Another one: Cooper Flagg of Duke Men’s Basketball has added the 2025 Wooden Award to his trophy collection!

Cooper Flagg Claims 2025 John R. Wooden Award, Cementing His Legacy at Duke

Durham, NC – April 5, 2025
In a season filled with sky-high expectations, dazzling highlights, and elite performances, Duke Men’s Basketball star Cooper Flagg has officially been named the 2025 John R. Wooden Award winner, given annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball. The announcement, made during a nationally televised special on ESPN, cements Flagg’s place in NCAA history and puts a defining exclamation point on what many are calling one of the most dominant freshman seasons of all time.

For Flagg, the honor isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a legacy moment. The 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, arrived at Duke with unprecedented hype, and somehow, he not only lived up to it, but surpassed it.

“This is incredibly humbling,” Flagg said in his acceptance speech. “I want to thank my teammates, my coaches, and the Duke community. None of this happens without them. I’ve been blessed to be part of something special, and this award belongs to all of us.”

A Freshman Campaign for the Ages

Cooper Flagg’s 2024-25 season will be studied, celebrated, and mythologized for years to come. From the very first tip-off, Flagg’s presence was undeniable. He averaged 21.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, leading Duke to a 30–4 record and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

More than the numbers, however, it was Flagg’s poise, basketball IQ, and all-around dominance that set him apart. He was often the best player on both ends of the court, guarding multiple positions, anchoring Duke’s defense, and delivering clutch shots when it mattered most.

“Cooper’s impact goes way beyond the box score,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “He sets the tone in every practice, in every game. His work ethic, leadership, and competitiveness are next-level. He deserves this award more than anyone.”

Flagg became just the third freshman ever to win the Wooden Award, joining Kevin Durant (2007) and Anthony Davis (2012)—both of whom went on to become NBA All-Stars and Olympic gold medalists.

The Road to the Award

Winning the Wooden Award is a culmination of both individual excellence and team success, and Flagg checked every box.

From early-season battles against blue bloods like Michigan State and Kentucky, to ACC showdowns with North Carolina and Virginia, Flagg consistently elevated his game. His 34-point, 13-rebound performance in a double-overtime win against North Carolina at Cameron Indoor Stadium is already the stuff of Duke legend. That night, the Cameron Crazies erupted with “M-V-P” chants that seemed to echo well beyond the arena.

By midseason, Flagg was the unanimous favorite for the Wooden Award, leading most national polls and outperforming fellow finalists including Purdue’s Zach Edey, Kansas’s Hunter Dickinson, and UConn’s Donovan Clingan.

“Cooper was different,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He played like a pro, thought like a coach, and carried himself like a veteran. He made Duke basketball must-see TV again.”

More Than Just a Scorer

What made Flagg’s season so exceptional was his versatility. Yes, he scored in bunches—using his elite footwork, soft shooting touch, and explosive athleticism—but it was his defense and playmaking that truly separated him from the pack.

Night after night, Flagg would guard the opposing team’s best player, block shots at the rim, chase down transition buckets, and initiate fast breaks with pinpoint outlet passes. His ability to read the floor and make the right decision, even under pressure, earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greats.

“He’s got a little bit of everyone in his game,” said former Duke star Grant Hill. “You see shades of KD, LeBron, Tatum… but at the same time, he’s just Cooper. He’s creating his own mold.”

Flagg’s basketball IQ and unselfish style made him a dream teammate, and his humility off the court quickly won over Duke fans and national audiences alike.

Historic Accolades

The Wooden Award is the latest—and most prestigious—honor in a growing list of accolades for Flagg. His 2024-25 trophy case includes:

• ACC Player of the Year
• ACC Freshman of the Year
• First-Team All-American (Consensus)
• Naismith Player of the Year Finalist
• Julius Erving Award (Best Small Forward)
• NCAA All-Tournament First Team

Additionally, Flagg was named the Most Outstanding Player of the East Regional in March Madness, after leading Duke to a Final Four berth with back-to-back double-doubles.

Should Duke win the national title this weekend, Flagg would become just the second freshman in history to win both the Wooden Award and an NCAA Championship in the same season, joining Anthony Davis.

The NBA Awaits

While Flagg has not yet declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, it’s widely expected he will forgo his remaining eligibility and enter as the presumed No. 1 overall pick. NBA scouts have raved about his maturity, skill set, and two-way potential, with many front offices comparing him to future Hall of Famers.

“He’s a franchise changer,” said one NBA executive. “What Wembanyama was for last year’s draft, Flagg is for this one. You don’t pass on that kind of talent.”

Flagg, for his part, has remained focused on Duke’s postseason run, repeatedly deflecting draft talk.

“Right now, I’m just trying to enjoy this journey with my brothers,” he said after Duke’s Elite Eight win. “Everything else will take care of itself.”

A Star is Born

From his humble roots in Maine to the hardwood of Cameron Indoor, Cooper Flagg’s rise has been meteoric. But those who know him best say this moment is no surprise.

“Even when he was 15, you could see it,” said Flagg’s former high school coach, Carl Parker. “He wasn’t just bigger or more skilled—he thought the game differently. And he never stopped working.”

His family, seated front row at the Wooden Award ceremony, shared tears and hugs as his name was announced. Flagg’s twin brother, Ace, and parents, Kelly and Ralph, beamed with pride.

“It’s surreal,” said Kelly. “He’s worked for this every day of his life. To see it come true like this, it’s emotional.”

The Duke Legacy

With the Wooden Award now added to his résumé, Flagg joins an elite group of Duke legends—Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Elton Brand, Shane Battier, J.J. Redick, and Zion Williamson among them—who have left their mark on one of college basketball’s most storied programs.

But for many Duke fans, Flagg represents something even more—a return to dominance, a new era of greatness, and a glimpse into the future of basketball itself.

“Cooper Flagg isn’t just the best player in college basketball,” said Coach Scheyer. “He’s a once-in-a-generation leader. And this award is only the beginning.”