Cooper Flagg: A Top NBA Draft Prospect in Modern History

Cooper Flagg has exceeded all expectations and hype surrounding him.

The NBA anticipated Cooper Flagg’s ascent to superstardom long before he donned a Duke jersey. His exceptional talent was so compelling that it prompted Flagg to reclassify, effectively skipping his senior year of high school to join college at just 17 years old. The NBA’s interest also led him to participate in USA Basketball training camp last summer, where he outperformed many top players in scrimmages in preparation for the Paris Olympics.

Flagg was already viewed as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft before stepping onto campus, and he has only intensified the hype. Living up to such high expectations is challenging, especially given his age, but as 2025 approaches, Flagg has made it clear that he can meet these challenges head-on.

Duke is currently ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll, riding a 10-game winning streak largely due to their star freshman. Flagg’s latest performance was his best yet: he set a new ACC freshman record with 42 points in a victory over Notre Dame, featuring an impressive highlight reel dunk, outstanding three-point shooting, and a notable number of assists.

From the moment Flagg debuted at Duke, it was clear he belonged, though he struggled at times to live up to his “generational” label. This changed after he turned 18 on December 21. Here are his statistics before and after his birthday:

At 18, Flagg is still younger than many freshmen in recent drafts, like Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe, who was also a lottery selection after his freshman year.

Flagg’s remarkable performance against strong competition signifies his potential for future stardom. His box score plus/minus (BPM), which measures a player’s impact while on the court, showcases his talent. Since 2008, only 21 freshmen have achieved a BPM over 10 in a single season, and Flagg’s current score of 14.3 ranks fifth highest among them, making him the youngest on this list.

Only Auburn senior Johni Broome and Houston junior Emanuel Sharp have higher BPMs than Flagg this season. He also ranks third nationally in win shares and leads in defensive win shares according to Sports Reference. Flagg isn’t just good for a freshman; he could be a serious contender for National Player of the Year, especially with Broome’s recent injury that could enable Flagg to win the award, a feat achieved by only a few freshmen like Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant.

Flagg stands out among super prospects as he isn’t solely a dominant scorer yet. Instead, he is an elite defensive talent who also excels offensively with great versatility.

Currently, Duke boasts the No. 2 defense in the nation, allowing just 87.8 points per 100 possessions. Flagg is a versatile player who can enhance any defensive lineup, functioning as a wing stopper, off-ball defender, rim protector, or pick-and-roll player. With his 6’9” height and a 7-foot wingspan, he combines length, athleticism, intelligence, and energy, consistently making significant plays on defense.

Flagg’s defensive skills provide numerous possibilities for team strategy. He is an ideal player for teams needing a skilled offensive center lacking rim protection. He can also assist teams with guards who struggle to contain opposing ball handlers. Despite occasional challenges against quicker players, Flagg possesses incredible recovery speed to contest shots even after being beaten.

Offensively, while Flagg is still developing as a shooter and ball handler, he contributes significantly in various areas. Duke utilizes Flagg as a primary playmaker, which has resulted in some growing pains but ultimately benefits his development. He boasts a 30.9 percent usage rate, above-average scoring efficiency at 58.3 percent true shooting, and a 25.5 percent assist rate.

Flagg’s efficiency could improve significantly in a role focused on finishing plays, where his physical tools shine. As his ability to create plays enhances, he has the potential to reach new heights as a player.

Currently, Flagg’s three-point shooting at 34.5 percent may not seem impressive, but his balance and shooting mechanics suggest significant improvement is possible.

As a scorer, Flagg’s size and athleticism pose challenges for most defenders. He is formidable when driving to the basket, showing the explosiveness needed to finish at the rim after creating an advantage.

Flagg’s awareness while driving is one of his most appealing traits and indicates his potential as a playmaker. The aspiration of Flagg becoming a versatile playmaker is closer to reality than many anticipated, as evidenced by his impressive assists to teammate Khaman Maluach.

Having covered the NBA Draft at SB Nation since 2013, I can confidently say that the only prospect I would rank higher than Flagg is Victor Wembanyama, whom I was predicting would be a top player a year prior to his draft day. Luka Doncic might also have an edge over Flagg, as well as Zion Williamson, despite his struggles with injuries and conditioning.

Flagg deserves to be mentioned alongside these elite prospects, outshining others like Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Paolo Banchero, and Chet Holmgren. The statistics support the assertion: Cooper Flagg is undeniably an exceptional talent.

While Dylan Harper has excelled at Rutgers, Flagg deserves to be recognized as the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. He is a game-changing player with the versatility to elevate any team’s strategy.

Meeting the lofty expectations placed on him hasn’t been easy, but Flagg is currently demonstrating his capabilities. Fans should relish the opportunity to witness a talent like him at the college level, as players of his caliber are rare.