Duke University’s freshman phenom, Cooper Flagg, has added another prestigious accolade to his burgeoning basketball résumé by securing the 2025 John R. Wooden Award. This honor, bestowed upon the most outstanding men’s college basketball player, underscores Flagg’s remarkable impact in his debut collegiate season.ESPN.com+4Duke Basketball Report+4John R. Wooden Award+4
Flagg’s ascent to this pinnacle is noteworthy, as he becomes only the fourth freshman in history to claim the Wooden Award, joining the elite company of Kevin Durant (2007), Anthony Davis (2012), and Zion Williamson (2019) . His selection was decisive, edging out Auburn’s Johni Broome by a margin of 178 votes .John R. Wooden Award+4Log in or sign up to view+4Reuters+4Duke Basketball Report+5John R. Wooden Award+5John R. Wooden Award+5
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Flagg demonstrated exceptional versatility and leadership. He averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, leading Duke to both the ACC regular-season and tournament championships, and propelling them to their first Final Four appearance since the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski .ESPN.com
His standout performance came in January against Notre Dame, where he set an ACC freshman record by scoring 42 points, alongside six rebounds and seven assists. This game highlighted a month where he averaged 25.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, shooting an impressive 57.9% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc .ESPN.com
Despite an ankle injury during the ACC tournament that sidelined him for the semifinals and championship game, Flagg returned to form in the NCAA tournament. His 30-point, six-rebound, and seven-assist performance against Arizona in the Sweet 16 was instrumental in Duke’s advancement .ESPN.com
Flagg’s accolades extend beyond the Wooden Award. He also secured the 2025 Naismith Trophy, becoming only the fourth freshman to win both honors, alongside Durant, Davis, and Williamson . Additionally, he was named the Associated Press Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year, the Oscar Robertson Trophy recipient, and the CBS Sports Player and Freshman of the Year .ESPN.com+1Duke Basketball Report+1Wikipedia+3Reuters+3Log in or sign up to view+3Duke Basketball Report+1Wikipedia+1
Duke’s basketball legacy is further enriched by Flagg’s achievements, as he becomes the program’s eighth Wooden Award winner, the most by any school. He joins the ranks of former Blue Devils like JJ Redick and Zion Williamson, solidifying his place in the university’s storied history .John R. Wooden Award+1John R. Wooden Award+1
As Flagg contemplates his future, with projections placing him as the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, his focus remains on team success. Despite individual accolades, he has expressed a desire to lead Duke to a national championship, emphasizing the importance of collective achievement over personal glory .
Flagg’s freshman season has not only been a testament to his individual talent but also a beacon of hope and excitement for Duke fans and the broader college basketball community. His blend of skill, determination, and humility sets a new standard for excellence in the sport.Duke Basketball Report+5Duke Basketball Report+5ESPN.com+5
As the season concludes, Cooper Flagg’s legacy as one of the most impactful freshmen in college basketball history is firmly established. His journey from a highly-touted recruit to the nation’s top player serves as an inspiration and a benchmark for future generations.