Legendary former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski recently offered glowing praise for Cooper Flagg, the dynamic freshman sensation who has taken college basketball by storm. After a breakout season with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg is now widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft—a distinction few players achieve, and one that cements his path toward possible superstardom.
Krzyzewski, known for coaching generational talents during his decades at Duke, didn’t hold back in assessing Flagg’s game. He called Flagg “unique,” praising not only his physical tools but also his relentless mentality. “This kid plays every play hard,” Krzyzewski said. “Cooper is just unique, you know. He’s so strong. His legs are so strong and athletically he’s gifted. When you add his athletic ability and his competitive attitude, you have a very special guy.”
Flagg’s Stats (Freshman Season at Duke):
19.2 points per game
7.5 rebounds
4.2 assists
1.4 steals
1.4 blocks
These numbers, combined with his consistent effort on both ends of the floor, have scouts raving. Flagg’s ability to impact the game in multiple areas—scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense—sets him apart even among elite college athletes.
Coach K, who has seen the likes of Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and JJ Redick come through Durham, placed Flagg in that elite company. Some insiders believe Flagg may even possess a ceiling higher than many of those names, due to his rare blend of size, skill, and motor.
What’s most exciting is that Flagg is still just scratching the surface of his potential. His basketball IQ, leadership, and drive to improve suggest he’s built for long-term success in the NBA—not just as a contributor, but as a possible face of a franchise.
Is Cooper Flagg a Lock for NBA Stardom?
If Coach K’s comments are any indication, the answer might be yes. While nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, Flagg’s combination of talent, maturity, and competitiveness gives him the foundation to become a superstar.
As fans await the draft, Flagg’s trajectory is generating hype not seen since prospects like Luka Dončić or Victor Wembanyama. With the full endorsement of one of basketball’s greatest minds, the expectations are sky-high—but Cooper Flagg seems more than ready to meet them.
