NBA superstar Kyrie Irving has added his voice to the growing chorus of basketball legends praising Duke commit Cooper Flagg, declaring the 17-year-old prodigy ready for the brightest stages of college basketball. In an exclusive interview, the Dallas Mavericks guard—who knows a thing or two about handling pressure—shared why he believes Flagg isn’t just another hyped recruit but a generational talent built to thrive under scrutiny.
Irving, who played a pivotal role in Duke’s 2015 NCAA Championship run under Coach Mike Krzyzewski, sees parallels between his own collegiate journey and Flagg’s meteoric rise. “Cooper’s got that *it* factor,” Irving said. “You can’t teach his combination of skill, IQ, and competitive fire. He’s not running from expectations—he’s embracing them. That’s rare.”
The endorsement carries weight. Irving’s freshman year at Duke was a masterclass in poise, as he hit the iconic game-winning shot against Butler in the 2015 title game. Now, he believes Flagg—the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class—has the mental toughness to follow suit. “Pressure either breaks you or reveals you,” Irving added. “Cooper’s the type who’ll shine when the lights are hottest.”
At 6’9″ with guard-like handles, defensive versatility, and a polished offensive game, Flagg has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant and Andrei Kirilenko. His résumé speaks for itself:
– **2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year**
– **McDonald’s All-American MVP**
– **Led Montverde Academy to a 30-0 season**
– **Dropped a triple-double (27 pts, 12 reb, 10 blk) in the Nike Hoop Summit**
But it’s Flagg’s intangibles that have impressed Irving most. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder,” Irving noted. “You can tell he’s studied the greats—his footwork, his patience in the post, the way he reads defenses. He’s ahead of the curve.”
Flagg’s commitment to Duke shocked some analysts who predicted he’d stay closer to home (Maine) or join a newer powerhouse like UConn. But Irving, who faced similar scrutiny for choosing Duke over traditional Northeast programs, understands the appeal.
“Duke isn’t just a school—it’s a *standard*,” Irving explained. “Coach Scheyer [Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach] is continuing Coach K’s legacy of preparing players for the NBA mentally and physically. Cooper will get better every day there.”
The Blue Devils’ system is tailor-made for Flagg’s skills. With a roster likely featuring returning guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, Flagg won’t need to carry the offense alone. Instead, he’ll be free to exploit mismatches, defend multiple positions, and develop as a playmaker—much like Jayson Tatum did during his Duke tenure.
With social media amplifying every move, today’s top recruits face unprecedented scrutiny. Flagg, however, has remained remarkably composed. Whether dominating AAU circuits or facing trash talk in pickup games, his demeanor rarely wavers—a trait Irving admires.
“The kid’s got ice in his veins,” Irving said. “I’ve watched him in big moments—he doesn’t get rattled. That’s half the battle. Talent gets you there, but mentality keeps you there.”
Flagg’s humility also stands out. Despite his accolades, he’s known for crediting teammates and obsessing over game film. “He’s hungry in a way that reminds me of young Kobe [Bryant],” Irving added. “Not just to score, but to *master* the game.”
While Flagg’s focus is on delivering Duke its sixth NCAA title, the NBA chatter is inevitable. Scouts already project him as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, with one executive calling him “the best prospect since Zion [Williamson].”
Irving, however, offered a word of caution: “Let him enjoy college first. The league will come. But if he keeps this mindset? Sky’s the limit.”
As Cooper Flagg prepares to write his Duke chapter, Kyrie Irving’s endorsement reinforces what many suspect: The basketball world isn’t just getting another star—it’s getting a potential legend. With Irving’s seal of approval and Flagg’s otherworldly talent, the Cameron Crazies might soon witness the birth of Duke’s next immortal.
One thing’s certain: The spotlight won’t be too bright. It’ll be exactly where Flagg belongs.
