Cooper Flagg, a standout 17-year-old basketball talent from Maine, captured attention in a scrimmage against USA Basketball’s national team in Las Vegas. His performance included an 11-point surge against seasoned NBA stars, like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, propelling his team’s comeback to a narrow 74-73 loss. Despite his youth, Flagg displayed remarkable skills, hitting key shots over NBA defenders and showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court.
Flagg’s standout play was highlighted by an impressive sequence that went viral, where he scored six points in under 20 seconds. This stretch included hitting a three-pointer over Anthony Davis, grabbing an offensive rebound, and finishing with a putback while being fouled by Bam Adebayo. His ability to compete against top-tier players has only cemented his status as a top NBA draft prospect, projected to be the No. 1 pick in 2025.
Reflecting on his experience, Flagg remained composed and focused, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and confidence in his own abilities. He attributes his success to hard work and plans to continue progressing, with hopes of playing in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. For now, he looks forward to his upcoming freshman year at Duke and supports USA Basketball’s chances in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
