In the realm of collegiate basketball, few names have generated as much buzz and anticipation as Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old freshman phenom from Duke University has not only lived up to the hype but has also set new standards of excellence in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Recently, Flagg’s exceptional performances earned him the ACC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week award, a testament to his burgeoning impact on the court.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, Cooper Flagg’s basketball journey began in a town with a population just over 3,000. His parents, Ralph and Kelly Flagg, both have deep-rooted connections to the sport. Ralph played collegiate basketball at Eastern Maine Community College, while Kelly was a standout at the University of Maine, contributing to four NCAA Tournament teams during her tenure. This familial basketball lineage undoubtedly influenced Flagg’s early passion and dedication to the game.Sporting News+3NG News 247+3The HD Sports+3Sporting News+1CBS Sports+1Sporting News+1CBS Sports+1Sporting News+1CBS Sports+1The HD Sports
Flagg’s introduction to organized basketball commenced at a young age. He often accompanied his parents to local gyms, where he honed his skills and developed a profound understanding of the game. His mother, Kelly, reminisces about Flagg’s early dedication: “He was always eager to learn, always the first to arrive at the gym and the last to leave.”CBS Sports+6Sporting News+6The HD Sports+6CBS Sports
High School Ascendancy
Flagg’s high school career began at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, leading his team to a state championship and earning the distinction of being the first freshman in Maine’s history to be named Gatorade Player of the Year. His versatility on the court, combined with an innate basketball IQ, set him apart from his peers.The HD Sports+4Wikipedia+4Sporting News+4Team USA
Seeking greater competition and development, Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, after his freshman year. Montverde, renowned for its elite basketball program, provided Flagg with a platform to showcase his talents on a national stage. During his tenure, he was named MVP of the 2023 Hoophall Classic, further solidifying his status as a top recruit. His performances attracted attention from major collegiate programs, but it was Duke University that secured his commitment.wsj.com+2Team USA+2Wikipedia+2
Transition to Duke University
Enrolling at Duke in June 2024, Flagg wasted no time integrating into the Blue Devils’ system. Participating in summer practices, he quickly adapted to the collegiate level’s pace and physicality. Duke’s head coach lauded Flagg’s work ethic, stating, “Cooper’s dedication and willingness to learn are unparalleled. He’s a special talent with a bright future ahead.”
Flagg’s collegiate debut on November 4, 2024, against Maine was nothing short of spectacular. He recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals, leading Duke to a commanding 96-62 victory. This performance not only endeared him to the Cameron Crazies but also signaled the arrival of a new star in college basketball.Wikipedia
Record-Breaking Performances
Throughout the season, Flagg consistently demonstrated his prowess, but it was his performance on January 12, 2025, against Notre Dame that etched his name into the annals of ACC history. In that game, Flagg amassed 42 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, shooting an impressive 11-of-14 from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 16-of-17 from the free-throw line. This feat set a new freshman scoring record for both Duke and the ACC. Reflecting on this achievement, Flagg humbly credited his teammates: “Basketball is a team sport. Without my teammates’ support and the coaching staff’s guidance, none of this would be possible.”Wikipedia
His stellar performances did not go unnoticed. Flagg was honored as the ACC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week on multiple occasions, including a sweep of both Player and Rookie of the Week honors in early January 2025. The Associated Press also recognized his contributions, naming him the national player of the week for Week 10 of the season. These accolades underscore Flagg’s significant impact as a freshman in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences.The ACCAP News
International Experience
Flagg’s talents extend beyond collegiate basketball. In 2022, he represented the United States at the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Spain. His contributions were pivotal in securing the gold medal for Team USA, averaging 9.3 points, 10 rebounds, 2.9 blocked shots, and 2.4 steals per game. His standout performance in the final against Spain, where he recorded 10 points, 17 rebounds, eight steals, and four blocked shots, earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team. For his efforts, Flagg was named the 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, becoming the youngest recipient of this prestigious award.Wikipedia+1Team USA+1Wikipedia+1Wikipedia
Impact on Duke’s Season
Flagg’s presence has been instrumental in Duke’s successful campaign. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions, and his defensive acumen often disrupts opponents’ game plans. Beyond the statistics, Flagg’s leadership qualities have emerged, with teammates and coaches alike praising his maturity and composure under pressure.
In a recent game against Virginia on February 17, 2025, Flagg contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor. Duke’s 80-62 victory in that matchup further solidified their standing in the ACC and highlighted Flagg’s integral role in the team’s success.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, expectations for Flagg continue to soar. Analysts project him as a potential top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, drawing comparisons to basketball luminaries such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. However, Flagg remains grounded, focusing