**“RARE COMPANY: Only 2 Freshmen Have Ever Won ACC Athlete of the Year — Zion Williamson and Coop Cement Legacy with Historic Feat”**

In the storied history of the Atlantic Coast Conference, filled with legendary athletes, championship moments, and unforgettable performances, only two freshmen have ever accomplished one of the conference’s most prestigious individual honors — ACC Athlete of the Year. That short list contains two names: Zion Williamson and Cooper Flagg. The company is rare. The achievement is remarkable. And the significance is historic.

The ACC Athlete of the Year award — known as the Anthony J. McKevlin Award for men and the Mary Garber Award for women — represents the pinnacle of individual athletic accomplishment in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences. Since its inception, the honor has typically been reserved for upperclassmen who have demonstrated dominance over multiple seasons. To win it as a freshman is more than a testament to pure talent — it’s a statement of generational greatness. That’s exactly what Zion Williamson did in 2019. That’s exactly what Cooper Flagg has now done in 2025.

For Zion, the journey to ACC glory was a national spectacle from day one. Arriving at Duke University in the fall of 2018, the 6-foot-7, 285-pound forward carried with him the weight of viral fame, NBA hype, and a reputation as the most physically dominant high school prospect since LeBron James. From his very first game in a Blue Devils uniform, Zion silenced any doubters. His thunderous dunks, otherworldly agility, and defensive instincts made him a one-man highlight reel. He averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on a staggering 68% shooting from the field. He became a social media phenomenon, a national media obsession, and the face of college basketball all within months.

But beyond the numbers and the jaw-dropping moments was a fierce competitor who elevated Duke to a No. 1 national ranking, an ACC Tournament championship, and an Elite Eight run that captivated the sports world. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the court was unmatched. He was named National Player of the Year by multiple outlets, won the Wooden Award, and of course, took home the ACC Athlete of the Year as a freshman. It felt like a once-in-a-generation achievement — the kind of performance that would never be duplicated so early in a collegiate career. Then came Coop.

Cooper Flagg arrived at Duke under a similarly bright spotlight. Hailing from Newport, Maine, the 6-foot-9 forward was touted as the top recruit in the country and one of the most skilled two-way players high school basketball had seen in years. His decision to reclassify and join the 2024-2025 Blue Devils squad only heightened expectations. Flagg didn’t just meet them — he shattered them. From the first tip-off of the season, he imposed his will on the game like a seasoned pro. With a basketball IQ beyond his years, elite athleticism, and the ability to defend every position on the floor, Flagg became the centerpiece of a Duke team that played with the swagger and precision of a Final Four contender.

His stat line was dazzling: 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 1.9 steals per game. But beyond the numbers was the intangible presence he brought to every contest — the clutch plays, the defensive stops, the quiet leadership that made his teammates better. Fans across the country tuned in just to watch him move. NBA scouts filled Duke’s home games, not to evaluate, but to marvel. And as the postseason approached, it became clear that Flagg wasn’t just the best freshman in the country — he was the best player in college basketball, period.

In the ACC Tournament, he was dominant. On the biggest stages, he delivered. In the most hostile arenas, he thrived. Duke secured both the regular-season and tournament titles, with Flagg often carrying the team in moments of adversity. His performances transcended sport — they felt like events, like must-see moments in the making. And as the votes rolled in for ACC Athlete of the Year, there was little debate. For the first time since Zion, another freshman had seized the moment and earned the honor. Cooper Flagg’s name would now forever be linked with greatness.

What makes this feat so extraordinary is the history it defies. The ACC, with its rich basketball tradition, has seen icons like Tim Duncan, Ralph Sampson, Michael Jordan, Len Bias, Grant Hill, JJ Redick, and Tyler Hansbrough — all of whom needed years of dominance to earn conference-wide acclaim. For both Zion and Flagg, that acclaim came instantly. Their games demanded it. Their presence justified it. Their dominance made it inevitable.

Beyond the hardwood, this accomplishment speaks volumes about how the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve. The era of “one-and-done” players has long been debated, but awards like this underscore that age is no longer a barrier to impact. In a conference once dominated by experience, it’s now undeniable that elite freshmen can command the spotlight and shape the narrative from the moment they arrive. Zion and Flagg aren’t just beneficiaries of this evolution — they are its poster boys.

For Zion, the legacy at Duke is already sealed. His one season in Durham transformed the program, galvanized a generation of young fans, and served as a launching pad to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Injuries may have complicated his professional journey, but his impact on college basketball — and his place in ACC history — remains untouched.

For Cooper Flagg, the story is still being written. His freshman campaign may already rank among the most impactful in modern NCAA history, but the potential for more remains tantalizing. Whether he follows in Zion’s footsteps to the NBA after one season or returns to Duke for another year, his place in the record books is secure. He is now part of the rarest company the ACC can offer — a freshman who stood above all others, in a conference known for its excellence.

Their bond, though separated by years and personalities, is uniquely intimate. Zion and Coop — linked not just by school or sport, but by history. Two players who arrived with immense expectations and somehow exceeded them. Two players who captivated audiences with every move. Two players who redefined what it means to be great, fast.

And for Duke, this rare feat is a double triumph. To produce both freshman ACC Athletes of the Year is a recruiting dream and a cultural statement. It reinforces Duke’s status not just as a pipeline to the pros, but as a platform where elite talent is nurtured, showcased, and celebrated on a national scale. Under the leadership of Jon Scheyer, who himself understands the Duke tradition as both a player and coach, the program has evolved while staying true to its championship roots. Scheyer’s ability to guide prodigies like Flagg, much as Mike Krzyzewski did with Zion, reflects a continuity of excellence that few programs can rival.

Cooper Flagg’s win doesn’t just celebrate an individual season — it defines an era. It reminds fans and critics alike that greatness knows no age, no waiting period, and no limitations. His inclusion alongside Zion Williamson isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a cultural moment. And for those lucky enough to have watched both play in their freshman seasons, the memory will linger for decades.

In the end, awards like ACC Athlete of the Year are meant to spotlight the extraordinary. They are meant to honor not just performance, but presence — the ability to dominate, inspire, and elevate the sport. Zion Williamson did that. Cooper Flagg has now done it too. They are names etched into the hardwood of ACC history, their rookie years forever remembered not as beginnings, but as definitive statements. Rare company, indeed.