Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson heap praise on Duke’s Cooper Flagg: “This guy is supposed to be in high school”
The college basketball landscape is often filled with buzz surrounding young, promising recruits, but rarely does a prospect garner as much attention as Cooper Flagg. A 6’8” forward from Newport, Maine, Flagg has been hailed as the top player in the 2025 recruiting class, attracting widespread attention for his impressive skill set, athleticism, and versatility on the court. His combination of defensive prowess, offensive fluidity, and overall basketball IQ has made him a household name in the world of high school basketball. However, it’s not just coaches, analysts, and fans who have been marveling at Flagg’s abilities — former college and NBA stars like Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson have also taken notice.
Both Jackson and Pinson, who have had their fair share of experiences playing at the highest levels of basketball, recently heaped praise on Flagg, calling his game “remarkable” and pointing out that he is the type of player who could already be contributing at the collegiate level, despite still being in high school. These endorsements from respected figures in basketball serve as a testament to just how special of a talent Cooper Flagg is, and what his future holds at Duke, the school he recently committed to for his collegiate career.
1. Who is Cooper Flagg?
Before diving into the reactions of Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson, it’s important to understand just who Cooper Flagg is and why he’s generating so much excitement. Flagg’s journey to the top of the high school basketball ranks is one of relentless dedication, elite-level performances, and a unique skill set that defies the traditional expectations for players his age.
Flagg began his high school career playing in Maine, a state not typically known for producing elite basketball prospects. Despite the lack of a robust basketball ecosystem in the state, Flagg quickly rose to prominence thanks to his dominant play on the court. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill has made him a standout player for USA Basketball, where he has showcased his talents on the national stage. Flagg’s abilities have earned him comparisons to some of the best players in college basketball, with his game drawing parallels to former Blue Devils stars and NBA players.
The most impressive aspect of Flagg’s game is his versatility. At 6’8”, he possesses the size to guard multiple positions and dominate in the paint. However, Flagg also has the ball-handling skills of a guard, allowing him to initiate offense and create scoring opportunities from all over the floor. His shot-blocking ability is elite, and his defensive awareness allows him to alter the flow of the game in ways that few players his age can. Offensively, Flagg is an adept scorer, able to finish around the rim, shoot from mid-range, and even stretch the floor with a developing three-point shot.
Flagg’s ability to impact both ends of the floor and do so with such maturity for his age has led to his ranking as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class. His future in college basketball, and potentially the NBA, looks incredibly bright, which is why his commitment to Duke has only increased the level of excitement surrounding his career.
2. Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson’s Praise for Flagg
Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson’s recent comments about Cooper Flagg have only added fuel to the fire regarding his immense potential. Both Jackson and Pinson are former college players who played at the University of North Carolina and have experience in the NBA, which makes their endorsement of Flagg even more significant.
2.1. Justin Jackson’s High Praise for Flagg
Justin Jackson, a former standout at the University of North Carolina and NBA player, has seen firsthand the caliber of talent that enters the college basketball landscape. Jackson was known for his ability to score at all levels and play multiple positions during his time in college and the pros. As someone who has played against some of the best young talents in basketball, Jackson’s praise for Cooper Flagg speaks volumes.
When Jackson saw Flagg play, he couldn’t help but marvel at the forward’s skills and maturity on the court. In a recent interview, Jackson was quoted saying, “This guy is supposed to be in high school right now, and he’s already playing at a level that would make a lot of college players look overmatched.” Jackson’s comment is significant because it highlights just how advanced Flagg’s game is compared to other players in his age group.
What Jackson is emphasizing is the fact that Flagg already possesses the physical tools and basketball IQ to thrive at the next level, and that’s an incredibly rare trait for a high school player. In college basketball, players often take years to adjust to the speed and complexity of the game, but Flagg’s development has led Jackson to believe that he could step in and make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Jackson’s praise also speaks to the fact that Flagg’s skills transcend what is typically expected from players at the high school level. His ability to contribute in so many areas — whether it’s scoring, defense, or facilitating — makes him a special prospect who could have a significant impact on the college basketball scene right away.
2.2. Theo Pinson’s Excitement Over Flagg’s Talent
Theo Pinson, a former UNC Tar Heel and NBA player known for his leadership, versatility, and high basketball IQ, also voiced his admiration for Cooper Flagg. Pinson’s comments were equally as glowing as Jackson’s, with the former Tar Heel acknowledging just how rare it is to see a player of Flagg’s caliber at such a young age.
Pinson remarked, “When you see a guy like Flagg play, you forget how young he is because of how poised and skilled he is. He’s making plays that you’d expect from someone who’s been in college for years. He’s going to be something special, and people are going to be talking about him for a long time.” Pinson’s words further emphasize the idea that Flagg’s skill set is well beyond his years. Pinson, who has seen players at every level of basketball, is quick to point out that Flagg’s ability to impact the game is on par with players who have years of experience.
Pinson’s praise isn’t just about Flagg’s raw talent; it’s about his maturity and basketball IQ. As a player who thrived in college basketball due to his understanding of the game and his ability to make smart decisions, Pinson recognizes that Flagg’s game is advanced in ways that go beyond just physical ability. His high basketball IQ, understanding of spacing, and defensive awareness all contribute to Flagg’s ability to play at an elite level, even as a high schooler.
Pinson also emphasized that Flagg’s work ethic and attitude are key elements to his future success. As someone who has had to grind through every level of basketball, Pinson knows that talent alone isn’t enough to succeed in the highly competitive world of college basketball. The fact that Flagg is receiving praise not just for his on-court ability but also for his approach to the game bodes well for his future in Durham, where he will be joining one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball.
3. The Significance of Jackson and Pinson’s Comments
The praise from Justin Jackson and Theo Pinson is significant for several reasons. First, both players have experience playing at the highest levels of basketball, and their endorsement of Flagg speaks volumes about his talent and potential. Jackson and Pinson have seen countless high school players throughout their careers, so their recognition of Flagg as a generational talent should not be taken lightly.
Secondly, their comments highlight just how much Flagg is already ahead of the curve for a player his age. Players who are able to dominate at such a high level in high school often struggle with the transition to college basketball. However, Flagg’s ability to perform at a level that makes college players look overmatched suggests that he could be ready to make an immediate impact when he steps onto the college court.
Finally, the support from two former college stars serves as a powerful reminder of the future of Duke basketball. Flagg’s commitment to the Blue Devils has been met with excitement not just from fans but from former players who understand what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. With Flagg joining forces with a highly rated recruiting class, Duke is poised to continue its dominance on the national stage.
4. What to Expect from Cooper Flagg at Duke
With Cooper Flagg now committed to Duke, the basketball world eagerly anticipates his arrival in Durham. What can we expect from Flagg as he enters the college basketball scene?
Flagg’s unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ will make him an immediate contributor for Duke. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions, and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor will make him a key piece in the Blue Devils’ system. Whether it’s blocking shots, creating scoring opportunities, or facilitating for teammates, Flagg’s well-rounded game will make him a player to watch in the upcoming seasons.
Additionally, Flagg’s leadership qualities and work ethic will serve him well in the highly competitive environment at Duke. With a program that demands excellence both on and off the court, Flagg’s maturity and attitude will allow him to fit right in.
