How a 17-year-old student almost caused a sensation against the US team on the eve of the Olympics
Artemy Berstenev July 9, 2024, 11:45 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Cooper Flagg, the likely No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, stood out among the league’s superstars.
Cooper Flagg is becoming an increasingly prominent figure on the basketball horizon, even though his NCAA debut with Duke University is still four months away. With each new appearance on the court, the 17-year-old forward’s status is strengthening, and this did not go unnoticed in the recent training sessions of the US national team. On the second day of sparring, organized to toughen up the American team, Flagg easily captured the attention, leaving even 12 NBA players in the shadows.
Who is Cooper Flagg?
Cooper once again came out on top, overcoming the defense of stars like Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday and not giving up the fight even against Bam Adebayo. Flagg’s performance was so impressive that the sparring team was just one step away from defeating the main American team, but the last chance, unfortunately, did not go to the striker. As a result, Brandin Podziemski’s shot was blocked by Davis, which determined the outcome of the match, in which the American team won by a narrow margin – 74:73.
Despite the lack of official numbers, the Duke rookie’s performance was certainly a highlight. His performance drew widespread admiration even without detailed statistics. “I’m confident in my skills and professionalism. And I certainly know my role and my goals,” Flagg said during a call with reporters.
The video is available on the Telegram channel “Basketball | AANBA.”
NBA scouts have not overlooked Cooper Flagg’s rise, and there is still little doubt that he will be the first overall pick in the 2025 draft. Flagg himself is optimistic about the upcoming Paris Olympics and predicts that the American team will leave their opponents no chance on the road to gold. “This team will prove its superiority over all rivals along the way,” the forward shared.
Flagg has been gaining ground and his recent appearances on the practice field only add to the excitement ahead of his first season at Duke. His confidence and technique are already drawing delight from fans and nods of approval from coaches. It remains to be seen what heights he will reach, but one thing is certain: Cooper Flagg is a name we will be hearing a lot about.
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