Wooden Award Flashback: Cooper Flagg's Blue Devil determination
Feb 17, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) stands on the court during a stoppage in play against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The John R. Wooden Award will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary this season.
Leading up to the award ceremony on April 10, 2026, The Sporting Tribune in partnership with the Wooden Award and the Los Angeles Athletic Club will highlight past winners of the Wooden Award and the Legends of Coaching Award. A small-town Maine prodigy, national high school phenom, Duke superstar, and number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg has one of the most linear ascents in modern basketball. The 6 '9 standout as a two-way force during his time at Nokomis Regional High School.
He soon transferred to Montverde Academy, the premier powerhouse in the country. There he won multiple national high-school player of the year awards and became the top recruit in the 2024 class. He produced a competitive edge that made him the most scouted high school player since Zion Williamson.
The 19-year-old played one season (2024-2025) at Duke and his freshman year was so dominant that he declared for the NBA. There was no such thing as easing him in. The spotlight gravitated toward him on opening night.
Across 37 games he averaged 19. 2 points, 7. 5 rebounds, and 4.