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.
When I stepped onto campus, it wasn’t just the facilities or the people, though those things are certainly impressive. It was more about the vibe. You can tell that Duke has a unique atmosphere. There’s a shared sense of purpose and drive among everyone in the program. You have players who have come from all over the country, with different backgrounds and experiences, but they all come together to compete and work toward one goal: excellence.
Coach [Jon] Scheyer and the coaching staff were a big factor in my decision too. I’ve watched how they develop players and their commitment to helping guys reach their full potential—not just as basketball players, but as people. That resonated with me. I want to be challenged every day, and I know that at Duke, I’ll be pushed to be the best version of myself, both on and off the court. That’s a big part of why I chose to commit to Duke—it’s a place that expects greatness, and I want to be a part of that tradition.
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. It’s a little surreal to think about following in the footsteps of guys like that. 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.
Duke has a legacy of developing players who go on to do great things at the next level, and I know I’ll be working with some of the best coaches and players in the country. But I think the biggest thing is understanding that each player who’s come through Duke has done it their way. Whether it’s Coach K’s leadership or the style of play, it’s always been about finding what works best for you while being part of a team. I want to make sure that I’m contributing to that environment, building on the program’s culture, and helping future players who come through Duke have the same opportunity to succeed.
I think that’s really the essence of what Duke is about—creating individual greatness within the framework of team success. That’s something I really believe in, and I see myself fitting into that mold. I want to be remembered as a player who didn’t just score a lot of points or get a lot of attention but as someone who helped push the team forward and made others around him better. If I can leave Duke better than I found it and be a part of bringing in championships and creating a lasting impact, I’ll be proud of that.
Interviewer: That sounds like a really mature approach for someone your age, Cooper. It’s obvious that you’ve thought a lot about your place in this program. How do you balance the pressure of coming to a program with such high expectations with your own personal goals?
Cooper Flagg: It’s definitely something I’ve thought about. But for me, it’s more about embracing the challenge than shying away from it. Duke is a program with a rich tradition and an intense level of competition, and I know there will be high expectations. But I think pressure is something that can push you to perform better if you handle it the right way. For me, it’s about focusing on what I can control and not getting too caught up in the external factors.
I know there will be a lot of eyes on me, but I’ve been in high-pressure situations before, and I’ve always tried to stay focused on the task at hand. Whether it’s on the court or in practice, it’s about giving your best effort every time and being prepared for whatever challenges come your way. I think one of the things that drew me to Duke was the idea that pressure is part of what makes you great. If you’re able to manage it and rise to the occasion, it can make you better.
On the personal side, my goals are always evolving, but I know that being part of a program like Duke will push me to grow in ways I never imagined. I want to improve every day and become the best player I can be. But I also want to grow as a person—learning how to lead, how to deal with adversity, how to be a good teammate. Those are the kinds of personal goals that will make me a better player and help me contribute to Duke’s success.
In a program like Duke, you learn quickly that you’re not just there for yourself; you’re there to contribute to the success of the team. That’s why I’m excited about the opportunity—because I know I’ll be surrounded by other players who are just as motivated and hungry to succeed. We’ll push each other to be better every day, and that’s an environment I thrive in.
Interviewer: You mentioned leadership there, and that’s a quality a lot of people admire in great players. Do you see yourself as a leader, even though you’re coming in as a freshman?
Cooper Flagg: I do, but I also know leadership comes with experience. As a freshman, it’s important to establish yourself and earn the respect of your teammates. But I believe in leading by example. I’m always the type of player who tries to set the tone through effort, focus, and commitment to the team. That’s something I’ve always tried to do, whether I’m on the court or in practice.
But at the same time, I know that leadership is about communication too. It’s about being able to speak up when necessary, whether that’s encouraging a teammate, giving advice, or just making sure everyone’s on the same page. I’ve always tried to be someone who leads with my actions and works hard to make others better, but I’m also aware that being vocal and having those tough conversations is part of being a leader, especially when you’re in a program as competitive as Duke.
I think the best leaders are the ones who can make their teammates believe in themselves and in the collective goal. That’s something I want to bring to Duke. I want to help bring everyone together, build that trust, and create an environment where we’re all striving for the same thing. As a freshman, I won’t try to force myself into a leadership role, but I’ll do everything I can to help my teammates and contribute to the team’s success. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about showing up every day and being someone others can rely on.
Interviewer: That’s a really mature perspective. Now, beyond basketball, what are you most looking forward to about your time at Duke?
Cooper Flagg: I think what excites me most is the opportunity to be around people who are just as driven and passionate as I am—not just about basketball, but about life in general. Duke is known for its incredible academic programs and the caliber of people who attend. I’m really excited to challenge myself outside of basketball and grow as a person. The idea of being in a place where I’m surrounded by people who are striving to be their best in all aspects of life is something I’m really looking forward to.
I’m also excited about the relationships I’ll build during my time at Duke. I know I’ll meet people who will have a significant impact on my life, and I’m eager to learn from them. Whether it’s my teammates, the coaching staff, or people I meet around campus, I think Duke will offer a unique opportunity to build a strong network of people who will challenge and support me in ways I’ve never experienced before.
Of course, I’m also excited about the basketball experience itself. Being part of that environment and being able to compete at the highest level in college basketball is something I’ve always dreamed of. But the relationships, the personal growth, and the opportunities that will come off the court are just as important to me. Duke offers the chance to become the best version of myself, both as a player and as a person, and that’s what excites me the most.
Interviewer: Well, Cooper, it’s clear you’ve given a lot of thought to your future at Duke, and it’s exciting to see someone so driven and focused. We’re all looking forward to watching you grow as a player and person over the next few years.
Cooper Flagg: Thank you! I really appreciate that. I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to be part of such an incredible program. I’m ready to put in the work and do whatever it takes to help Duke continue its legacy of greatness.
This expanded version builds on the themes of legacy, leadership, and personal growth, diving deeper into Cooper Flagg’s thoughts and vision for his future at Duke, while also reflecting on the pressure and challenges he will face as part of such a storied program.
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