Cooper Flagg, a 17-year-old freshman at Duke University, has recently garnered attention for his stellar performance during a practice session with the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team in Las Vegas. Despite his status as a college newcomer, Flagg showcased remarkable skills, holding his own against NBA stalwarts such as Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and Bam Adebayo.
As a member of the select team invited to practice against the Olympic squad, Flagg fearlessly demonstrated his prowess by executing impressive plays against seasoned NBA players. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo have even projected him as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
In an interview, Flagg expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged that there is still much room for improvement despite his impressive performance. His humility and determination to hone his skills hint at a promising future in the sport of basketball.
Throughout the scrimmage between the Olympic team and the select team, Flagg exhibited both talent and composure, leaving a lasting impression on his fellow players and coaches. His fearless attitude and innate understanding of the game were evident, even without the experience of playing a single college or NBA game.
Coaches and players alike have praised Flagg for his exceptional performance in the scrimmage, recognizing his relentless drive and instinctive ability to make impactful plays on the court.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Flagg is a highly-regarded forward from Newport, Maine, with a noteworthy high school basketball career, including leading Montverde Academy to a national title and participating in various high school all-star games. His decision to commit to Duke over UConn further cements his potential as a basketball sensation.
In light of Flagg’s outstanding performance, it is evident that he has a promising career ahead of him. Despite being in the early stages of his basketball journey, his talent and determination to learn and grow in the sport have earned him well-deserved recognition and respect from his peers.
Overall, Flagg’s commendable display of skill and poise during the scrimmage with the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team has undoubtedly solidified his status as a rising star in the world of basketball.
Source:
Information from ESPN’s Tim Bontemps was used in this report.