There's a lot of buzz surrounding incoming Duke freshman Cooper Flagg , especially after his fearless performance for the USA Select Team, which narrowly lost to the Olympic-bound Team USA in the latter's training camp held in Las Vegas. Flagg, the first collegiate player to make it to the Select Team since 2013, played with quiet confidence, keeping in step with the NBA's biggest stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
In fact, KD was impressed not only by Flagg's performance but also by his demeanor. The native of Newport, Maine, was not awestruck by all the NBA legends in attendance. Instead, he just went about his business, did as he was told, and performed to the best of his abilities.
"He looks like a hell of a player. He's 17 years old coming in here playing like a veteran almost. No emotion. Just going out there and doing his job," KD said of the 6-foot-9 forward.
While the hype surrounding Cooper won't likely reach Victor Wembanyama levels, former Team USA icon Carmelo Anthony put some perspective into how special Flagg's talent is, saying neither he nor LeBron were playing against the Olympic team when they were 17.
A special talent
Carmelo and LeBron were two of the most celebrated high school basketball players of all time. Melo suited up for powerhouse Oak Hill Academy, while LeBron represented St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio. Their games were packed, and things were chaotic whenever they stepped on the court. However, the ten-time All-Star shared that Flagg has one-upped the both of them.
"At 17, LeBron wasn't practicing with the Olympic team. N****s weren't practicing with the Olympic team at 17," Melo shared on "7 PM in Brooklyn."
Anthony, who was one of the league's most potent scorers during his heyday, explained that Flagg's game is a product of the way basketball has evolved. Whereas before, forwards were taught to establish themselves inside and hit the occasional jumper, now they are encouraged to stretch the floor and be versatile on offense.
"Everybody's a stretch four now. Everyone coming in now is being told they need to shoot threes, play on the wing, even if they're a four or five. You have to be able to shoot the trey, stretch the floor, set picks. That's the offense today—space, spread out, pick and roll, movement," Carmelo remarked. "As a big man coming into this game, Cooper fits right into that."
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Be in the moment
After Cooper's impressive showing at the Team USA training camp, experts immediately discussed where the versatile forward would slot in the 2025 NBA Draft. Some even declared Flagg could be the first overall pick if he decides to go pro after one season at Duke. However, Melo cautioned the young man against buying into all the hype and just enjoying every step of the journey.
"I just want him to enjoy where he's at now. They are putting him there already—17 years old, practicing with the Olympic team. That's huge," the 2013 NBA scoring champ stated. "But personally, I want him to enjoy this journey right now. Enjoy Duke, enjoy college, and try to destroy the ACC. Go get everything you can, and in eight or nine months, you'll be right here in the NBA."
Flagg's stock is at an all-time high right now, but given that he has yet to play a single second in the NCAA, it remains to be seen if he can really plant his flag on the NBA landscape. One thing is for sure, though. Melo will have his eyes on him as he continues to develop and grow as a player.
Related: "Coop was playing out of his mind" - Coaches and players rave about Cooper Flagg's performances in Team USA camp
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