Duke Star Cooper Flagg Receives Ultimate Compliment From Teammate, Sparking Major Buzz About His Future NBA Stardom

The buzz around Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg just got even louder, thanks to a powerful and heartfelt compliment from one of his veteran teammates — a moment that captured not just the Blue Devils’ team chemistry, but the growing legend of the most hyped college basketball recruit in years.

In a post-practice interview with local media, Duke junior forward Mark Mitchell didn’t mince words when asked about Flagg’s early performance in workouts and scrimmages.

“He’s not just good — he’s one of the best I’ve ever played with,” Mitchell said. “The way Cooper sees the game, how he competes on both ends, and how mature he is already — you’d think he’s been in the league five years. I mean, he’s got that LeBron-type presence. He’s different.”

That final line — “He’s different” — set social media ablaze. Duke fans immediately began drawing comparisons to previous one-and-done legends like Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and even Kyrie Irving. And while it’s early, the respect Flagg has already earned from teammates like Mitchell suggests the expectations may be more than just hype.

Building the Legend

Cooper Flagg, the 6-foot-9 forward from Maine, reclassified to the 2024 class and instantly became the No. 1 recruit in the country. Known for his versatile skill set, high basketball IQ, and elite motor, Flagg had already made headlines before stepping foot on campus at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

From dominating the EYBL circuit to impressing scouts at the Team USA Junior National minicamp, Flagg’s name carried weight. But now that he’s practicing and scrimmaging against high-level college athletes, the glowing reviews are turning into something more — genuine belief that he could be a program-changing force from day one.

And Mitchell’s praise wasn’t isolated.

Senior guard Jeremy Roach, the team’s emotional leader and one of the few remaining players with Final Four experience, also chimed in:
“We’ve had some dogs come through Duke, no doubt. But Cooper? He’s got that in him — the fight, the will, and the poise. You can’t teach that.”

Flagg Already Leading Like a Pro

Flagg’s maturity and leadership have been a frequent topic of discussion behind closed doors and in pressers. Sources within the program say he’s often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. But what really sets him apart is how he listens and absorbs — often taking notes during film sessions and asking questions most freshmen don’t think to ask.

“Coop doesn’t act like a star,” one Duke staffer said. “He acts like a coach’s son who’s hungry to get better every day. He brings it.”

That approach has earned him trust from head coach Jon Scheyer, who has made it clear that Flagg will have a central role — if not the central role — in Duke’s offense this season.

A Future NBA Star in the Making?

NBA scouts are already circling Durham. One Western Conference scout told The Athletic anonymously, “I’d take him No. 1 right now if I could. His floor is an All-Star, and his ceiling? It’s scary.”

Flagg’s blend of size, fluidity, shooting, shot-blocking, and vision makes him a rare prospect. He can run the offense like a point forward, switch defensively onto guards, and knock down deep threes. What impresses scouts most is that he rarely forces anything. He plays within the flow, yet still dominates.

His teammate Kyle Filipowski — now in the NBA after a strong season at Duke — even texted Scheyer recently to say, “You’ve got a killer on your hands.”

Carrying the Torch for Coach K’s Legacy

While Jon Scheyer is entering just his third year at the helm, the pressure to maintain Duke’s blue-blood standard hasn’t waned. Flagg’s presence helps solidify the notion that Duke can still attract generational talent even in the post-Krzyzewski era.

“I think Cooper chose Duke because of what it stands for,” Scheyer said earlier this summer. “He wants to win at the highest level and be challenged. He’s embraced everything about being here.”

And the fans have embraced him right back. Season ticket sales spiked the moment Flagg’s commitment was announced, and his jersey has already become one of the top-selling items at Duke’s official store.

There’s a quiet confidence in Flagg that’s contagious. According to those around the team, it’s not just that he’s skilled — it’s that he’s calm in pressure moments, even during pickup games. He reportedly hit multiple game-winners during closed scrimmages in July, including a pull-up three over a double-team.

The Weight of Expectations

Of course, expectations can be a double-edged sword. With comparisons to players like Kevin Durant and Paul George, Flagg’s freshman season will be scrutinized on every possession. But those closest to him say he welcomes the pressure.

“I don’t think there’s a moment that’s too big for Coop,” said assistant coach Amile Jefferson. “He lives for it. And more importantly, he’s humble about it. That’s the most impressive part.”

If Flagg can live up to even a fraction of the hype, Duke could be in for a special season. Early bracket predictions already have the Blue Devils as a Final Four favorite, and Flagg is being projected as a preseason All-American.

Beyond Basketball

What makes Flagg’s rise even more admirable is his humility. Despite the fame and endorsements that have come with his NIL deals, he remains deeply grounded. He frequently credits his parents, his hometown of Newport, Maine, and his AAU coaches for shaping his path.

In fact, Flagg still maintains a group chat with his high school teammates and regularly calls his twin brother Ace — who plays at Montverde Academy — to talk about life and basketball.

“It’s not about the cameras or the fame,” Flagg said recently. “It’s about the love of the game. That’s why I play. That’s why I chose Duke.”

Looking Ahead

With the season approaching fast, all eyes will be on how Cooper Flagg handles the spotlight. But with teammates backing him, coaches trusting him, and fans rallying around him, he appears more than ready.

The compliment from Mark Mitchell — calling Flagg “one of the best I’ve ever played with” — may seem like hyperbole to some. But for those who’ve seen Flagg up close, it’s simply the truth.

And if Flagg continues on this trajectory, it won’t be long before the entire basketball world sees it, too.