Cooper Flagg: Duke Freshman on Making It to the Final Four and Earning 2025 AP National Player of the Year Award
As a freshman at Duke, Cooper Flagg’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From being one of the most highly anticipated recruits to making a major impact in his debut season, Flagg has not only helped propel his team to the Final Four but also earned the prestigious 2025 AP National Player of the Year (NPOY) award. His success both on and off the court is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the incredible chemistry he shares with his teammates.
After being named the 2025 AP National Player of the Year, Flagg took to the stage to deliver his acceptance speech. With humility and gratitude, he reflected on the season and what made this achievement possible. “I think it starts with having an incredible group of guys come in, 15 guys that are all putting the team above themselves no matter what,” Flagg said. “Having connectivity off the court, we hang out all the time as a team, we love each other, love spending time together. That connectivity and togetherness kind of brings us together and lets us be who we are on the court.”
This sense of camaraderie and selflessness has been the backbone of Duke’s success. The Blue Devils are known for their elite basketball programs, but this season, it’s been the unity within the team that’s really set them apart. From the freshman phenom Cooper Flagg to the seasoned upperclassmen, everyone has bought into the idea that the team’s success comes before individual accolades.
Making It to the Final Four
Duke’s path to the Final Four has been filled with hard-fought battles, thrilling moments, and relentless effort. While Flagg’s individual brilliance has certainly been a key factor, it’s been his unselfishness and leadership that has helped to elevate the entire team. The Blue Devils’ journey was not without challenges, but Flagg’s resilience, poise under pressure, and clutch performances in critical moments have played an integral role in their advancement to college basketball’s grandest stage.
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time,” Flagg shared about the team’s Final Four achievement. “It’s something you work for from day one, and to be here with this group of guys, it’s honestly incredible. But we’re not done yet—we’re focused on taking it all the way.”
His determination and commitment to the team’s success over individual accolades has endeared him to his teammates and coaches alike. Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, couldn’t be more proud of the freshman’s growth both as a player and a leader. “Cooper is everything you could ask for in a player and a teammate,” Scheyer said. “He’s competitive, smart, and always puts the team first. His development this season has been phenomenal, and we’re excited to see where he can take us next.”
2025 AP National Player of the Year
In addition to Duke’s success on the court, Flagg’s individual performance this season has been nothing short of stellar, earning him the 2025 AP National Player of the Year award. His stats are impressive—averaging a double-double, contributing defensively with blocks and steals, and consistently being the go-to guy in clutch moments. However, it’s his leadership and ability to make his teammates better that truly set him apart.
Winning the AP NPOY award is a rare achievement for a freshman, and it’s one that Flagg did not take lightly. “It’s an honor to be recognized with such a prestigious award, but I know I wouldn’t be here without my teammates and coaches,” Flagg said humbly. “I’m just doing my part to help the team win. This award is a reflection of all the hard work we’ve put in as a group.”
For Flagg, the journey to this point has been paved by years of preparation, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the game. His success has not only put him on the radar of NBA scouts but has also inspired countless young athletes to believe that teamwork, dedication, and humility are just as important as individual accolades.
Looking Ahead
As Flagg and Duke set their sights on the Final Four and ultimately the national championship, the future looks incredibly bright. While Flagg’s talent is undeniable, his focus remains on continuing to lead his team to victory and achieving even greater success as a unit.
“Ultimately, it’s all about the team,” Flagg concluded. “I’m here to help us win and to keep pushing forward together. The Final Four is just the beginning, and we’re hungry for more.”
Cooper Flagg’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and leadership. As Duke prepares for the biggest stage in college basketball, there’s no doubt that this freshman phenom has left an indelible mark on the season—and the future of the game.
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