As 2024 comes to a close, The Chronicle’s sports department is reviewing the biggest moments from this year in Duke athletics.
At No. 9: To cap off the best recruiting class in the country, Duke got a big commitment from Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 prospect. Flagg chose the Blue Devils over UConn and Kansas, among other schools. He has performed as advertised to start, leading his team in points, rebounds and assists:
The 17-year-old who caught the attention of Lebron James himself became a Blue Devil Oct. 30, 2023. Head coach Jon Scheyer had done it again — adding another No. 1 recruit to Duke’s powerhouse as Cooper Flagg found a home inside Cameron Indoor Stadium.
“You see a guy that doesn’t turn his competitiveness on and off,” Scheyer said at Duke’s media day Sept. 27. “How hard he works, it stands out to you.”
In July 2023, Flagg offered a standout performance for Nike's EYBL Peach Jam tournament. He averaged 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 6.9 blocks across seven games — a stat line that turned the heads of any coach watching, including Scheyer. Coming off his first season leading the Blue Devils, Scheyer saw an opportunity for his ambitions to come to fruition with Flagg’s addition to the roster.
"I remember the court, I remember where I was sitting," Scheyer told ESPN. "And here's this kid, blocking everything. Some of the plays he was making at 15, it just jumped off the page at you. His instincts. His athletic ability. His skill."
With hype building, Flagg reclassified to graduate in 2024, and three months later, then as a high school senior, committed to Duke. He capped his final season at Montverde Academy with a wealth of awards, including Gatorade National Player of the Year, Naismith Player of the Year and a McDonald's All-American title. His senior-year stat line was explosive, averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. Flagg’s all-around dominance earned him a spot on the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s Select Team, making him the only teenager and first collegiate player since 2013 to join that roster and face the USA Basketball Men’s National Team.
The Select Team’s face-off against Team USA almost resulted in an upset for the future 2024 Olympic gold medalists. Against a team whose roster included Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, guard Devin Booker and Los Angeles Lakers forwards Anthony Davis and Lebron James, the thrilling matchup only intensified the attention surrounding Flag — with even the game’s legends joining in on the praise.
In an interview with Esquire, James said that Flagg is “going to be a big-time player here for Team USA down the road.”
In response to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype’s question, Durant said, “He looked like a hell of a player. He’s somebody that’s only going to get better with more experience. He’s 17 years old coming in here playing like he’s a vet almost.”
A year older and several games sporting Duke Blue later, Flagg's impact has lived up to the expectations. The 6-foot-9 forward has commanded the floor to lead the team in three major statistical categories — points, rebounds and assists. A truly versatile player, Flagg has proven he can control the game across the court. Offensively, he’s displayed remarkable creativity, enabling him to craft shots from a range of positions. His tenacity defines him as a defensive force, capable of protecting the paint and altering the game’s course.
When Duke took down No. 2 Auburn Dec. 4, the freshman’s 22 points and 11 rebounds were accompanied by four assists, two blocks, and three steals — all achieved without a single turnover. Flagg showcased that he wasn’t just the No. 1 high school recruit, but a collegiate threat.
“For Cooper to have no turnovers and to have 22, 11 and four as a 17-year-old — I'm not sure how many 17-year-olds could play in this game, let alone do what he did,” Scheyer said after the Auburn game. “I thought he had a special toughness about him.”
Off the court, the freshman sensation has continued to redefine the playing field. In Oct. 2024, Flagg made history, becoming the first NCAA men’s college basketball player to sign an NIL deal with Gatorade.
Still in the early stages of his career, having just turned 18 a couple of days ago, Flagg undoubtedly has more to learn as he continues to build skills and excel in high-pressure moments. However, upcoming challenges are likely to only accelerate his development.
“He prides himself on picking things up right away. Cooper's a guy you just have to tell him once, and then he's got it,” Scheyer said at Duke’s media day. “He's been open to learn on a daily basis.”
Flagg demonstrates that the sky is not just the limit but the beginning. His commitment to Duke was another stepping stone in his journey to etch his name among the legends of basketball.
Read more
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