Wooden Award Winner Cooper Flagg Reflects on Prestigious Honor and Emotional Final Four Defeat Against Houston With Poise and Gratitude

In the immediate aftermath of a grueling Final Four showdown between Duke and Houston, one of college basketball’s most compelling young stars stood in the spotlight not just for his on-court heroics, but for his grace in defeat. Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils’ freshman phenom and now the 2025 recipient of the John R. Wooden Award, spoke with raw honesty about the pain of the loss, the pride in his teammates, and the magnitude of the national recognition he had just received.

“To receive this kind of recognition was an amazing honor for me,” Flagg said in the locker room, surrounded by a bittersweet energy that blended postseason heartbreak with the personal triumph of being named the best player in college basketball. “But I’d give it all back if it meant we were playing for a national championship next week.”

That single sentence, a blend of humility and fierce competitiveness, sums up who Cooper Flagg has been all season long. An anchor for a young but talented Duke roster, Flagg not only fulfilled the immense expectations placed upon him but often exceeded them. From game-winning blocks to clutch three-pointers, Flagg delivered at every level, becoming the heartbeat of a team that rallied around his leadership and selfless play.

Duke’s season ended in an emotional 74–72 loss to Houston, a game that saw the Blue Devils claw back from multiple deficits only to fall short in the final seconds. Flagg finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, putting forth yet another all-around performance that nearly carried Duke to the national title game. But it was what he said after the buzzer that revealed his true character.

“I hate losing more than I love winning,” he admitted, his voice steady but heavy. “But I’m proud of how we fought. I’m proud of every guy in this locker room. We left everything on the floor.”

Flagg’s season was defined by moments like those—statistically dominant outings framed by emotional maturity. He averaged 19.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game, but what separated him from others was his ability to lead without making it about himself. Whether it was taking the final shot or diving for a loose ball in a November matchup against an unranked opponent, Flagg’s effort never wavered.

Named the Wooden Award winner just days before the Final Four, Flagg became the first freshman to claim the honor since Zion Williamson in 2019, and only the fourth all-time. In a season loaded with upperclassmen talent and veteran scorers across the country, his emergence as the top player in America was no small feat.

“There’s something about the way he carries himself,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said. “It’s beyond his years. Cooper isn’t just a great basketball player—he’s the kind of person you build programs around. And we’re lucky to have had him this year.”

For much of the 2024–25 season, Duke found itself balancing immense pressure and high expectations. With Flagg arriving as the most hyped freshman since perhaps Kevin Durant, the microscope was firmly on the Blue Devils from day one. But instead of shrinking under that glare, Flagg flourished—adapting his game, embracing the grind, and showing up when it mattered most.

Against North Carolina? Twenty-eight points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists. In the ACC Tournament? A double-double against Virginia and a dagger three to seal a semifinal win over Miami. In the NCAA Tournament, Flagg played his best basketball, averaging 22.4 points and nearly 10 boards through five games. But the loss to Houston will linger.

“That one’s gonna hurt for a while,” he said. “They’re a great team. They made plays down the stretch. I missed a box out that led to a big bucket. That’s on me. You replay every moment in your head.”

Still, the accolades speak for themselves. The Wooden Award, a unanimous First-Team All-American nod, ACC Freshman and Player of the Year, Naismith finalist—his trophy case may already be full, but Flagg remains focused on what’s next.

There are already whispers and questions swirling about his NBA future. Will he declare for the draft now? Is another year at Duke a possibility? In a media session following the Final Four, he addressed it only briefly.

“Right now, I’m focused on being here with my teammates. We’ll make that decision when the time comes,” he said, deflecting the question like a seasoned pro.

But even if his Duke journey ends after one season, it will be remembered for a long time. Not only for the stats or accolades, but for the way Flagg represented the university. A Maine native with a quiet intensity, he brought a sense of groundedness to a program often defined by spotlight and scrutiny. He was, by all accounts, the real deal.

As Duke fans across the country reflect on the season, one can’t help but feel that this was a special campaign—made even more memorable by the presence of a player like Flagg. Whether it was his soaring blocks, picture-perfect jumpers, or postgame humility, he gave the sport of college basketball something it needed: a transcendent talent who never forgot the value of team.

“He’s everything that’s good about college basketball,” said Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson after the Final Four win. “You can’t help but respect the kid. He’s as tough as they come, and he competes the right way.”

That mutual respect was evident on the court, too. Following the handshake line, several Houston players sought Flagg out—not just to say “good game,” but to embrace him. That speaks volumes.

For now, though, the Wooden Award winner is embracing both the joy and the sorrow that come with the sport. A season to be proud of, a loss to learn from, and a future as bright as any young player in basketball today.

“Basketball teaches you a lot,” Flagg said. “About perseverance, about sacrifice, about dealing with disappointment. I think this year taught me more than any year of my life. And I’m grateful—even in defeat.”

That’s the essence of a Wooden Award winner. Not just greatness, but humility. Not just stats, but substance. And in Cooper Flagg, college basketball got both.