Cooper Flagg is the men’s ACC Player of the Year, Duke Men’s Basketball.
Cooper Flagg’s inaugural season with the Duke Blue Devils has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in his recognition as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year for the 2024-2025 season. This remarkable achievement places him alongside former Duke luminaries Jahlil Okafor (2015), Marvin Bagley III (2018), and Zion Williamson (2019) as one of the select few to earn both honors in the same season. Duke UniversityACC+1Wikipedia+1
Early Life and High School Career
Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, Flagg’s basketball journey began at Nokomis Regional High School. His prodigious talent was evident early on, leading him to transfer to Montverde Academy in Florida, a program renowned for developing elite basketball prospects. During his senior year, Flagg garnered multiple national high school player of the year awards and was universally recognized as the top recruit in the 2024 class. Wikipedia
Transition to College Basketball
Flagg’s commitment to Duke University was met with great anticipation. Enrolling in June 2024, he immersed himself in the Blue Devils’ summer practices, setting the stage for a standout freshman campaign. His collegiate debut on November 4, 2024, against Maine was a portent of things to come, as he tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a commanding 96-62 victory. Instagram+3Wikipedia+3Duke University+3
Record-Breaking Performances
Throughout the season, Flagg delivered a series of stellar performances that underscored his versatility and skill. On January 12, 2025, he set new freshman scoring records for both Duke and the ACC by amassing 42 points against Notre Dame, complementing his scoring with six rebounds and seven assists. His efficiency was notable, shooting 11-of-14 from the field, 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 16-of-17 from the free-throw line. Wikipedia
Flagg’s consistency was further highlighted on February 17, 2025, when he became the first ACC player in 25 years to accumulate over 500 points, 100 assists, and 30 blocks in a regular season. His contributions were pivotal in leading Duke to a 19-1 conference record and securing the ACC Regular Season title. Wikipedia
Accolades and Honors
In recognition of his outstanding play, Flagg was named the ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, receiving 75 of 81 votes for the former. His accolades extended beyond the conference; on March 25, 2025, he was honored with both the Oscar Robertson Trophy as the National Player of the Year and the Wayman Tisdale Award as the National Freshman Player of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). He joins an elite group of players, including Zion Williamson (2019), Anthony Davis (2012), and Kevin Durant (2007), who have swept both awards. ACCsportswriters.net+2Duke University+2Wikipedia+2
Impact on Duke’s Success
Flagg’s influence on the Blue Devils transcended individual statistics. His leadership and performance were instrumental in Duke’s ascent to the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll for the first time since 2021. Despite an ankle injury sustained during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia Tech, which rendered him a “real long shot” to participate in the semifinal rematch against UNC, Flagg’s earlier contributions had already solidified his legacy for the season. Duke Basketball ReportAxios
Even in his absence, Duke demonstrated resilience, capturing the ACC Tournament title with a 73-62 victory over Louisville. This triumph marked their 23rd ACC tournament title and positioned them as a top seed for the NCAA Tournament. Reuters
Cooper Flagg’s freshman season at Duke University has been a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. His historic achievements have not only enriched Duke’s storied basketball tradition but have also set a new benchmark for excellence in collegiate athletics. As he continues to develop, the basketball world eagerly anticipates the next chapters in his promising career.