It’s crazy to think how some moments wind up defining a person’s life. People rarely know when they’re going through a life-changing experience until they have some time to reflect on that.



That was the case with Duke coach Jon Scheyer. In a recent interview, he acknowledged that getting to know Cooper Flagg was actually a defining moment in his life.



He talked about how former NBA player Brian Scalabrine caught wind of Flagg’s talent and reached out to Scheyer to let him know about the high school phenom. The rest is history.



<h2>Jon Scheyer says meeting Cooper Flagg changed his life</h2>



“I told [Brian Scalabrine] he gave me the most important text of my life,” Scheyer said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “And then we spoke on the phone. We’re fortunate to get these calls a good amount about a kid and this and that. There’s a part of you that’s like, ‘Alright, how good is this kid from Maine really? Like, come on.’ … And then you see him play, and it’s like, ‘Alright, I know exactly what Scal was talking about.&apos;”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250701_BUS_430477_Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1024x576_753c4fdd.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jon Scheyer Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-356591" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils speaks with Cooper Flagg.</figcaption></figure>



Unfortunately, Flagg and the Blue Devils couldn’t go the distance and finish the job by winning a national championship, but he had one of the best individual seasons in<a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> history.



Now, he’s taken his talents to the pros to play for the Dallas Mavericks, and while his days at Durham were short-lived, they clearly made a long-lasting impact on his coach.

Jon Scheyer makes life-changing Cooper Flagg admission

Jon Scheyer makes life-changing Cooper Flagg admission - Bolavip US

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Cameron Boozer is set to start his collegiate career after spending four years in Columbus (Miami). The twin, son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer, will follow in his father’s steps and play for the Blue Devils in college.



Like many other prospects, Boozer is in the gym, preparing for his freshman season. As a five-star recruit and ranked the No. 3 player in the country, he’s one of the most anticipated rookies of the 2024-25 NCAA basketball season.



Boozer showed off his passing, rebounding and even ball-handling skills during his high school years, but there is something he needs to work on before taking his game to new heights, especially in the NBA. The 17-year-old forward finished his high school career as a 43% 3-point shooter, but he’s not stopping there.



<h2> Cameron Boozer keeps working on his game</h2>



A video shared by the Blue Devils’ official X account showed the freshman in the gym, working on his game. As part of his preparations, he was taking 3-pointers while also working on attacking the rim.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&apos;25-26 1st look 👀 –> <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronBoozer12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CameronBoozer12</a> 📹 <a href="https://t.co/HRhz5UjBGu">pic.twitter.com/HRhz5UjBGu</a>— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/DukeMBB/status/1935769099004465168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Cameron Boozer and his twin brother, Cayden, will join Jon Scheyer’s team, hoping to make a strong impact and take Duke back to the top of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> following a Final Four exit against the Houston Cougars in March.



They joined a team with a series of efficient shooters such as Dame Sarr, Darren Harris, and Isaiah Evans, but he will most likely be asked to carry the bulk of the load on offense. 


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Cameron Boozer has notable credentials as a two-time winner of the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The challenge will be considerably harder in college, as he hopes to emulate his father and have a solid NBA career afterwards.

NCAAB News: Duke’s Cameron Boozer has improved in a key aspect of his game

NCAAB News: Duke's Cameron Boozer has improved in a key aspect of his game - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg hadn’t even announced his commitment to play for the Duke Blue Devils when he was already one of the most talked-about players in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> scene.



His lone season at Durham only reaffirmed his spot as the consensus first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. That’s why it’s almost a guarantee that he will play for the Dallas Mavericks.



When asked about that, Duke coach Jon Scheyer claimed that it was a match made in heaven, as he will arrive in a great spot while also bringing a willingness to get better.



<h2>Jon Scheyer says Mavericks are a perfect spot for Cooper Flagg</h2>



“To me, it’s a dream spot,” Scheyer told ESPN. “I really feel that way. He’s not going to go into Dallas thinking he’s got all the answers. He’s going to learn from Kyrie, he’s going to learn from [Davis]. He’s going to learn from Derek Lively and Jason Kidd and his staff. He’s coming in to learn, and I think that’s a special part about him.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250624_BUS_425432_Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576_09393865.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361059" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this isn’t official yet, but barring a shocking turn of events, the Mavs will take him. Not even a risk-taker like Nico Harrison would willingly pass on a player like him.


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And while there’s not something like a ‘can’t-miss’ type of player in any NBA Draft, all the physical tools, skills, and intangibles point to Flagg as the next big thing in basketball.

Jon Scheyer gets real on Cooper Flagg joining the Dallas Mavericks

Jon Scheyer gets real on Cooper Flagg joining the Dallas Mavericks - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg has long been taunted as the No. 1 overall pick of his draft class. After a single season with Duke, which prompted legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski to dub him the best freshman to ever play for the Blue Devils.



There was a lot of speculation regarding Flagg’s future, as he admitted he would like to return to college for one more year in February. He made up his mind and decided to enter the draft. During an interview with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Flagg opened up on the decision to start his professional career.



“Was it obvious?” Flagg said. “Yes and no. If somebody could tell me that I could have that group of people for another year and go back and have the exact same team, I would a 100% do it. But it’s just not reality and you can’t pass up on the opportunity. You just have to do what’s best for you and move on.”



The Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers were mentioned as potential landing spots for Flagg, but after the lottery, the Dallas Mavericks are set to add the forward to their roster.



<h2>Mike Krzyzewski has high expectations for Cooper Flagg</h2>



As part of the impact that Mike Krzyzewski expects Cooper Flagg to make, the coach thinks he can lead a new era for American stars after international players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic took over the league in recent years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250623_BUS_424625_Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1024x576_22440ce7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on November 22, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona" class="wp-image-355012" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils </figcaption></figure>



“One of the talks I had with a couple of owners was, ‘We need to have those American stars.’ You know we have a lot of international stars…Cooper can be that,” Krzyzewski said, per Athlon Sports. “Cooper can be that. His future, hopefully, he stays hungry and healthy… His future will be incredible.”


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The draft is scheduled for Wednesday, when Flagg and more exciting prospects will know what’s next in their basketball journey.

Cooper Flagg makes tough admission about leaving Duke for the NBA

Cooper Flagg makes tough admission about leaving Duke for the NBA - Bolavip US

More often than not, NBA players grew up being the best players on their teams. That was the case at all levels of youth basketball, and sometimes they were even the best player in their state.



A handful of them manage to retain that distinction once they make it to college. However, just an even smaller group of them is still the team’s best player once they turn pro.



That wasn’t the case with JJ Redick, who was a superstar and one of the most popular players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. Then, he became a role player when he entered the NBA.



<h2>JJ Redick admits he missed the attention from his college stardom</h2>



Loved him or hated him, Redick was one of the most well-known young players in the world. That’s why, even though he was still living his lifelong dream of being an NBA player, he still missed the hype:



“I’m not going to lie … I miss the attention sometimes, but you know what? I’m getting the chance to play basketball for a living. It’s hard to be down when you remind yourself about that,” Redick told ESPN in 2006.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250619_BUS_421201_JJ-REDICK-2-1024x559_dbe4a002.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="JJ-REDICK" class="wp-image-366942" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/30152839/JJ-REDICK-2-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/30152839/JJ-REDICK-2-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/30152839/JJ-REDICK-2-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/30152839/JJ-REDICK-2-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/30152839/JJ-REDICK-2.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers </figcaption></figure>


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At the end of the day, being able to adapt, adjust, and embrace your role can make or break a player’s career, and all things considered, Redick had a pretty decent run in the NBA.

Duke legend JJ Redick once made a heartbreaking admission about NBA career after collegiate success

Duke legend JJ Redick once made a heartbreaking admission about NBA career after collegiate success - Bolavip US

Long before he set foot on a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> court, NBA scouts already talked about Cooper Flagg as the new big American hope. He could’ve sat out his freshman season at Duke, and he would’ve still been the No. 1 pick.



The Maine native went viral in high school because of his two-way dominance, and holding his own against NBA stars in a Team USA scrimmage may have sealed his fate.



Nevertheless, Flagg has always stood out. In a recent interview, his former coach, Andy Bedard, gushed about how, even as a third-grader, he already looked like a man among children. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg was ahead of his time</h2>



“Some kids that age, they can’t walk and chew gum,” Bedard told Sports Illustrated. “Cooper’s doing left-handed flip layups, 45-degree angles. He was so coordinated. And if a teammate missed, he’d grab the rebound and let them shoot it again. He could dominate. He did dominate. But he played the right way.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250619_BUS_421193_GettyImages-2214887126-1-1024x576_661a5116.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="cooper-flag-combine-nba-draft" class="wp-image-398576" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg </figcaption></figure>



Flagg was fortunate enough to watch his body grow as much as his basketball IQ, and he continued to dominate at all levels. Now, he’s just days away from becoming an NBA player.


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And while a lot has transpired from those days playing youth basketball, the very same traits that made him such a different player back then could help him become the next big thing in the NBA.

Youth basketball coach recalls when he knew Duke’s Cooper Flagg was different

Youth basketball coach recalls when he knew Duke's Cooper Flagg was different - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg was the most talked-about player in all of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketbal</a>l last season. He lived up to the hype by leading Duke in every major statistical category.



Jon Scheyer’s team looked poised to win the whole thing and reclaim the national championship for the first time since 2022. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and some blamed Flagg for it.



With the clock expiring and an opportunity to advance to the championship game, Flagg missed the biggest shot of his collegiate career. Even so, he’s not going to cry over the spilled milk. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg won’t beat himself up over final botched possession in college</h2>



“I’m not going to beat myself up over whether I could have taken one more dribble or whether I could have done something different,” Flagg told Sports Illustrated. “It was a tough shot, but I don’t think you’re going to get an easy shot in that opportunity. If you look at any game-winner at any level, I don’t think there’s a lot of wide-open [ones]. You get to a spot, you raise up, and you trust the work that you put in over time. I’m just going to live with what I trusted.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250618_BUS_421183_GettyImages-2214887126-1-1024x576_40009ac7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="cooper-flag-combine-nba-draft" class="wp-image-398576" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/15135649/GettyImages-2214887126-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg </figcaption></figure>



Notably, that wasn’t the only time Flagg had a chance to lead his team with the ball in his hands down the stretch and failed, but that’s all a part of growing and learning.


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Now, he’s about to turn pro, and he can’t allow himself to dwell on the past or focus on what could’ve been. You have to have a short memory if you want to succeed in this business.

Cooper Flagg gets real on heartbreaking final game at Duke

Cooper Flagg gets real on heartbreaking final game at Duke - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg excelled in his first season with the Duke Blue Devils. That’s why, after watching him dominate at Durham, he reaffirmed his strong case as the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.



Unlike most modern-day prospects, Flagg plays hard on both ends of the floor. He’s not just an offensive-minded player, and he actually takes pride in getting stops.



That’s why NBA analyst Tim Legler believes the Dallas Mavericks could be getting the next two-way superstar, as he thinks he has the potential to be an Amen Thompson-type defender. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg draws Amen Thompson comparison</h2>



“Starting like year two, I think he can be in that same category as Amen Thompson in terms of a guy that’s potentially an all-league defender,” Legler said. “Like pretty quickly, he’ll get there.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250616_BUS_419621_Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-1024x576_12e5a578.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half of the SentinelOne Classic at Madison Square Garden on February 22, 2025 in New York City." class="wp-image-348305" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/04123717/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-dribbles-the-ball-against-the-Illinois-Fighting-Illini-durin.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



The Thompson twins haven’t been in the league for long, but they’re already two of the most respected stoppers in the league. They can guard multiple spots, swat shots, and be deadly in passing lanes.


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Flagg is big enough to hold his own against both forward spots and even some big men. And if he maintains his strong defensive commitment in the pros, it won’t be long before he becomes a perennial All-Defensive candidate.

Duke star Cooper Flagg draws breath-taking NBA comparison

Duke star Cooper Flagg draws breath-taking NBA comparison - Bolavip US

Even before he announced his commitment to play for the Duke Blue Devils, NBA scouts had already penciled in Cooper Flagg as the best prospect in his class, and it wasn’t particularly close.



He’s drawn comparisons to players like Kevin Garnett, Kevin Durant, or Grant Hill, being a mobile and huge player who can fill up the stat sheet and play on both sides of the court.



Nevertheless, it seems like Chuck Klosterman isn’t as high on him as most experts, fans, and members of the media. In a recent appearance on Bill Simmons’ podcast, he had a less flattering comparison for the Duke star. 



<h2>Chuck Klosterman compares Cooper Flagg to Detlef Schrempf</h2>



“I think he’s going to have a career like Detlef Schrempf,” Klosterman said. “I think he’s going to be a very good player for a lot of years, but I don’t see him as a dominating player. I think that he’ll be the second-best player on a good team or the third-best player on a great team. Nothing I saw made me think he’s going to be unstoppable.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250612_BUS_416491_Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576_d4412be3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361059" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



Of course, Schrempf was actually a solid player and a steady contributor to some competitive teams. Even so, Flagg seems to have superstar-caliber potential, so this feels somewhat insulting.


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At the end of the day, the NBA draft isn’t an exact science, and a lot of things could go right or wrong. Only time will tell how poorly or well this blazing hot take ages.

Former ESPN analyst gives Duke’s Cooper Flagg an insulting NBA comparison

Former ESPN analyst gives Duke's Cooper Flagg an insulting NBA comparison - Bolavip US

It didn’t take long before the basketball gods rewarded Dallas Mavericks fans. They inexplicably traded away Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, but they got the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.



The Mavs’ love for Cooper Flagg is the league’s worst-kept secret. He’s the consensus first-overall pick, and he’s not even going to work out or interview with another team.



With that in mind, they asked fellow Duke Blue Devil Kyrie Irving his thoughts on potentially teaming up with Flagg, and he admitted that he had already reached out to him.



<h2>Kyrie Irving says he’s ‘connected’ with Cooper Flagg</h2>



“We’re definitely connected,” Irving said. “He’s a Duke Blue Devil. I know he can handle the pressure, and I’m excited to watch him go off—not just him, but all the young guys coming up. The future is y’all’s!”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250611_BUS_416509_Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576_0d1b0649.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361059" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



Of course, Irving will most likely have to sit out all season because of his major injury, but he will still be close to the team and give their prized rookie a helping hand.


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Once they’re back to full strength, the Mavericks will be one of the most entertaining teams to watch, and this duo, plus Anthony Davis, will give opposing teams nightmares for years to come.

Kyrie Irving speaks up on Duke connection with Cooper Flagg

Kyrie Irving speaks up on Duke connection with Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg hadn’t even announced that he would play for the Duke Blue Devils when NBA scouts already deemed him the consensus first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.



His lone season with the Blue Devils only confirmed that. He was the most spectacular player in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>last season, and it wasn’t particularly close. 



That’s why, now that he’s firmly expected to play for the Dallas Mavericks, who control that No. 1 pick, he won’t even work out for other teams. That’s, according to Shams Charania, because he legitimately believes he can win a ring in Dallas as a rookie.



<h2>Cooper Flagg wants to win a championship right away</h2>



“He will both step into a significant role and have a chance to immediately contend for a playoff appearance alongside several key veterans,” read the report.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250610_BUS_414971_cooper-flagg-2-1024x559_e5522572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="Cooper Flagg playing the Draft Combine" class="wp-image-399580" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #51 warms up.</figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, the Mavericks won’t be the only talent-heavy team in the NBA, and the Western Conference will continue to be an absolute blood bath for the foreseeable future.


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But even if they fail to go all the way and win an NBA championship in his first year in the league, there’s no denying that he could lead them to perennial championship contention right out of the gate. 


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ESPN reporter explains why Cooper Flagg wants to play for the Dallas Mavericks

ESPN reporter explains why Cooper Flagg wants to play for the Dallas Mavericks - Bolavip US

Years before Cooper Flagg suited up for the Duke Blue Devils, NBA scouts and experts already had him as the consensus best player in his class. As such, he was also the projected first-overall pick.



Fast forward to today, and the young forward still sits on a tier of his own. Barring a major catastrophe or a shocking turn of events, he’s going to play for the Dallas Mavericks.



That’s why, according to a report by ESPN insiders Jonathan Givony and Shams Charania, he doesn’t even intend to work out for or meet with any other NBA team ahead of the draft. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg won’t even work out for other teams</h2>



“Flagg is not planning on conducting any additional visits, sources said, and both sides are aligned on his arrival as the No. 1 pick in Dallas,” Givony and Charania wrote.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250609_BUS_414949_cooper-flagg-2-1024x559_ab39b202.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="Cooper Flagg playing the Draft Combine" class="wp-image-399580" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/16191510/cooper-flagg-2.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #51 warms up.</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this isn’t a surprise at all. If anything, there was no reason to waste anybody’s time, as the Mavericks are also fully committed to him and won’t even consider trading down.


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GM Nico Harrison became persona non grata for trading Luka Doncic out of the blue, but even though he’s clearly a risk-taker, he’s not going to pass on another potential generational talent.


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Duke star Cooper Flagg reveals his intended NBA destination

Duke star Cooper Flagg reveals his intended NBA destination - Bolavip US

The Dallas Mavericks made the headlines for all the wrong reasons this season. Trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers was a decision that will be debated for decades.



However, it didn’t take long before the basketball gods rewarded them, up to the point where some fans and even media members questioned the integrity and transparency of the NBA Draft lottery.



So, now that they have the No. 1 pick, everybody expects them to go with Cooper Flagg, the most talked-about player in all of <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, coach Jason Kidd cleared the air on those rumors.



<h2>Jason Kidd teases Mavericks interest in Cooper Flagg</h2>



“Now that the deadline has passed for players to withdraw from the draft, can we call him Cooper Flagg or are we still calling him ”The Kid From Duke?” the publication wondered. “I think let’s just play it safe and we’ll go with The Kid From Duke,” Kidd responded. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250605_BUS_411227_Cooper-Flagg-9-1024x576_d5302138.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361730" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils </figcaption></figure>



Of course, Kidd can’t be any more specific because of tampering and league policies, but it doesn’t take an expert or a detective to know who he’s talking about.


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Barring a shocking turn of events, Cooper Flagg will be a Dallas Maverick, and not even Nico Harrison will be able to look the other way or make a different decision.


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Jason Kidd confirms the Mavericks will take Duke star with No. 1 pick

Jason Kidd confirms the Mavericks will take Duke star with No. 1 pick - Bolavip US

The San Antonio Spurs already have the most exciting and promising player in the league. However, even the great things could be better, which is why people fantasized with the thought of also adding Cooper Flagg to the mix.



Now, with the Spurs getting the No. 2 pick instead of the first one, the chances of landing Flagg look pretty close to zero. Not even Nico Harrison might pass on that opportunity.



Then again, that doesn’t mean that they can’t get their hands on another standout prospect out of Duke. According to Spurs insider Jeff Garcia, the Spurs are keeping tabs on Khaman Malauch.



<h2>The Spurs want to draft Khaman Malauch</h2>



“Another buzzy name tied to the Spurs is Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center out of Duke. The Spurs could essentially be building twin towers with Wembanyama and Maluach and there is an appeal to drafting another young big that can learn and grow alongside Wembanyama… they could be looking to trade down or package the No. 14 pick for a shot at the talented center,” he reported.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250605_BUS_411237_Khaman-Maluach-1024x576_e00018de.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-320434" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/24124654/Khaman-Maluach.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Khaman Maluach #9 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



The Spurs will most likely take Rutgers star Dylan Harper with the No. 2 selection, but they also have the No. 14 pick, and while Malauch is projected to be off the board earlier, perhaps they could find a way to trade up.


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Malauch is still a little raw, but he has the physical tools to be an elite two-way contributor at the next level, given enough time to develop. Whether he’ll play next to Victor Wembanyama is something only time will tell.


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The Spurs want to pair Duke star with Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs want to pair Duke star with Victor Wembanyama - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils were just dealt a huge blow. With Cedric Coward deciding to forgo his remaining eligibility and stay in the NBA Draft pool, they lost a huge potential reinforcement.



Unsurprisingly, the Blue Devils didn’t just sit on their laurels, and they still landed a couple of solid pieces in five-star Italian forward Dame Sarr and four-star PF Sebastian Wilkins.


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Even so, that might not be enough to convince experts that they’re still one of the top ten teams in the nation. As reported by Matt Giles of Sports Illustrated, ESPN expert Jeff Borzello dropped Duke in his latest rankings. 



<h2>Duke falls multiple spots in latest Top 25 projection </h2>



“In his latest projected top 25 released on Monday, Borzello dropped the Blue Devils from No. 6 to No. 12 overall, marking the biggest fall among the squads still appearing in his rankings,” wrote Giles.



Unsurprisingly, that means the Blue Devils are no longer the highest-ranked ACC team anymore, with Louisville topping them at No. 7. NC State and UNC round up the top 25 at No. 24 and No. 25, respectively.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250604_BUS_411243_Jon-Scheyer-3-1024x576_d9eaaae2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jon Scheyer Duke Blue Devils HC" class="wp-image-370989" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06085018/Jon-Scheyer-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach John Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils.</figcaption></figure>



Even so, history has taught us never to count out a program like the Duke Blue Devils, and while he has yet to lead them all the way, Jon Scheyer has proven to be a very good coach.


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NCAAB News: Duke tumbles in latest Top 25 projection

NCAAB News: Duke tumbles in latest Top 25 projection - Bolavip US

Latest news from Duke. Find out about all the news related to Duke on bolavip.com/en

Duke - Page 3