Duke’s Cooper Flagg Named National Player of the Year Ahead of Final Four

San Antonio, Texas – Duke University’s Cooper Flagg was named The Associated Press men’s college basketball national player of the year on April 5, 2025, making him just the fourth freshman to earn this prestigious recognition. Flagg received 41 out of 61 votes, outpacing Auburn center Johni Broome, who garnered the remaining votes.

The 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine, has made a remarkable impact this season, leading the Blue Devils with an average of 18.9 points per game. Flagg also excels in rebounding, averaging 7.5 boards, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His performance has propelled Duke into the national semifinals, where they are set to face No. 1 seed Houston.

Flagg’s journey to this recognition has not been without its challenges. He and Broome had been in close competition for the title of the top player in the nation throughout the season. Broome’s significant contributions in the SEC, which saw a record 14 teams make it to the NCAA Tournament, had initially positioned him favorably. However, when Broome suffered an ankle injury in mid-January, Flagg seized the opportunity to take the lead.

His stellar performance includes a record-setting 42-point game against Notre Dame, establishing a new ACC single-game freshman scoring mark. As Broome returned to the court, Flagg had already polished his three-point shooting and had solidified his status as a two-way player, balancing offensive prowess with strong defensive capabilities.

“I always look to improve, whether on defense or offense,” Flagg said in a statement. “Winning these awards is great, but I’m focused on helping my team win the national title.”

Duke coach Jon Scheyer, who previously invested time building his connection with Flagg during the recruiting process, praised the young forward’s growth. “Cooper brings a unique blend of skill and competitiveness to the court. He elevates our team’s play at every level,” Scheyer said. “We’re excited about what lies ahead in the Final Four.”

As Duke prepares for their upcoming match against Houston, they aim to cement their status among the elite in college basketball history. With Flagg named the national player of the year, the Blue Devils are positioned for a strong run in the tournament, looking to secure their sixth national championship title.