"Coop was playing out of his mind" - Coaches and players rave about Cooper Flagg's performances in Team USA camp

Team USA ’s training camp for the 2024 Paris Olympics was filled with superstars. Anywhere you looked, there was bound to be a top-tier player. Whether it was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, the sport’s most feared shooter, Steph Curry, or NBA MVPs Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant, the talent was overflowing.

But one name that caught everyone’s attention was Cooper Flagg . The 17-year-old forward, who will attend Duke University this fall, stole the show with his fearless play for a Select Team that narrowly lost to the Olympic-bound Team USA, 74-73. Afterward, everyone who saw the 6-foot-9 forward go at the NBA All-Stars like they were his peers was in awe of his skill set, audacity, and competitiveness.

Unafraid of the stars

Flagg, the reigning Gatorade and the Naismith Boys’ National Player of the Year in high school, more than held his own against the likes of Jrue Holiday—who was tasked with defending him—and Anthony Davis, who he drained a three-pointer over despite the big man being right in front of him.

Jim Boylen, an assistant coach of the Select Team and the Indiana Pacers, had plenty of plaudits for the young man, saying on The Athletic: “Cooper Flagg was unbelievable. He’s not scared.”

Flagg’s teammates were just as impressed by what they saw from the Montverde Academy product in Florida. Jaime Jaquez Jr., the Miami Heat forward who will be playing in his second season in the league next season, said: “Coop was playing out of his mind!”

Meanwhile, Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren said he felt like Flagg already belonged on the floor with the seasoned pros, even though he has yet to play a single second in the NCAA.

“He showed no fear. He came and worked hard every day. You would think he’s already here, you know what I mean?” Duren commented.

Golden State Warriors big man Trayce Jackson-Davis added that what stood out was Flagg’s unwillingness to stand down no matter who he faced on the floor.

“I just think that he’s got a competitive fire, and he’s not afraid of anyone and he’s gonna go at you,” TJD quipped. “You need that as a player. And when you’re already like that, and you’re 17, the sky’s the limit.”

Related: Scottie Pippen on how Michael Jordan would have reacted if he left the Bulls: "He would have probably tried to shoot more and score more"

Trying to win

The game did not mean anything in the grand scheme of things. It was merely a scrimmage to give Team USA more reps, heading to more exhibition games against other national teams. But even with nothing at stake, Flagg competed like it was Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He was just built that way, he said.

“Once the ball goes up, I’m just trying to win at all times. I’m just a competitor, and that’s what it boils down to,” Flagg asserted.

While LeBron, Steph, KD, and AD have now, Flagg’s stellar performance on Monday showed who’s got next regarding USA Basketball. The future is bright for the 17-year-old, who might be heading to the NBA soon.

Related: Anthony Edwards on playing alongside LeBron, Steph, KD, and Tatum for Team USA: "I'm still the number one option"