Cooper Flagg Talks His Future at Duke: “I’m Here to Build a Legacy”
As the basketball world eagerly watches the rise of Cooper Flagg, one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent memory, all eyes are on what he’ll do next in his basketball journey. Fresh off his high school career, Flagg has chosen Duke University, and in an exclusive interview, the top recruit shared his thoughts on his commitment to the Blue Devils, his goals for the future, and why he’s confident that Duke is the place where he’s meant to build his legacy.
Interviewer: Cooper, first off, congratulations on committing to Duke! It’s an exciting time for you, but also for the program. What made you decide that Duke was the right place for you?
Cooper Flagg: Thank you, it’s definitely an exciting time. Honestly, it just felt like the right fit. From the moment I visited, I could feel the tradition and the level of commitment there. Duke isn’t just about winning basketball games—it’s about building something bigger than that. The culture, the coaching staff, and the players all have this shared mentality of striving for greatness. I want to be part of that. I want to leave a legacy, not just for myself but for the program.
Interviewer: That’s great to hear! You mentioned building a legacy. How do you see yourself fitting into the history of a program like Duke, which has produced so many NBA legends?
Cooper Flagg: It’s humbling, honestly. Duke has such a rich history, and so many great players have come through there, from Zion [Williamson] to Jason [Tatum] and beyond. But I’m not focused on being compared to anyone else. I want to create my own path, my own legacy. I want to contribute to the team’s success, help bring home a national title, and hopefully set a standard for the next group of players who come through. I know what’s expected of me, and I’m ready to meet those expectations and give everything I’ve got.
Interviewer: With the level of talent surrounding you at Duke, it seems like the competition will be fierce, even within your own team. How do you plan to approach that challenge?
Cooper Flagg: Competition is something I thrive on. I’ve always believed that iron sharpens iron. Being surrounded by guys who push you to be your best—that’s how you get better. We’re all there for the same reason: to win. Whether I’m starting or coming off the bench, I’m going to give my best effort every day. And I know the competition will make all of us better. It’s about team success. We’re all working toward the same goal.
Interviewer: You’ve been a standout in high school and on the national stage. But college basketball will be a new level of intensity. What part of your game are you most focused on improving as you head into your freshman year at Duke?
Cooper Flagg: There’s always room to improve. I’d say right now, I’m focusing on getting stronger and refining my shooting. At the next level, every aspect of your game gets tested. I’ve been working on getting stronger in the weight room, especially to handle the physicality of college basketball. As for shooting, I want to be more consistent from the perimeter, especially from beyond the arc. I know how important spacing and shooting are at the college level, so it’s definitely a focus for me.
Interviewer: You’ve been getting a lot of attention from the media and fans alike, with some even labeling you as a future NBA star. Does that kind of pressure affect you, or do you thrive under it?
Cooper Flagg: I think pressure is something you can’t avoid, especially when you’re at a place like Duke. The expectations are always going to be high, but I’ve never shied away from pressure. If anything, it motivates me. I love being able to prove myself. But at the same time, I try to stay grounded and focused on the process. I’m not worried about what people say about me right now. I’m focused on working hard, staying humble, and letting my game speak for itself.
Interviewer: That’s a great mindset to have, Cooper. Now, looking ahead, what do you see as your ultimate goal during your time at Duke?
Cooper Flagg: My ultimate goal is simple: to win. I want to help Duke win a national championship, and I want to be remembered as someone who contributed to building something special. I think I can bring versatility, leadership, and a competitive edge to this team. I want to be part of something bigger than myself. When I leave Duke, I want people to look back and say, “That guy helped Duke become the best it could be.” I’m here to build a legacy, and I know that the work starts now.
Interviewer: Cooper, that’s powerful stuff. We’re excited to watch your journey unfold at Duke and beyond. Thanks for your time today, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve in the coming years.
Cooper Flagg: Thank you! I appreciate the support. I’m excited to get started and show what I can do. The best is yet to come.
Cooper Flagg’s unwavering confidence and clear vision for his future at Duke are evident in every word. As one of the most highly regarded prospects in the country, it’s no wonder that expectations are sky-high for the young star. With a strong work ethic, a commitment to team success, and an eye on building a lasting legacy, Flagg is ready to make his mark at Duke—and ultimately in the NBA.