Duke University’s standout freshman, Cooper Flagg, has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Year for the 2024-2025 men’s basketball season, securing 79 out of 81 possible votes. Flagg’s dominant performances throughout the season have solidified his place as one of college basketball’s brightest young stars.
Flagg has been a crucial part of Duke’s success, leading the team in multiple statistical categories and making a significant impact on both ends of the court. His versatility, scoring ability, and defensive prowess have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s elite players, making him a key figure in the Blue Devils’ impressive campaign.
In addition to the Rookie of the Year honor, Flagg was also overwhelmingly selected as the ACC Player of the Year, receiving 75 of 81 votes. This rare achievement places him in an exclusive group of Duke players, including Jahlil Okafor (2015), Marvin Bagley III (2018), and Zion Williamson (2019), who have won both awards in the same season.
One of the highlights of Flagg’s season was a record-breaking 42-point performance against Notre Dame, setting a new ACC freshman single-game scoring record. His ability to take over games and deliver in high-pressure moments has made him one of the most exciting players to watch in college basketball.
Flagg’s dominance has been consistently recognized, as he earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors 12 times throughout the season. His week-to-week contributions have played a pivotal role in Duke’s strong positioning heading into the postseason.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg’s dedication and leadership, emphasizing that his work ethic and commitment to improvement have set a high standard for his teammates. Scheyer noted that Flagg’s presence has elevated the entire team’s performance throughout the season.
Beyond individual accolades, Flagg has been instrumental in securing Duke a top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament. His performances will be a crucial factor in the Blue Devils’ quest for a national championship, with analysts predicting that he could be a game-changer in March Madness.
As Duke prepares for the postseason, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg to see if he can continue his remarkable run. His freshman season has already secured his place in ACC history, and the future looks exceptionally bright for the rising star.