WATCH: Duke-commit Cooper Flagg shows off skills at Nike's Jordan Classic practice
Cooper Flagg has turned into one of the most highly sought-after players in next year's recruitment class and is starting to garner a lot of attention. At the Nike Jordan Brand Classic, it was quite clear as to why his name is being whispered excitedly in hoops circles across the nation.
Before the official game on the 21st of April, the stars of tomorrow hit the court for some additional practice with the media in attendance. Cooper Flagg did not disappoint as he put in a masterful performance.
Showcasing his nifty dribbling skills, elite athleticism with alley-oop finishes and dunks, the Duke commit looked like a finished product. Add to that a sweet shooting stroke, and some playmaking chops to boot.
Cooper Flagg recruitment saga
After bouncing around between back-to-back NCAA Champions, the UConn Huskies, and the Duke Blue Devils, Cooper made his decision official on October 30, 2023, in conjunction with Slam Magazine.
The number-1 recruit in the country joins a loaded class for Duke, who are solidifying their roster under head coach Jon Scheyer, who is about to enter his third season as the team's head coach.
Alongside Flagg, the team also bagged two other five-star recruits. Forwards Isaiah Evans and Jon Knueppel have made their decision to join the Blue Devils, along with a four-star recruit in Darren Hariss.
UConn had entered the discussion for Cooper Flagg after the youngster visited the school premises in September, with family friend Donovan Clingan, the team's starting center for this season.
Cooper and Donovan's mothers were teammates in the 1990s at Maine, a friendship that has stood the test of time.
Eventually, he chose to join the team he had grown up idolizing.
Austin Rivers wants Cooper Flagg for Team USA
When the Team USA roster for the Paris Olympics was announced, one spot was left intentionally open to be filled in the coming months. Austin Rivers, a Duke legend in his own right, said that the spot should go to someone like Cooper Flagg.
"Grab Cooper Flagg, hell, make him the 12th guy. The experience it would give him. You're talking about grooming players for tomorrow and what that experience would do for these young talented players, especially in a draft class where you don't have a lot of star power. Throw the biggest star in there, throw Cooper Flagg in there, it makes sense."
The current team for the 2024 Paris Olympics is as star-studded as it gets. Featuring all-time greats like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, the team also has a dose of current superstars like Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Bam Adebayo as well.
Would you like to see a high school prospect make the Olympic team? Let us know in the comments section below.