Cooper Flagg will soon become famous.
Duke University’s freshman star played in a scrimmage against the USA Basketball Team in Las Vegas on Monday and was highly impressive, according to witnesses.
“Cooper Flagg is dominating the U.S. scrimmage,” writes The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach. I wrote to XThe Duke University-bound coach noted some of his highlights included a 3-pointer over the top of Anthony Davis, a turnaround jumper over the top of July Holiday and an and-one on a putback.
The Washington Post’s Ben Golliver added that Flagg “dominated” the scrimmage, posting video of Flagg hitting a shot over Davis’ head and an and-one putback.
When Flagg was named to the select team to face the U.S. team in a practice match, ESPN pointed out He is the first college player to receive the honor since Doug McDermott and Marcus Smart in 2013.
Both Smart and McDermott were lottery picks in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward from Maine, is ranked as the top player in his grade and is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
He will turn 18 in December.
“As a former USA National Team member, I know how important and enjoyable this opportunity is for our players,” Grant Hill, USA Basketball managing director and Duke graduate and former top pick himself, said in a June statement.
“This select team is packed with an incredible amount of talent who will be tasked with the important task of helping the 2024 U.S. Men’s National Team begin its Olympic journey. Each of these players will play a role in our preparation as we develop a national team pipeline for the future.”
Team USA’s basketball roster includes Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, July Holiday, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum.
The head coach is Steve Kerr.
According to the latest DraftKings odds, Team USA has -390 odds to win the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
