Duke basketball player Cooper Flagg impresses ESPN’s Jay Williams, who cites qualities that earn titles.

Cooper Flagg, a name that is becoming increasingly synonymous with basketball greatness, has garnered widespread attention for his dominance on the court and his potential as one of the most coveted prospects in high school basketball. As a 5-star recruit and one of the top players in the Class of 2025, Flagg has already established himself as an exceptional talent, but it’s his unique set of qualities that have impressed ESPN’s Jay Williams—qualities that not only make him a future star but also someone capable of leading teams to championships. With a diverse skill set, an elite work ethic, and a deep understanding of the game, Cooper Flagg stands out in a basketball world filled with rising talent. Williams, who knows what it takes to win titles after his own playing career, sees in Flagg many of the characteristics necessary for success at the highest levels of basketball.

Cooper Flagg: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the qualities that have impressed Jay Williams, it’s important to provide a brief overview of Cooper Flagg’s rise in the basketball world.

Flagg is a 6’8” forward from Maine, and his skills are a blend of physical prowess, basketball IQ, and versatility. Known for his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Flagg plays with a rare intensity and maturity for his age. His defensive capabilities, especially his shot-blocking and on-ball defense, are arguably the most impressive aspect of his game. Offensively, he’s capable of scoring in a variety of ways, from driving to the basket to shooting from distance. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism has made him a highly sought-after recruit for top college programs and NBA scouts alike.

The Jay Williams Connection: The NBA Champion’s Assessment

Jay Williams, a former NBA player and current ESPN analyst, has a wealth of experience evaluating talent at the highest levels. As someone who played for the Chicago Bulls and has closely followed basketball for years, Williams knows that a player’s success is not solely dependent on physical gifts or highlight-reel plays. Rather, it’s a combination of mental toughness, leadership, work ethic, and basketball IQ that separates the good from the great—especially when it comes to earning championships.

In his analysis of Cooper Flagg, Williams has pointed to several key qualities that he believes make Flagg not only an elite prospect but someone capable of leading a team to a title. These qualities are what Williams has identified as the essential ingredients for winning in the NBA, and in his view, Flagg possesses them in spades.

1. Defensive Dominance: A Championship Foundation

One of the most striking qualities that has impressed Jay Williams is Flagg’s ability to dominate on the defensive end. Williams, who knows that championship teams are built on defense, has emphasized that Flagg’s defensive abilities are the cornerstone of his potential for success at the highest level.

Shot-Blocking and Rim Protection

At 6’8”, Flagg is an imposing figure in the paint, and he is widely regarded as one of the best shot-blockers in his class. His ability to protect the rim is reminiscent of elite defenders in the NBA, and his timing and anticipation are already at an advanced level. This skill alone makes him a player who can immediately impact games at the next level.

Flagg has an uncanny ability to block shots without fouling, often using his length and leaping ability to contest attempts without getting caught out of position. His shot-blocking not only prevents scoring opportunities but also disrupts the flow of the opposing offense, forcing teams to alter their game plans. This is a critical trait for any player looking to lead a team to a title, as championship teams often rely on players who can control the game defensively.

On-Ball Defense

Beyond his shot-blocking, Flagg’s on-ball defense has also been a point of admiration for Williams. Flagg’s size and agility allow him to guard multiple positions, from small forwards to centers, and he excels at staying in front of his man while contesting shots. In an era of basketball where versatility is highly valued, Flagg’s ability to switch onto different defenders and defend in various schemes is an asset that makes him a future standout at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Williams knows that in order to win titles, teams need players who can shut down opposing scorers, disrupt passing lanes, and provide defensive energy every possession. Flagg’s defensive prowess checks all those boxes, and Williams believes this will be one of his most valuable assets when it comes to competing for championships.

2. Basketball IQ: The Ability to Read the Game

One of the most impressive aspects of Cooper Flagg’s game, according to Jay Williams, is his high basketball IQ. Despite his youth, Flagg plays with a level of maturity and awareness that belies his age. His ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make quick decisions is a quality that separates him from other players at his level.

Court Vision and Playmaking

Although Flagg is known for his defense, he also has a knack for creating opportunities on the offensive end. His vision and passing ability are beyond what is typically expected from a forward of his age, and he has the ability to find open teammates and make the right play. Whether it’s driving to the basket and kicking out to a shooter or executing an outlet pass in transition, Flagg’s court vision and unselfishness allow him to contribute to the offense in ways that many other players cannot.

For Williams, basketball IQ is a critical aspect of winning championships. Players with a high basketball IQ know when to push the tempo, when to slow the game down, and how to make smart decisions under pressure. Flagg’s ability to process the game quickly and make the right decisions at the right moments is a key reason why Williams believes Flagg has the potential to lead teams to titles.

Leadership and Poise

Beyond his on-court intelligence, Flagg also displays strong leadership qualities. He’s not afraid to take control of a game when necessary, and his poise in high-pressure situations is impressive. For Williams, this leadership quality is something that champions are made of. Flagg is able to communicate with his teammates, encourage them during tough stretches, and remain calm even when the game is on the line.

While Flagg’s leadership abilities are still developing, Williams sees a player who has the potential to grow into a leader who can carry a team through the ups and downs of a championship chase.

3. Work Ethic and Mental Toughness: A Drive for Excellence

For Jay Williams, one of the most important qualities for any player who hopes to win a title is mental toughness. Championships are not won on talent alone—they are earned through hard work, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s this mental edge that separates the good from the great in Williams’ eyes.

Flagg’s work ethic has been widely praised, and he is known for his dedication to improving every aspect of his game. Whether it’s spending extra time in the gym, watching film to study his opponents, or pushing himself to improve his weaknesses, Flagg’s commitment to his craft is something that Williams sees as essential for a player who wants to win championships.

Dealing with Adversity

In addition to his work ethic, Flagg’s mental toughness has been on display throughout his career. He has faced adversity in various forms—whether it be injuries, high expectations, or tough competition—but has always bounced back stronger. This resilience is something that Williams believes will serve Flagg well in the pressure-filled environment of championship basketball.

Focus and Consistency

One of the hallmarks of championship-caliber players is their ability to perform at a high level consistently. Flagg has shown the ability to dominate at both the high school and AAU levels, and he does so with a level of consistency that makes him stand out from other prospects. His ability to stay focused on the task at hand, game after game, is a key indicator that he has the mental fortitude necessary to excel in the high-stakes atmosphere of playoff basketball.

4. Versatility: The Key to Championships in Today’s NBA

Finally, one of the most important qualities that Jay Williams sees in Cooper Flagg is his versatility. The modern NBA values players who can do it all—players who can guard multiple positions, contribute in various offensive sets, and impact the game in a variety of ways. Flagg’s ability to play multiple positions and excel in both the frontcourt and backcourt makes him an ideal fit for the modern NBA, and a player who can contribute to a team’s success in a number of ways.

Flagg’s versatility makes him a weapon for any team looking to win a championship, and Williams believes that this trait will be one of the most important factors in Flagg’s pursuit of greatness.