On Wednesday, Cooper Flagg expressed his determination to heed LeBron James advice for Cooper Flagg as he gets ready for NBA draft night. The Duke star appeared on Good Morning America just hours before the draft, reflecting on a meaningful moment he shared with James from a few years prior.
“It was just a little bit of advice about being present and staying in the moment,” Flagg said. “It was cool to have that moment. I’m going to try hard to soak it all in and really enjoy the moment but it’s just going to be emotions running out.” —Cooper Flagg, Duke Forward
Dressed casually in jeans, sneakers, and a beige jacket, Flagg spoke about the journey that brought him here. At only 18, the Duke forward has become one of the most talked-about prospects in basketball, drawing comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest thanks to his versatile skills.
Flagg had an outstanding lone college season, posting averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. After earning the National Player of the Year award and leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four, he is widely expected to be selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Draft.
Flagg Shares Which NBA Opponent He Looks Forward to Facing Most
When asked by ESPN’s Malika Andrews who he’s most eager to compete against in the NBA, Flagg named his former Duke teammate Khaman Maluach.
“As far as someone I’m excited to play, my brother from Duke, Khaman Maluach,” Flagg said. “It’ll be surreal. He’s a great kid, I love him to death, so getting to play against him will be really cool.” —Cooper Flagg, Duke Forward
Maluach, who is considered a projected lottery pick and among the three Duke players expected in the first round, stands out as a dominant defensive presence. At 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Maluach is known for his shot-blocking ability and strong paint defense.
Reflecting on Competing with NBA Legends Before the Olympics
Flagg also looked back on the unique experience of scrimmaging against Team USA ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Selected as a high school player for the USA Men’s Junior National Select Team, he faced some of basketball’s biggest names.
“That was one of the only times I’ve walked into a gym and felt shellshocked,” Flagg said. “It was Hall of Fame guy after Hall of Fame guy. I remember the first possession I checked in, I was guarding LeBron, that was surreal.” —Cooper Flagg, Duke Forward
Despite initial nerves, the encounter helped Flagg gain confidence and reinforced his belief in performing well against any level of competition.
What Lies Ahead for Flagg After Draft Night
As Cooper Flagg prepares for the biggest moment of his young career, his commitment to staying present and embracing the moment, following LeBron’s advice, highlights his maturity. Entering the NBA as a top prospect from Duke, his journey reflects a blend of talent, hard work, and valuable experiences. With the Dallas Mavericks likely to select him, Flagg’s next chapter in professional basketball carries a strong sense of promise and determination.