Colin Cowherd Predicts Cooper Flagg Will Be Best NBA Player Ever from Duke
In a bold statement that has raised eyebrows across the basketball world, sports commentator Colin Cowherd has predicted that incoming Duke freshman Cooper Flagg will become the best NBA player ever to come from the storied program. Known for his sharp opinions and fearless takes, Cowherd’s recent comment has sparked both excitement and debate among basketball fans and analysts alike.
Flagg, who is widely regarded as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation, is set to join Duke for the 2024-2025 season. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has drawn comparisons to some of the best players in the game. The 6’8″ forward from Maine, who was named the MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, is expected to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level, and many believe his potential will only grow once he enters the NBA.
Cowherd’s statement is particularly striking when considering Duke’s rich history of producing NBA talent. Over the years, the Blue Devils have sent 90 players to the professional ranks, including legends like Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, Grant Hill, and Christian Laettner. These players have made significant marks in the NBA, with some becoming franchise players and earning All-Star appearances. However, Cowherd believes Flagg has the potential to outshine them all.
“I think Cooper Flagg is going to be their best NBA player ever,” Cowherd said on his popular sports talk show. “Duke has had 90 guys in the NBA, but this kid, I think, is special. He’s not just a great college player; I think he’s going to be a generational NBA talent.”
For Cowherd, Flagg’s combination of athleticism, skill, and high basketball IQ puts him in rare company. Flagg is known for his ability to play both ends of the floor, with an elite defensive game and the versatility to guard multiple positions. Offensively, Flagg has developed a smooth shooting stroke, along with the ability to drive to the basket and create opportunities for his teammates. What truly separates him, according to Cowherd, is his basketball sense—Flagg’s understanding of the game is advanced for his age, and that will only help him transition smoothly to the NBA.
The comparison to past Duke stars like Zion Williamson is inevitable, but Cowherd’s argument is that Flagg’s all-around game, combined with his work ethic and approach to the game, makes him a player with even more upside. Unlike some of Duke’s other recent stars, who were heavily reliant on their athleticism, Flagg’s nuanced skill set could give him a more sustained career at the next level.
While it’s certainly a bold proclamation, Cowherd is not the only one who sees Flagg’s potential. Scouts and analysts across the country have raved about his skill set and potential. His recruitment to Duke was one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory, and many believe Flagg is the type of player who can not only dominate in college but also quickly become a force in the NBA.
However, making the leap from college to professional basketball is never a guarantee, even for the most highly touted prospects. The competition in the NBA is fierce, and many players who shine in college never quite reach their full potential at the next level. Still, for Cowherd, Flagg has something special that sets him apart—an unquantifiable quality that could lead him to become the best to ever come out of Duke, and perhaps one of the best in NBA history.
Whether or not Flagg lives up to these lofty expectations remains to be seen. But for now, Duke fans and basketball enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely as one of the most exciting prospects in years prepares to take the court in Durham.
