Cooper Flagg’s spectacular displaying at USA Basketball’s Olympic camp has drawn reward throughout the basketball world, together with from star Kevin Durant.
In the course of the media viewing portion of Monday’s scrimmage in opposition to the U.S. workforce headed to Paris for the 2024 Summer season Olympics later this month, Flagg scored 11 factors and stole the present, which Durant took discover of.
“He appears to be like like a hell of a participant,” Durant instructed reporters on Wednesday, in accordance with the Washington Submit. “He’s 17 years previous coming in right here enjoying like a [veteran] virtually. No emotion. Simply going on the market and doing his job.
“That’s a great signal.”
Flagg, the 17-year-old Duke incoming freshman, was tapped as one in all 15 gamers named to Workforce Choose to work with the lads’s nationwide workforce in Las Vegas this week and Flagg.
He’s the primary faculty participant invited since 2013 when Doug McDermott and Marcus Sensible have been a part of Workforce Choose.
“I used to be simply competing and making an attempt as onerous as I can,” Flagg mentioned. “Giving it 100%. I’m assured in my means and ability. I’m assured in who I’m and what I can do. It’s a surreal feeling with the ability to share the courtroom [with the national team]. I’m blessed to have this chance to be right here. I had no worries. I didn’t put any strain on myself. I’m right here for a motive. I do know that.”
Flagg performed in opposition to a star-studded Workforce USA roster that included LeBron James and Steph Curry.
Durant was sidelined with a calf harm for the scrimmage.
Flagg is just including to his lore along with his spectacular displaying within the desert.
He’s already projected by ESPN to be the 2025 No. 1 total choose within the 2024 NBA draft.
He averaged 26.8 factors, 12.4 rebounds, 5.2 blocks and 4.7 assists per recreation within the Nike EYBL League.
