Duke Great Seth Curry Praises Cooper Flagg Ahead of NCAA Tournament: ‘Wise Beyond His Years’
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, one of the most talked-about prospects in college basketball is Cooper Flagg, the highly touted freshman forward for Duke University. With the spotlight shining brighter on Flagg, former Duke standout and NBA sharpshooter Seth Curry recently weighed in on the 6’8″ phenom, praising his maturity and basketball IQ ahead of what promises to be an exciting tournament run for the Blue Devils.
Flagg, who was one of the most highly ranked players in his recruiting class, has already impressed both coaches and fans with his polished game and leadership abilities. Known for his versatility, tenacious defense, and ability to make plays on both ends of the floor, Flagg has quickly become a key contributor for Duke under Coach Jon Scheyer. But what sets him apart from many players his age is his maturity—both on and off the court.
Seth Curry, who had an illustrious career at Duke before going on to achieve success in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors, is no stranger to the pressures of playing for a top-tier program. Curry, who was part of Duke’s 2010 national championship team, knows what it takes to perform at a high level in the NCAA Tournament. His endorsement of Flagg speaks volumes about the young player’s potential.
“Cooper is wise beyond his years,” Curry said when asked about the freshman forward. “You don’t see many players with his level of maturity at this stage in their career. He understands the game on a deeper level than most, and his ability to impact both sides of the ball makes him a special player. You can tell he’s not just playing to get stats; he’s playing to win, and that’s something you don’t always see in freshmen.”
Curry’s assessment of Flagg comes at a time when Duke is poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With the Blue Devils ranked among the top teams in the nation, Flagg’s ability to step up in big moments will be crucial. His defensive prowess, combined with his offensive versatility, gives Duke a unique edge over other teams in the tournament. Flagg has the rare ability to guard multiple positions, making him a defensive anchor for Duke, while also contributing significantly to the offense.
Flagg’s rise to prominence has been rapid, and it hasn’t come without its challenges. Transitioning from high school to college basketball is never easy, but Flagg has made it look seamless. His work ethic, focus, and basketball IQ have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, while Curry’s praise only adds to the hype surrounding the freshman forward.
For a player as young as Flagg, the ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations is invaluable. In the coming weeks, he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the national stage as Duke fights for a national title. If Flagg continues to develop at the pace he has shown so far, it’s clear that he could become one of the best players in college basketball, with a bright future ahead in the NBA.
As the NCAA Tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils, with Seth Curry’s words serving as a reminder of just how special the freshman’s game truly is. If Flagg can live up to the praise he’s already receiving, Duke’s tournament run could be one for the history books.
