Cooper Flagg earned praise for dribbling past NBA All-Stars and hitting shots over future Hall of Famers during a scrimmage between the U.S. select team and the men's national team earlier this month in Las Vegas.
But before that matchup against Team USA, Flagg said he had to calm his nerves and “get out of that funk,” especially when he realized he'd have to battle one of his idols: LeBron James.
“It was great, an amazing experience,” Flagg said during an appearance on “The Brotherhood Podcast,” hosted by Duke teammate Caleb Foster. “Just having the opportunity to be there and share the court with that level of talent and players, people who have earned that type of reputation. I've been watching them for years, growing up.
“The first day, I was definitely nervous. I didn't know what to think. I walked out onto the court and I was like, 'Wow!' I was guarding LeBron in the corner. I realized something for a second and I had to react.”
But Flagg, 17, a five-star recruit for the Blue Devils and ESPN’s projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, said he felt more comfortable once the game started. During one sequence, Flagg dribbled behind a screen and hit a 3-pointer over the outstretched hands of Lakers star Anthony Davis, a moment that went viral.
“I think once I started, it was just about playing basketball, and I think a lot of players share a similar experience: once you start playing, the nerves and stuff… [disappear]”Flagg said. “Most players who can really perform at a high level, once the tip goes up, it's all gone, for sure.”
Flagg led Montverde Academy (Fla.) to a 30-0 season and a national championship last season. College basketball fans will get their first official look at the phenom during the Countdown to Craziness on Oct. 4, according to a Wednesday announcement about Duke's Midnight Madness preseason event.
Flagg will join returnees Tyrese Proctor and Foster, along with graduate transfer Mason Gillis and five-star prospect Khaman Maluach, in the Blue Devils' quest for their sixth national championship and first in the post-Mike Krzyzewski era.
Flagg has received the most preseason attention for a college basketball player since Zion Williamson won the Wooden Award in his lone season at Duke during the 2018-19 campaign. He thanked former Duke star Grant Hill, executive director of USA Basketball, for giving him the opportunity to play with the draft team and compete against Team USA.
Flagg said she is preparing for her first college season by working on her agility and quickness. She also said she hopes to gain a mental edge and is playing more golf and incorporating yoga into her routine.
“I'm just working to improve in ways other than just physical,” he said.
