Duke basketball recruit Cooper Flagg, ranked as the top prospect in the 2024 class, has clinched the Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Hailing from Montverde Academy in Florida, the 6-foot-9, 195-pound power forward beat out fellow five-star recruits Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe for this prestigious accolade.
As of the recent announcement, Flagg boasted impressive season averages of 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals, contributing significantly to his team’s undefeated 30-0 record and securing a spot in the High School Nationals.Scouting director Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports has high praise for Flagg, foreseeing him as a future top-10 lottery pick in the NBA Draft.
This recognition adds to Flagg’s growing list of achievements, which includes the 2024 Naismith Award National High School Player of the Year. Additionally, he has been selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game, the Nike Hoop Summit Team USA, and the Jordan Brand Classic team. Notably, Flagg follows in the footsteps of basketball greats like LeBron James, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jayson Tatum, who have previously received the Gatorade National Player of the Year honor.
Scouting director Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports has high praise for Flagg, foreseeing him as a future top-10 lottery pick in the NBA Draft. Finkelstein highlights Flagg’s exceptional defensive skills, shot-blocking abilities, and steadily improving offensive prowess.
Having reclassified into the 2024 class, Flagg quickly ascended to the top spot with a perfect rating. He committed to Duke in October and officially signed with the Blue Devils in November. Duke’s recruiting efforts have been particularly successful, with Flagg joining a talented cohort that includes five-star center Khaman Maluach. The Blue Devils’ 2024 recruiting class boasts an impressive lineup, with all six members ranking within the top 50 players for the cycle.
Originally from Newport, Maine, Flagg transferred to Montverde Academy after his freshman year, leaving a mark as the first freshman to be named the Gatorade Maine Player of the Year. During his time at Nokomis Regional in Maine, he showcased his versatility with impressive statistics across multiple categories, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
