Will Cooper Flagg be able to attend March Madness? What we are aware of before the first round

Cooper Flagg, one of the most highly regarded high school basketball prospects in the country, is already a name that sparks conversation among basketball fans, analysts, and recruiters alike. With his incredible skills, physicality, and basketball IQ, he is being touted as one of the future stars of the NBA. But as the 2025 college basketball season approaches, fans and analysts alike are wondering: will Cooper Flagg, who has long been expected to play college basketball, be able to participate in March Madness? If so, what do we know about his potential involvement and how could it impact his future in the game?

In this article, we will explore the current status of Cooper Flagg, discuss the factors that could influence his ability to attend March Madness, and dive into how his potential participation in the NCAA Tournament could affect both his future prospects and the college basketball landscape. We’ll also examine the rules surrounding eligibility, his recruitment status, and how his journey to the tournament could unfold.

Cooper Flagg: The Basketball Phenomenon

Cooper Flagg is widely considered one of the top high school basketball players in the country and has earned comparisons to some of the most elite young players in the game, such as Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Standing at 6’8” and with a game that includes the versatility to play both forward positions as well as defend multiple positions, Flagg is seen as the kind of player that can make an immediate impact on any team. His skills as both a scorer and defender, along with his basketball IQ, set him apart from many of his peers.

Flagg’s basketball journey has been one of rapid ascension. From his early days on the AAU circuit to his dominant performances in high school, Flagg has impressed scouts, coaches, and fans with his ability to handle pressure, deliver clutch moments, and refine his game with each passing year. With offers from some of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the nation, Flagg’s recruitment process has been under the microscope for quite some time.

At the same time, Flagg has also been widely regarded as a potential top pick in the NBA Draft. This has led many to speculate about whether he will opt to bypass college basketball altogether and pursue a professional career, or whether he will take the more traditional route and play at the collegiate level before turning pro. His decision on where to play will have a significant impact on the landscape of college basketball, and for many fans, the question of whether Flagg will attend March Madness is one that’s tied to his broader career trajectory.

What Is March Madness?

Before diving into whether Cooper Flagg will attend March Madness, it’s important to clarify what the term “March Madness” refers to. March Madness is the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, which is held every spring to determine the national champion of college basketball. The tournament consists of 68 teams that compete in a single-elimination format, with each team vying for a spot in the Final Four and ultimately a chance to win the national title.

For a player like Cooper Flagg, participating in March Madness would be a tremendous opportunity to showcase his talents on the national stage. The tournament is one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in to see how teams perform in high-stakes games. March Madness is also known for its unpredictability, as lower-seeded teams often upset higher-ranked teams, creating an atmosphere of excitement and drama.

If Flagg were to play in March Madness, it would be a significant milestone in his career, especially if he were able to lead his team deep into the tournament. The spotlight of the tournament would give him even greater exposure and could play a key role in shaping his future as a player, whether he eventually enters the NBA or stays in college for further development.

Flagg’s College Recruitment: Will He Play in March Madness?

Cooper Flagg’s recruitment has been one of the most heavily followed in recent years. With offers from major college basketball programs like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas, it’s clear that Flagg has his pick of the top schools. Many believe that he will choose to play for a team that can provide both a competitive environment and a stage to showcase his talents. The possibility of him participating in March Madness depends largely on where he ends up playing and whether that team is successful enough to secure a spot in the tournament.

At the time of writing, it’s still unclear where Flagg will ultimately land, but his decision will have major implications for the team he joins. College basketball programs are undoubtedly hoping to land Flagg because of his potential to help elevate their programs to national championship contention. If Flagg were to play for a team that performs well enough during the regular season to make it to the NCAA Tournament, there’s a strong chance that he would play in March Madness, assuming he is not injured and meets the NCAA’s eligibility requirements.

However, Flagg’s participation in March Madness would require a few key factors to align. These include:

• Flagg’s College Decision: Will he ultimately commit to a college program that has the potential to make it to the NCAA Tournament? His decision will likely influence the overall success of that program and its chances to secure a March Madness berth.
• Team Performance: Even if Flagg joins a top program, it’s not guaranteed that team will qualify for March Madness. The NCAA Tournament selection is based on a team’s performance in the regular season and conference tournaments. A team that underperforms or faces setbacks could miss out on an NCAA berth, regardless of how talented its players are.
• Flagg’s Development: As one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, Flagg’s personal development could also play a role in his ability to participate in the tournament. If he continues to grow as a player and is healthy throughout the season, he could be the centerpiece of his team’s run in March Madness.

Will Flagg’s Decision to Stay in College Impact His March Madness Potential?

While it’s likely that Flagg’s talent would make an immediate impact on any college team, one question that persists is whether he will stay in college long enough to participate in March Madness. His status as a potential NBA lottery pick means that he could bypass college altogether and enter the NBA Draft. Some players, like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, have entered the NBA directly out of high school, and this path may still be an option for Flagg.

However, it’s also possible that Flagg could opt to play one or two years of college basketball before making the jump to the NBA. If he chooses this route, it would give him a chance to showcase his skills in a highly competitive environment and improve his game. If Flagg stays in college for even one season, he could very well have the opportunity to lead his team to March Madness.

The decision to stay in college may also be influenced by the fact that the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules have allowed college athletes to profit from their personal brand. This has made college basketball a more financially appealing option for elite prospects, including Flagg, who could capitalize on endorsement deals while still developing his game. The exposure and platform provided by March Madness could also lead to greater endorsement opportunities for him.

Potential Scenarios for Flagg’s March Madness Involvement

Several scenarios could play out depending on Flagg’s decision and how his recruitment unfolds. Here are a few possible scenarios:

1. Flagg Joins a College Program and Plays in March Madness: This is the most ideal scenario for college basketball fans, as it would give Flagg the opportunity to participate in one of the most exciting and widely watched events in sports. If Flagg joins a top-tier program and the team performs well during the season, there’s a strong chance that they will make it to the NCAA Tournament, and Flagg would play in March Madness.
2. Flagg Chooses to Enter the NBA Draft: If Flagg decides to forgo college and enter the NBA Draft straight out of high school, it would eliminate the possibility of him attending March Madness. While this is a highly unlikely option given the benefits of college basketball development, it’s still a possibility given his talent level and NBA aspirations.
3. Flagg Joins a College Program But the Team Misses March Madness: If Flagg commits to a college program, but the team falls short in the regular season or conference tournament, it’s possible that the program could miss out on an NCAA Tournament bid. In this case, Flagg would not participate in March Madness, although he would still have an opportunity to showcase his skills in other postseason tournaments, such as the NIT.