FOX NEWS
April 11, 2025
Cooper Flagg Dominates in Debut Season, Earns Dual ACC Honors
DURHAM, N.C. — Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has officially etched his name into the history books of college basketball after a jaw-dropping debut season with the Duke Blue Devils. The 6-foot-9 forward has been named both the ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, becoming only the fourth player in conference history to earn both accolades in the same season.
Flagg joins an elite group that includes former Duke legends Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley III, and Jahlil Okafor. His dominance on both ends of the court has captivated the college basketball world and elevated Duke to one of the top programs in the nation this season.
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Flagg averaged 19.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. His all-around game, combined with his leadership and competitive fire, made him the focal point of head coach Jon Scheyer’s system. Whether attacking the rim, pulling up for a three, or locking down the opposing team’s top scorer, Flagg consistently delivered.
“Cooper is one of those rare talents who makes everyone around him better,” Coach Scheyer said. “His intensity, IQ, and work ethic are off the charts. To do what he’s done as a freshman—it’s incredible.”
One of Flagg’s defining moments came during the ACC Tournament, where he led the Blue Devils to the championship game. In a semifinal thriller against North Carolina, Flagg posted 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks, including a game-saving defensive stop in the final seconds that sent Duke to the final.
His impact extended into the NCAA Tournament, where Duke made a strong push to the Final Four. Flagg continued to shine, averaging nearly a double-double and drawing comparisons to NBA greats for his clutch performances and poise under pressure. Though Duke ultimately fell short in a heartbreaker against Houston in the national semifinal, Flagg’s play was a major factor in their deep tournament run.
Off the court, Flagg has handled the media spotlight and high expectations with the maturity of a seasoned veteran. He has already become one of the most recognizable faces in college basketball and a likely candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft should he declare.
“Winning is what I care about most,” Flagg told reporters after receiving the awards. “Individual honors are great, but I came to Duke to compete at the highest level and help bring a championship back to Durham.”
With his freshman season now complete, the basketball world awaits Flagg’s next move. Whether he returns for a second year or takes his talents to the NBA, one thing is certain—Cooper Flagg has already left an indelible mark on the sport.
As the Duke Blue Devils look ahead to next season, they do so knowing they had the privilege of witnessing one of the most electrifying freshmen campaigns in college basketball history.