“Didn’t End the Way We Wanted It To, But Still an Incredible Year”: Cooper Flagg Reflects on His Freshman Season as a Blue Devil
Cooper Flagg’s freshman year at Duke University didn’t quite end as the highly-touted prospect had envisioned. With expectations sky-high and the spotlight firmly on him, the season ultimately fell short of the ultimate goal—a national championship. However, despite the disappointing finish, Flagg has nothing but praise for the journey and experience he gained throughout the year. Reflecting on his first season as a Blue Devil, Flagg remains confident that the lessons learned and growth achieved will set the stage for an even more successful future.
“I think I learned a lot this season,” Flagg said in a recent interview. “We didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but still an incredible year. I’m just thankful for everything I experienced, and I’m excited to take that with me moving forward.”
Flagg’s transition from high school phenom to college basketball star was expected to be challenging, but his performance during his freshman campaign proved he was more than capable of handling the pressure. Coming into the season with immense expectations, Flagg had already established himself as one of the top recruits in the nation, known for his versatile skill set, exceptional defense, and high basketball IQ. At Duke, he quickly became a key player for Coach Jon Scheyer’s squad.
Throughout the season, Flagg showed flashes of brilliance, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His defensive presence, in particular, was a standout feature. Flagg earned recognition for his ability to guard multiple positions, using his length and agility to disrupt opposing offenses. Offensively, Flagg continued to improve, developing a more consistent jump shot while also demonstrating his ability to drive to the basket and finish in traffic.
The Blue Devils had high hopes entering the NCAA Tournament, but the team’s journey ended prematurely. Despite strong individual performances from Flagg and his teammates, Duke was eliminated in the Elite Eight. The loss was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow for Flagg and the rest of the team, especially given the championship aspirations they carried throughout the season.
Despite the early exit, Flagg remains upbeat about his first-year experience at Duke. “Losing is tough, but that’s part of the game,” Flagg reflected. “The tournament is so unpredictable, and sometimes things just don’t go your way. But I wouldn’t change a thing about this year. The competition, the coaching, and the team chemistry were all amazing. I feel like I’ve grown so much as a player and as a person.”
Duke’s season may not have ended with a national title, but Flagg’s contributions were integral to their success. His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to improving each day set the tone for his teammates. His ability to handle adversity also helped him earn the respect of his coaches and peers, making him a player to watch in the years to come.
Looking ahead, Flagg is determined to use the lessons from his freshman year as motivation for the future. He’s already focused on improving his game during the offseason, working on his shooting, ball handling, and overall basketball IQ. With a year of college experience now under his belt, he feels more prepared than ever to take the next step in his journey.
“Next year, I want to be even better,” Flagg said with a determined smile. “I’m ready to take on even more responsibility and help this team reach its full potential. We’ve got a great group of guys, and I believe we can do something special.”
As Cooper Flagg reflects on his freshman year, he remains optimistic about his future both at Duke and beyond. While the season didn’t end with a championship, it laid the foundation for a bright future. The growth he experienced and the lessons learned this year will undoubtedly propel him toward even greater achievements as he continues his journey in college basketball.
