Cooper Flagg is set to make his collegiate basketball debut for Duke this season, and all eyes are on the 17-year-old phenom who is already being touted as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Fresh off an impressive showing against NBA stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry in a recent scrimmage, Flagg has captured the attention of fans and experts alike.
In response to Flagg’s rising stardom, DraftKings Sportsbook has introduced a special bet called the “Cooper Flagg Special” for the upcoming college basketball season. This unique market is centered around the question of whether Flagg can emerge as the top player in college basketball this year. The odds currently favor Flagg not winning the 2024-2025 Wooden Award, with veterans RJ Davis and Hunter Dickinson leading the pack.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Flagg hails from Newport, Maine, and made a name for himself at Montverde Academy in Florida. His impressive stats and accolades from high school, including winning the 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, speak to his talent and potential on the court. Despite the odds stacked against freshmen winning major awards, experts like FOX Sports’ John Fanta believe Flagg has what it takes to defy the norm.
Fanta highlights Flagg’s exceptional defensive skills, offensive versatility, and unwavering competitive spirit as key factors that could propel him to Wooden Award success. With a track record of dominating high school competition and a fearless approach to the game, Flagg has already proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. Fanta’s endorsement of Flagg’s ability to excel in his freshman year adds to the growing excitement surrounding the young star.
While the odds may not be in Flagg’s favor, the potential for him to make history as a Wooden Award-winning freshman is certainly within reach. As fans eagerly anticipate his debut season at Duke, the buzz surrounding Flagg’s future in college basketball continues to grow. Whether he can live up to the hype and secure the prestigious award remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Cooper Flagg is a player to watch as he embarks on this new chapter in his basketball journey.