CONGRATULATIONS: Cooper Flagg Earns AP 2025 Player of the Year
In a sport defined by talent, dedication, and the ability to perform when the lights are brightest, Cooper Flagg has emerged as a generational figure. On April 5, 2025, the Associated Press officially named Flagg the 2025 AP Player of the Year, a distinction that not only cements his place among the elite of college basketball but also underscores the meteoric rise of a player who has captivated fans, scouts, and analysts alike since his early high school days. It is a moment of triumph for a young athlete whose name has been circulating through basketball circles for years—and who has now validated all the hype with an unforgettable season.
At just 18 years old, Cooper Flagg has become a household name. Hailing from Newport, Maine, Flagg was already on the national radar before stepping foot on a college campus. A dominant force in high school, he reclassified to the class of 2024 and committed to Duke University, joining one of the most storied programs in NCAA history. The expectations were staggering. The pressure, immense. But Flagg has not only lived up to those expectations—he’s exceeded them in dramatic fashion.
In his freshman season with the Blue Devils, Flagg has been nothing short of phenomenal. From the very first game, it was clear that he was different. His poise, his feel for the game, and his ability to make an impact in every facet of play marked him as a special player. Flagg averaged 21.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game—numbers that reflect his versatility and two-way dominance. But stats only tell part of the story. What made Flagg’s season so compelling was the way he played. His energy, leadership, and fearlessness inspired his teammates and electrified Cameron Indoor Stadium every night he took the floor.
The AP Player of the Year award is one of college basketball’s most prestigious honors. It is given to the individual who not only posts elite numbers but also changes the complexion of the game and embodies excellence. Cooper Flagg did just that. Whether it was a clutch three-pointer, a momentum-shifting block, or a fast break dunk that brought the crowd to its feet, Flagg consistently delivered when it mattered most. He showed a rare combination of maturity and fire—an innate understanding of when to take over and when to lift up those around him.
Flagg’s rise to the top of college basketball has been years in the making. As a teenager at Montverde Academy, he dazzled scouts with his size, athleticism, and basketball IQ. But what truly separated him from the pack was his competitive drive. His relentless work ethic became the stuff of legend. Coaches raved about his commitment to improvement. Teammates praised his unselfishness and leadership. Every gym he entered, he left an impression. And now, after just one season in college, he has claimed the game’s highest individual honor.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is the level of competition. The 2024–2025 NCAA season was stacked with elite talent. From veteran stars to breakout underclassmen, the race for Player of the Year was intense. Yet Flagg stood above them all. He led Duke to a 29-4 regular-season record, a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament, and a run to the Final Four. His consistency, even against the top defenses in the nation, was astounding. In conference play, he elevated his game, averaging over 23 points and 11 rebounds per game against ACC opponents. In the tournament, he was the focal point of every scouting report—yet no one could stop him.
Throughout the season, Flagg showed a complete game. His offensive skill set is polished beyond his years. He can shoot from deep, create off the dribble, post up smaller defenders, and finish at the rim with authority. His vision and passing instincts made him a constant threat as a playmaker. But it’s on the defensive end where Flagg may have made his biggest impact. His timing as a shot-blocker, his ability to guard multiple positions, and his relentless effort turned him into one of the most feared defenders in the country. He doesn’t just play defense—he thrives in it. He anticipates, disrupts, and dominates.
Cooper Flagg’s journey also serves as a reminder of what makes college basketball special. In an era where one-and-done players often come and go without leaving a true legacy, Flagg has left a permanent mark in just one season. He’s not just a great player—he’s a transformative figure. His presence brought a renewed energy to the Duke program and injected life into the sport. Fans tuned in every week to see what he would do next. Kids across the country started wearing his jersey. He became the face of college basketball, not because he sought the spotlight, but because his play demanded it.
The coaching staff at Duke deserves recognition as well. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, Flagg was placed in a system that allowed him to thrive. Scheyer trusted his young star, giving him freedom to make plays while holding him to high standards on both ends of the floor. Their connection on and off the court was evident. Scheyer often praised Flagg not only for his talent but for his humility, his willingness to learn, and his team-first mentality.
As the NBA looms on the horizon, it’s clear that Cooper Flagg’s basketball journey is just beginning. He is widely projected to be the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and for good reason. He has the skill set, the mindset, and the physical tools to be a franchise cornerstone at the next level. But before that next chapter begins, Flagg’s AP Player of the Year award is a moment to celebrate. It’s a testament to his incredible season, his unrelenting drive, and his passion for the game.
It’s also a victory for everyone who has followed his journey—from his early days in Maine to his time dominating high school hoops, to now, where he stands atop the college basketball world. This award is not just about one season—it’s about a body of work that reflects years of effort, sacrifice, and belief. His family, coaches, teammates, and fans have all been part of that ride. And now, the basketball world gets to witness the beginning of what could be a truly historic career.
What lies ahead for Cooper Flagg is unknown, but one thing is certain: the 2024–2025 season will be remembered as the year he took college basketball by storm. It was the year a freshman from Maine became the best player in the country. The year he led his team to glory and earned the respect of peers and legends alike. The year he turned potential into performance, and promise into legacy.
Congratulations, Cooper Flagg. Your journey is just beginning—but what a start it has been.