Seventeen-year-old Cooper Flagg stood tall among NBA legends during a Team USA scrimmage on Monday. The high school standout didn’t back down from facing stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Though he admitted to feeling nervous, Flagg quickly found his rhythm and made the most of the moment. His fearless performance earned praise from NBA veterans and confirmed his status as a top future prospect.
A Nerve-Racking Start That Turned Into Confidence
Flagg, speaking with Yahoo Sports, admitted the moment initially overwhelmed him.
“For sure, I was nervous,” he said. “But as soon as I got on the court and stepped in between the lines, most of the pressure I was feeling or anything else I’m thinking about goes away.”
He described the scrimmage as a “huge opportunity and a great experience” to play alongside the world’s best.
Going Head-to-Head with NBA Greats
During the scrimmage, Flagg wowed onlookers with his skills. He took Jrue Holiday off the dribble. Then, when Anthony Davis switched onto him, Flagg hit a contested three-pointer right in his face. It was a highlight moment that showcased his confidence, skill, and future potential.
Throughout the game, he was active on both ends—chasing rebounds, defending hard, and scoring inside and out. His all-around effort stood out as Team USA edged the Select Team, 74-73.
After the game, every player on Team USA’s roster acknowledged Flagg’s performance, giving him props for his courage and skill.
First College Player in a Decade to Earn the Invite
Flagg made history as the first college-bound player in over 10 years to receive an invite to Team USA’s Select Team. Despite his youth, he looked like he belonged. His path to this moment wasn’t accidental. Last summer, he worked out with stars like Jayson Tatum and Stephen Curry at their exclusive basketball camps.
These camps gave him a firsthand look at the NBA’s pace and intensity.
“It definitely helped being at the Tatum camp last year,” Flagg explained. “Playing 4-on-4 and 5-on-5 with a full team of pros helped build that confidence.”
He added, “At the end of the day, it just comes down to being confident in myself and what I can do.”
A Perfect High School Finish
Flagg recently completed a historic high school season at Montverde Academy in Florida. He reclassified up a grade and still dominated the competition, leading Montverde to a perfect 33-0 record and a national title. His leadership and stats solidified his status as the No. 1 player in his class.
Duke Awaits a Star in the Making
Flagg committed to Duke University, choosing the Blue Devils over UConn and Kansas. He’ll headline the top-ranked 2024 recruiting class. With a mix of elite talent and veteran returners, expectations are sky-high for Duke this season.
Flagg isn’t backing down from the pressure.
The 6-foot-8 forward knows eyes will be on him. But if Monday’s scrimmage is any sign, he’s more than ready for the spotlight.
What’s Next for Flagg?
With his college debut approaching, Flagg is focused on staying grounded and working hard. His performance against NBA players shows he’s already on the radar for the 2025 NBA Draft—where he’s a favorite to go No. 1.
