- NCAA. Cooper Flagg under pressure to change his mind about NBA after Duke's Final Four fiasco
- NCAA. Cooper Flagg sends clear farewell message after Duke's Final Four disappointment
Cooper Flagg's freshman season at Duke ended in heartbreak as the Blue Devils were eliminated from the Final Four in a dramatic 70-67 loss to the Houston Cougars.
In a thrilling finish, Flagg missed a potential game-winning shot with eight seconds left, and Houston capitalized, scoring seven straight points in the final 33 seconds to secure the victory. Despite the loss, Flagg's individual performance over the season ensured his place as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Flagg had an outstanding year with Duke, leading the team to a 35-4 record and posting impressive stats of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His performance has made him a strong contender for the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
Flagg receives Naismith Trophy after stellar season
Just one day after the tough loss, Flagg was awarded the prestigious Naismith Trophy, given to the best college basketball player of the season. The award came after a competitive race with finalists like Purdue's Braden Smith, Auburn's Johni Broome, and Florida's Walter Clayton Jr.
At the Naismith Award ceremony, Flagg shared his gratitude for the honor and reflected on his incredible season.
"It's an incredible honor for me," Flagg said.
"I appreciate everybody for giving me this type of recognition. This whole year, this tournament, it went by so fast, and it's been a blur. It's been an incredible year.
"I give all the credit to my teammates, Coach Scheyer, the staff, and the medical team for getting me ready every single night and allowing me to be myself on and off the court."
Flagg also took time to thank his parents, Ralph and Kelly, acknowledging their sacrifices throughout his journey.
"I wouldn't be here without them-the car rides to AAU games, everything," he said.
As Flagg heads back to Durham with his team, Houston stays in San Antonio, preparing for their national championship game against the Florida Gators. Despite the tough loss, Flagg's remarkable season and Naismith Trophy win serve as a testament to his potential and future success.