Cooper Flagg, Duke’s sensational freshman phenom, is turning heads not just with his game—but with who he models it after.
Fresh off leading the Blue Devils to an ACC title and Final Four appearance, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has fans buzzing again after revealing his favorite NBA player. In a resurfaced interview shared by “NBA Future Starts Now,” Flagg didn’t hesitate when asked: “Probably Jayson Tatum, just because I’m a Celtics fan. I like his game a lot, and I kind of try and take pieces of his game.”
The New England native’s answer makes perfect sense—but that hasn’t stopped the internet from going wild. With comparisons already swirling between Flagg and other NBA greats, the fact that he idolizes a fellow Duke alum and current Celtics superstar only adds fuel to the hype.
Flagg dominated in his freshman season, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game on elite shooting splits: 48.1% from the field, 38.5% from deep, and 84.0% from the line.
He’s expected to participate in the NBA Draft Combine beginning this Sunday, and unless something shocking happens, he’ll be the first name off the board in June’s draft.
The NBA Draft Lottery on Monday, May 12, will decide which lucky franchise lands the top pick. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets currently hold the best odds (14%), but teams like the Pelicans (12.5%), 76ers (10.5%), and even long shots like the Mavericks and Spurs could make surprise leaps.
No matter where he lands, one thing is clear—Cooper Flagg is about to change the game.
