Cooper Flagg Earns ACC Player, Rookie of the Year Honors After Impressive Freshman Season Leading Duke to Final Four

In an era where top high school recruits face intense scrutiny the moment they step onto a college campus, few have lived up to the hype quite like Cooper Flagg. The Duke freshman not only met expectations in his debut season—he shattered them. Averaging 19.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, Flagg played a pivotal role in leading the Blue Devils to the 2025 NCAA Final Four and earned both ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year honors in the process.

Flagg’s historic season instantly places him among Duke’s all-time great freshmen, a list that includes names like Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Kyrie Irving. But even among that elite company, Flagg’s all-around impact—scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defensive versatility—makes his debut campaign truly special.

The Arrival of a Phenomenon

Coming out of Montverde Academy in Florida as the consensus No. 1 player in the 2024 recruiting class, Cooper Flagg was hailed as a generational talent. The 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, had scouts buzzing with his length, basketball IQ, and two-way ability. Expectations soared when he committed to Duke, joining head coach Jon Scheyer’s second top-ranked recruiting class in three years.

Flagg embraced the pressure from day one.

From his first game at Cameron Indoor Stadium—where he dropped 24 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Arizona—it was clear Flagg was ready for the college game. He showcased a rare blend of polish and poise, combining the scoring instincts of a seasoned pro with the energy of a hungry freshman.

“Cooper is special,” Scheyer said. “He’s the type of player who makes everyone around him better, and he never shies away from the big moment.”

Dominance in the ACC

Flagg’s dominance wasn’t limited to non-conference play. Once the ACC season began, he elevated his game. He averaged 20.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in conference action while shooting 50.8% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. Whether it was attacking the rim, pulling up from midrange, or making smart reads out of double teams, Flagg’s offensive toolkit was on full display.

But it was his defense that truly separated him from the pack. Flagg finished second in the ACC in blocks (2.3 per game) and was among the league leaders in steals. His ability to guard positions 1 through 5 allowed Duke to switch freely and play aggressive, high-level defense.

His standout performance came in a late-season win over North Carolina, where he posted 28 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in a game that helped secure Duke’s top seed in the ACC Tournament.

“He just takes over games,” said UNC head coach Hubert Davis. “He affects every possession, even when he doesn’t touch the ball.”

A Clean Sweep of ACC Honors

By the time the regular season concluded, there was little debate about who the ACC’s most impactful player was. Flagg was named ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year—a rare double honor that placed him in elite company. He became the first player to sweep both awards since Duke’s Jahlil Okafor in 2015, and only the fourth player in ACC history to do so.

The vote wasn’t close. Flagg received 85% of the first-place votes for Player of the Year and was the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year.

“Cooper was not only the best freshman in the country—he was the best player in the conference,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “His combination of maturity, skill, and unselfishness is remarkable for someone his age.”

Leading Duke Back to the Final Four

Duke entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed in the South Region and quickly demonstrated why they were a title contender. Flagg averaged 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over five tournament games, including a clutch 30-point effort against Baylor in the Elite Eight.

His leadership, both vocal and by example, helped a young Duke team navigate the chaos of March Madness. Whether it was hitting key free throws, grabbing a critical rebound, or directing teammates on defense, Flagg played like a seasoned veteran.

Duke’s run ended in the Final Four with a hard-fought loss to Purdue, but Flagg’s performance throughout the tournament only enhanced his growing legacy. He finished the NCAA Tournament as one of the top five scorers and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

“It hurts that we didn’t win it all,” Flagg said afterward. “But I’m proud of how far we came and how we fought every night. This is just the beginning.”

Comparing Flagg to Past Duke Greats

In just one season, Cooper Flagg has sparked comparisons to some of the greatest players in Duke history. Statistically, his freshman year ranks near the top in multiple categories:

• Points per game: 19.9 (second only to Zion Williamson among Duke freshmen)
• Rebounds per game: 8.0
• Assists per game: 4.1
• Blocks per game: 2.3

But perhaps more important than the stats is the impact Flagg had on the program. Like Grant Hill and Shane Battier before him, Flagg brought an intensity and selflessness that made his teammates better and raised the overall ceiling of the team.

“He’s got that it-factor,” said former Duke star Jay Williams. “You see it in his eyes. He wants the ball. He wants the responsibility. And he delivers.”

NBA Buzz Already Building

While Flagg has not announced whether he’ll return to Duke for his sophomore season or enter the 2026 NBA Draft (he reclassified and won’t be draft-eligible until then), scouts are already penciling him in as the likely No. 1 pick.

NBA front offices have praised Flagg’s feel for the game, competitive drive, and physical tools. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan and excellent lateral quickness, he projects as a two-way force at the next level.

“He’s one of the most complete prospects we’ve seen in years,” said one NBA general manager. “If he continues to develop his jumper and adds strength, he’s a franchise-changing player.”

What’s Next for Flagg and Duke

If Flagg returns for a sophomore season, Duke would almost certainly enter 2025–26 as the preseason No. 1 team. Scheyer has already landed another top-five recruiting class, and several key contributors from this year’s squad—like point guard Caleb Foster and center Sean Stewart—are expected back.

Flagg’s return would give Duke a legitimate shot at hanging another banner in Cameron Indoor. But even if he leaves for the NBA after one season, his legacy is already secure.

“He’s the type of player you don’t get very often,” said Scheyer. “He changed the culture in the locker room. He raised the standard. Whether he’s here for one year or two, we’re better because Cooper Flagg chose Duke.”

A Star Beyond the Stats

Beyond the accolades and highlight reels, what truly sets Flagg apart is his humility and team-first attitude. Despite being the most talked-about player in college basketball, he’s never made it about himself. Whether signing autographs for kids, deflecting praise to his teammates, or showing up early to practice, Flagg has embodied what it means to be a Blue Devil.

“He just loves the game,” Scheyer said. “He’s not chasing the spotlight. He’s chasing greatness.”

In a college basketball landscape often dominated by flashy plays and individualism, Flagg’s approach is refreshing—and rare. His ability to combine superstar production with a selfless mindset has made him a fan favorite not just in Durham, but across the country.

As Duke looks ahead to the future—whether it includes Flagg for another season or not—the blueprint for what’s possible has been laid.

Because Cooper Flagg didn’t just live up to the hype.

He redefined it.