Duke Freshman Cooper Flagg Claims the 2025 Wooden Award

April 5, 2025 – Durham, NC

In a season that has captivated college basketball fans across the nation, Duke University freshman Cooper Flagg has cemented his place in history by winning the 2025 John R. Wooden Award, recognizing him as the most outstanding player in men’s college basketball. The announcement, made earlier today, marks the culmination of a remarkable debut campaign for the 18-year-old phenom, who has lived up to every ounce of the hype surrounding his arrival at Duke.

Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, entered the 2024-25 season as the consensus No. 1 recruit in the country, drawing comparisons to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum for his blend of size, skill, and versatility. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, Flagg wasted no time proving he was more than just potential. Through the regular season and into March Madness, he showcased a jaw-dropping stat line, averaging 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 48% from the field and an impressive 37% from beyond the arc.

What sets Flagg apart, however, isn’t just the numbers—it’s the way he impacts the game. His defensive tenacity, highlighted by his ability to guard multiple positions, has anchored Duke’s elite defense, while his poise and basketball IQ have made him the Blue Devils’ go-to player in clutch moments. In the ACC Tournament championship game against rival North Carolina, Flagg dropped a 28-point, 11-rebound masterpiece, sealing his case as the nation’s top player.

The Wooden Award, named after the legendary UCLA coach, has a storied history of honoring players like Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson—Duke’s last winner in 2019. Flagg’s victory places him in elite company and underscores the rarity of a freshman claiming the honor. “Cooper’s work ethic and maturity are beyond his years,” Coach Scheyer said in a post-award press conference. “He’s a generational talent, but more importantly, he’s a winner who elevates everyone around him.”

Flagg edged out stiff competition for the award, including Purdue’s senior big man Zach Edey, who won in 2023 and 2024, and UConn’s dynamic guard Donovan Clingan, both of whom posted stellar seasons. Yet, voters couldn’t overlook Flagg’s immediate dominance and his role in leading Duke to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they remain a favorite to cut down the nets.

Off the court, Flagg has remained grounded despite the spotlight. In his acceptance speech, streamed live from Los Angeles, he thanked his family, teammates, and the Duke faithful. “This award is a reflection of the support I’ve had every step of the way,” Flagg said. “I’m just getting started.”

NBA scouts are already salivating at the prospect of Flagg entering the 2025 NBA Draft, where he’s projected as the No. 1 overall pick. For now, though, the basketball world is content to watch him shine in Durham. With the Final Four looming, Flagg has a chance to pair his Wooden Award with a national championship—a feat that would further solidify his legacy as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.

Cooper Flagg isn’t just the 2025 Wooden Award winner—he’s the face of a new era in the sport. And at just 18, it’s clear the best is yet to come.

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