The name Cooper Flagg has been on the lips of basketball fans and analysts for over a year now. The 6-foot-9 phenom, who doesn’t turn 18 until December, has already been anointed as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft before even playing a minute of college hoops. But is the hype warranted? According to several college coaches, the answer is a resounding yes.
“He impacts the game in so many ways that are really not controllable from a scouting standpoint,” one coach told ESPN anonymously. “That’s why you fear him so much in the college game.”
A Complete Skillset
Flagg’s unique combination of size, skill, basketball IQ and relentless motor has coaches gushing about his potential. He can handle the ball, pass, shoot from outside, finish at the rim, and lock down on defense. One coach even compared him to NBA legend Scottie Pippen.
“He plays a very complete game,” the coach said. “Excellent shot-blocker and rim protector…good instincts to get into passing lanes, good hands. On the offensive end, he plays with a real competitiveness. He’s not concerned with how many points he scores. He wants to win.”
Another coach pointed out how effective Flagg is even without the ball in his hands, citing his cutting, screening and off-ball movement as separators from his peers. “His combination of feel for the game and high intensity…separates him from everyone else.”
Rare Intangibles
As impressive as Flagg’s physical tools and skills are, coaches seem equally enamored with his mental makeup and approach to the game. His passion, work ethic and desire to win have been on full display.
“It’s the passion that he displays. He plays hard, he plays to win. Those sorts of things can carry you in college games sometimes.”
– Anonymous college coach
Coaches believe Flagg’s sky-high basketball IQ will allow him to make an immediate impact as a freshman, despite the learning curve most experience at the college level. His ability to pick things up quickly should help elevate the Duke team from day one.
A Matchup Nightmare
How does one go about game-planning for a talent like Flagg? It won’t be easy, according to the coaches. His versatility makes him a matchup problem all over the court.
- Force him to his weaker right hand when driving
- Crowd him with bodies and force him to be a jump shooter
- Make him work on defense, challenge his conditioning
Still, coaches know there is only so much you can do. “I don’t think you can get crazy with sending him left or right or whatever else you’re trying to do,” one coach admitted. “With a kid that good, it’s going to be, contain and pick your poison. He’s just too talented for the other stuff.”
It’s Only the Beginning
The scariest part for opponents is that Flagg is just scratching the surface of his potential. At only 17 years old, his best basketball is likely still ahead of him. Even his current coach at Duke, Jon Scheyer, is tempering expectations for the young star.
“It’s important for all of us to remember he’s 17. This is a process. But he’s not running from it, he’s not afraid of it. And he’s been just such a good guy to coach.”
– Jon Scheyer, Duke head coach
While the NBA may be Cooper Flagg’s ultimate destiny, for now college basketball fans will get to enjoy this unique talent as he begins what promises to be a memorable chapter at Duke. If the early reviews from opposing coaches are any indication, the hype is very real. The Flagg era is upon us.
