honor in college basketball—a feat rarely accomplished, let alone by a freshman.
The NBA Buzz
Unsurprisingly, Flagg’s spectacular season has NBA scouts salivating. Already projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, his performance this year only solidified his status as a future franchise cornerstone.
Scouts are enamored by his versatility, motor, and professionalism. Multiple executives have even compared him to NBA greats like Larry Bird, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Dončić due to his basketball IQ and all-around skillset.
One scout put it simply:
“If you’re picking No. 1 next year and you don’t take Cooper Flagg, you’re getting fired.”
A Win for College Basketball
In an era where elite prospects often bypass college altogether or leave after underwhelming stints, Flagg’s success has been a win for the college game. He brought energy, excitement, and eyeballs to every Duke game, drawing sold-out crowds and record-breaking TV ratings.
His presence not only elevated Duke but also raised the bar across the sport. Young players are watching. Coaches are watching. The NBA is watching. College basketball, for at least one season, became the center of the basketball universe again—and Cooper Flagg was the reason.
What’s Next?
As Duke’s season came to a dramatic close in the Final Four, with Flagg dropping 29 points in a hard-fought loss to UConn, the nation rose to applaud him—not just for his talent, but for the way he carried himself all year.
With the CBS Sports Player of the Year award in hand, and more accolades sure to follow, Flagg now faces a decision. While many assume he’ll enter the NBA Draft, he has yet to make an official announcement.
Should he return to Duke, the Blue Devils would enter next season as the overwhelming favorite to cut down the nets. But even if this is the end of his college journey, Cooper Flagg has already etched his name into the annals of college basketball history.
Final Thoughts
It’s not often that a player arrives with monumental expectations and still manages to exceed them. But that’s exactly what Cooper Flagg has done.
The CBS Sports Player of the Year award isn’t just a recognition of talent—it’s a celebration of a season that reminded us what makes college basketball special. Heart. Hustle. Passion. Joy.
So congratulations, Cooper Flagg. You’ve earned it. And the basketball world can’t wait to see what comes next.
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