After kicking off his basketball career at Nokomis Regional High School in Maine, Cooper Flagg won Main Gatorade Player of the Year as a freshman. He realized that meeting his aspirations would involve leaving his comfort zone, which led him to transfer to Montverde Academy in Florida, where he was named MVP of the 2023 Hoophall Classic.
In March 2024, he was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. He was also named Mr. Basketball USA and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year.
Duke Freshman Cooper Flagg Wins Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year
Flagg was named the 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year for his performance in the FIBA Under 17 World Cup. He also became the first Athletic Coast Conference (ACC) player in the United States with the most points in over two decades.
This track record as a teen qualified him as the expected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, at which time he could become one of the youngest college players ever drafted. However, he would not be the second-youngest NBA Draft pick ever, as Andrew Bynum was drafted straight from high school at age 17.
Once Flagg enters the NBA, the Blue Devils will have to adjust, especially as he swept both ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and ACC Player of the Year honors.
ACC AWARDS
POY: Cooper Flagg, Fr., G/F, Duke
DPOY: Chucky Hepburn, Sr., G, Louisville
ROY: Cooper Flagg, G/F, Duke
COY: Pat Kelsey, LouisvilleFIRST TEAM
Cooper Flagg, Duke
Maxime Raynaud, Stanford
Chucky Hepburn, Louisville
Chase Hunter, Clemson
Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest…— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 10, 2025
The emergence of talented players and more teams in the ACC is leading to increased competitiveness. With teams like the Duke Blue Devils dominating the ACC as top contenders, Flagg’s draft to the NBA later in the year may be a significant shift for Duke.
However, Flagg has hinted that he may be interested in playing for Duke for another season. One of his dreams is to compete for a national championship at the highest level of college basketball.
Beyond Cooper Flagg, other rising ACC stars such as Jeremiah Wilkinson and Cameron Corhen have been making an impact and could play key roles in shaping the conference’s future.
Duke’s Legacy of Producing ACC Greats
This season, Duke has had eight conference wins by 25-plus points. There is no doubt that Duke is a powerhouse in college basketball, but their dominance is not a recent development. For decades, Duke has been known for producing stars.
These stars have established Duke as a successful and one of the best basketball programs in the ACC. Some of these stars include:
J.J. Redick, a two-time ACC Player of the Year, Duke’s all-time leading scorer, and a 2006 NBA Draft pick.
DESTINATION CHARLOTTE: ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule
Kyrie Irving, the 2011 ACC Rookie of the Year, a No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and an NBA champion.
Duke has built a strong legacy in the ACC, and this season is no different. With another top talent in Cooper Flagg, they remain a dominant force in the conference and a contender for a deep postseason run.
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