Duke freshman small forward Cooper Flagg continues to showcase his elite talent.
As the top recruit in the 2024 class, according to 247 Sports, Flagg has already secured both ACC Rookie and Player of the Year honors. After leading the Blue Devils to their 18th Final Four appearance, the 18-year-old is now in contention for another major accolade.
On Tuesday, Flagg was named one of five finalists for the prestigious Wooden Award, recognizing the best player in college basketball. He also earned a spot on the award’s All-American team. The other finalists include Auburn’s Johni Broome, Alabama’s Mark Sears, Purdue’s Braden Smith, and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. The winner will be announced on April 11 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN Plus.
If Flagg takes home the award, he would become just the fourth freshman to do so since its inception in 1977, joining Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson. Notably, both Davis and Williamson went No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft, and Flagg could follow in their footsteps if he chooses to enter the draft rather than return for another college season.