"He doesn't have a position" - Coach K is certain that Cooper Flagg will be a Team USA player

Despite not yet entering the NBA, 17-year-old Cooper Flagg has already garnered significant attention as a five-star recruit for the Blue Devils. His recent appearance in the USA Select Team, where he faced the 2024 Olympic-bound Team USA and competed unfazed against LeBron James, has sparked widespread speculation about his potential. According to Coach K , Flagg's ceiling is remarkably high, provided he avoids injury setbacks.

Coach K on Cooper Flagg

During his appearance on 'The Dan Patrick Show,' Coach K, renowned for his role in developing NBA stars, offered a candid assessment of Cooper's potential. Drawing from his own knowledge of the teenager's passion for basketball, Mike Krzyzewski sounded optimistic about Cooper's versatility.

"Not right now but he will be. He's not just talented, he has a love of the game and he is a competitive kid. I mean, he is as competitive as any freshman that has come into Duke. He doesn't have a position," Coach K said. "He's just a damn good basketball player."

Flagg has created an immense buzz

Playing against NBA superstars before entering college basketball can be a daunting challenge, but Cooper demonstrated his determination, even scoring over Anthony Davis. His impressive performance earned praise from Kevin Durant, who called him a 'hell of a player.'

After Cooper led Montverde Academy to a perfect 30-0 record and a national championship while averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game, many have speculated that he could become the next face of the league. After winning the Gatorade National Player of the Year and McDonald's All-American honors, the 6'9" forward will be in action at Duke's Countdown to Craziness in early October.

It is safe to say that after Zion Williamson, Cooper seems to have received the most preseason buzz for a college player. However, the bigger question remains if the 17-year-old can be consistent enough to transform his showings for Duke and later on the NBA stage; surely, he has the support of Coach K behind him.

Related: Grant Hill talks about the potential of Cooper Flagg: "He's got all the tools and a mental makeup"