Breaking: Cooper Flagg of Duke Wins Player of the Year and ACC Rookie Awards

There was never any doubt about the potential of Cooper Flagg when he reclassified and committed to Duke as the centerpiece of the Blue Devils’ 2024-25 recruiting class. But not even the most optimistic projections fully anticipated just how dominant the 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, would be in his freshman campaign. On Tuesday afternoon, the Atlantic Coast Conference made it official: Flagg was named both ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, becoming the first player to sweep both honors since Zion Williamson in 2019.

In a season full of highlight dunks, clutch blocks, and transcendent moments, Flagg didn’t just meet the hype — he obliterated it.

A Season for the Ages

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game during the regular season, leading Duke to a 26-5 record and the top seed in the ACC Tournament. He was the engine behind one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball, but perhaps more impressive was his impact on the defensive end. Flagg’s anticipation, timing, and versatility turned him into a nightmare matchup, regardless of position.

Whether locking down opposing guards on the perimeter or swatting shots at the rim, Flagg’s defensive presence reshaped Duke’s identity. Head coach Jon Scheyer had high praise after the announcement.

“Cooper changed everything for us this year — not just statistically, but in the locker room, in practice, every day,” Scheyer said. “He’s a once-in-a-generation kind of player, and I’m not surprised that he’s being recognized this way. Honestly, he deserves even more.”

Rare Air: Joining Elite Company

Winning both awards in the same season is a rare feat. Flagg joins a short but prestigious list of players to accomplish it in ACC history — names like Zion Williamson, Jahlil Okafor, and Tyler Hansbrough. But Flagg’s case may be even more compelling due to his all-around impact.

Unlike many high-profile freshmen who focus on offensive production, Flagg played both ends with relentless effort. His basketball IQ and court vision stood out in every game, often setting up teammates or anchoring Duke’s zone and man-to-man looks with equal effectiveness.

“He does all the little things — the rotations, the hustle plays, the box outs,” said Duke senior Jeremy Roach. “But then he’ll hit a step-back three or throw down a put-back dunk that just leaves you speechless. He’s different.”

Instant Stardom, Grounded Mindset

Flagg entered Duke already carrying a massive following, with millions of views on social media and appearances in national commercials. But according to those around him, his work ethic and humility remained unchanged.

“He’s in the gym before anyone else. He studies film. He listens. That’s what makes him special,” said Duke assistant coach Chris Carrawell. “He doesn’t act like he’s already made it, even though in a lot of ways, he has.”

Despite all the attention, Flagg stayed locked in on his goals — helping Duke win games and developing into a complete player.

“I just try to keep my head down and work,” Flagg said in a post-announcement press conference. “Awards are nice, and I’m grateful, but my focus is on winning a championship with this team.”

Signature Moments of a Sensational Season

There was no shortage of iconic moments in Flagg’s season — but a few stand out as turning points.

December vs. Kansas: In the season’s most anticipated non-conference game, Flagg scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against a loaded Jayhawks frontcourt. His game-winning block in the final seconds sealed a marquee win.
January at North Carolina: With a raucous Chapel Hill crowd raining boos down, Flagg silenced the Tar Heels with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double, including a dagger three-pointer to seal the victory.
February vs. Virginia: In a game that turned into a defensive slugfest, Flagg posted 5 blocks, 4 steals, and disrupted nearly every Cavalier offensive set. Duke won 58-49, thanks largely to his defensive masterpiece.

Each game further solidified his case not only for Rookie of the Year but for the top individual honor in the conference.

A Leader, Not Just a Star

Though still a teenager, Flagg became a vocal leader on a veteran Duke squad. He held teammates accountable and was often the one rallying the team during timeouts or speaking up after tough losses.

“He’s not afraid to speak up,” said teammate Kyle Filipowski. “You see a young guy like that leading the way, and it’s contagious. He earned our respect real fast.”

His leadership was perhaps best illustrated following Duke’s stunning loss at Georgia Tech in January. Flagg took full accountability in the postgame presser, saying, “That’s on me. I’ve got to set the tone better. We weren’t focused, and I didn’t do my job as a leader.”

The team won its next seven games.

The Blueprint of a Future No. 1 Pick

As the season wore on, NBA scouts flocked to Cameron Indoor Stadium. What they saw confirmed the buzz: Flagg is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts marvel at his polished skillset, defensive versatility, and elite motor.

Several NBA executives have compared him to a young Kevin Garnett or Andrei Kirilenko — long, switchable, and capable of playing multiple roles on both ends. ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony went a step further:

“He’s the best two-way prospect I’ve seen since Anthony Davis — maybe even more advanced offensively. If you were building a prototype for today’s NBA, it would look a lot like Cooper Flagg.”

Still, Flagg has remained mum on his NBA future, saying only that he’s focused on Duke’s postseason.

“I’m not thinking about that right now,” he said. “We’ve got unfinished business.”

Eyes on the NCAA Tournament

With the ACC Tournament around the corner, Duke finds itself as a favorite not just to win the league but to make a deep run in March Madness. The Blue Devils are projected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and could rise even higher depending on how they finish the conference slate.

Flagg’s postseason performance will likely define his legacy in Durham. While he’s already secured personal accolades, the one thing missing is team hardware — and he knows it.

“We’ve got everything we need in this locker room to win it all,” Flagg said. “Now it’s just about execution.”

If his regular season is any indication, Cooper Flagg might be just getting started.

A New Chapter in Duke’s Legacy

For Duke basketball, Flagg’s emergence marks a continuation of the program’s evolution under Jon Scheyer. In his third season since taking over for Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has already proven he can recruit elite talent. Now he’s shown he can help them flourish.

“What Cooper did this year doesn’t happen by accident,” Scheyer said. “It’s a credit to him, but also to the environment we’re building here. He trusted us, and we gave him the keys.”

With Flagg as the face of the team, Duke has not only returned to dominance but recaptured the mystique of the early 2010s, when one-and-done stars like Kyrie Irving and Zion Williamson passed through Durham on their way to NBA stardom.

But even among that group, Flagg feels different — more composed, more defensive-minded, and somehow, even more team-oriented.

Looking Ahead

While most assume Flagg will declare for the NBA after the season, fans in Durham can enjoy at least a few more weeks of his brilliance. His story is still being written — one block, one steal, and one fast-break dunk at a time.

For now, his focus is clear: win the ACC Tournament, make a Final Four run, and bring a sixth national championship to Duke.

And if he does that?

Then this season won’t just go down as one of the best freshman years in ACC history.

It’ll go down as one of the greatest in college basketball history, period.

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