Duke’s Cooper Flagg Tops CBS Sports’ Freshman All-America Team

The 2024-25 college basketball season is on the horizon, and with it comes a fresh influx of talent eager to make their mark. Leading the pack is Duke‘s Cooper Flagg, who has already been heralded as the favorite for the Freshman of the Year award, according to CBS Sports. Flagg, a forward with an impressive skill set, is expected to dominate both during the season and in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, where he’s projected as the number one pick.

Flagg’s abilities on court make him a standout among his peers. The 17-year-old phenom is a versatile two-way player capable of scoring at multiple levels, defending rigorously, and a noted ability to facilitate and block shots. “He’s potentially the best player in the country by season’s end,” remarked an analyst from CBS Sports.

As one of the most anticipated prospects of his generation, Flagg enters this collegiate campaign surrounded by a well-experienced Duke team. Under the headship of Jon Scheyer, now in his third year, Duke harbors national championship aspirations, and Flagg’s performance will be pivotal to the team’s success.

Alongside Flagg, other notable freshmen include Baylor‘s VJ Edgecombe, Rutgers‘ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, and UConn‘s Liam McNeeley. Edgecombe, a dynamic guard, is recognized for his explosive play style and stands as a potential contender for the Big 12 Player of the Year. Dylan Harper brings a comprehensive skill set to Rutgers, with capabilities in scoring, assisting, and rebounding.

Liam McNeeley, associated with the defending national champions UConn, is poised to play a significant role due to his sharpshooting and tactical acumen. Under coach Dan Hurley, McNeeley’s integration into the team’s system is expected to highlight his strengths.

While Cooper Flagg remains the central focus, his peers in the freshman class have shown potential to make resounding impacts in college basketball, indicating a promising future for these young athletes as they embark on their formative collegiate experiences.