Cooper Flagg Named 2024-25 CBS Sports Player of the Year: Duke Freshman Recognized as Nation’s Best
Duke freshman Cooper Flagg has been selected as the 2024-25 CBS Sports Player of the Year, capping off a meteoric rise in the college basketball world. The recognition places Flagg firmly in the spotlight as one of the most promising young talents in the sport, following his transition from high school to the collegiate stage.
Flagg’s selection as Player of the Year comes off the back of a standout summer with USA Basketball and a highly anticipated arrival in Durham, North Carolina. The 6-foot-8 forward from Maine was the consensus top recruit in the 2024 class, and his decision to attend Duke only added to the already sky-high expectations. His combination of size, versatility, and basketball IQ has made him one of the most closely watched players in recent memory, and his first year in college basketball is already shaping up to be one for the ages.
A Player Who Does It All
Cooper Flagg’s game is defined by his ability to impact every facet of play. On defense, he is a relentless presence, using his length and quickness to disrupt passing lanes, block shots, and guard multiple positions. His motor never stops, and his defensive versatility is one of the key reasons he was selected for the prestigious Player of the Year award. However, Flagg is no one-trick pony. Offensively, he has shown an impressive array of skills, from creating his own shot to facilitating for teammates. His ability to stretch the floor as a shooter, combined with his court vision, makes him an intriguing dual-threat on both ends of the floor.
What sets Flagg apart from other top prospects is his maturity on the court. Despite his youth, he plays with a poise that belies his age, making smart decisions and reading the game with the instincts of a seasoned veteran. This trait has endeared him to coaches, teammates, and scouts alike, and his ability to seamlessly integrate into Duke’s fast-paced system makes him a perfect fit for Coach Jon Scheyer’s squad.
Flagg’s Impact on Duke
The Duke Blue Devils are a storied program with a rich history of success, and with Flagg’s arrival, expectations for the 2024-25 season are higher than ever. Flagg has the potential to be a transformative player for the Blue Devils, and his presence is already paying dividends on both ends of the court. His blend of defense and offense gives Duke a versatile weapon that can dominate in a variety of situations, making them a formidable opponent in the ACC and on the national stage.
Duke’s offense this season has revolved around Flagg’s ability to space the floor and create opportunities for others, while his tenacious defense has anchored the team’s defensive schemes. Whether it’s his perimeter shooting, his ability to finish at the rim, or his leadership, Flagg’s well-rounded game is a huge asset to a program that prides itself on excellence in every phase of play.
Looking Ahead
Flagg’s selection as CBS Sports Player of the Year is just the latest in a series of accolades that have come his way. Many NBA scouts are already keeping a close eye on him, with some projecting him to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. However, Flagg remains focused on leading Duke to a national championship, a goal that seems very much within reach given his talent and work ethic.
As the season unfolds, Cooper Flagg will continue to make waves, proving that his rise from high school phenom to college basketball’s brightest star was no fluke. His selection as CBS Sports Player of the Year is just the beginning of what promises to be a storied career both at the collegiate level and beyond. With his talent, mindset, and dedication, Flagg is well on his way to becoming one of the most significant figures in basketball for years to come.
