Cooper Flagg, the illustrious recipient of the prestigious Wooden Award, sat down to reflect on both the immense honor of receiving one of college basketball’s highest individual accolades and the emotional weight of Duke’s recent Final Four loss to Houston—a game that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most intense and heartbreaking in recent tournament history.
“To receive this kind of recognition was an amazing honor for me,” Flagg began thoughtfully, his voice carrying the humility and gratitude befitting such a moment. “I’m really appreciative of the Wooden Award committee, the fans, my coaches, my teammates, and my family. It’s truly humbling to be placed in the company of some of the greatest players who have ever stepped on the court. I’ve always looked up to the legends who have won this award, and to have my name alongside theirs means a lot. It validates the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that I’ve made throughout my basketball journey.”
Flagg continued, emphasizing the collective effort behind individual accolades. “I don’t see this award as just a reflection of my own talent or effort. Basketball is a team sport, and my success wouldn’t be possible without the support and belief of everyone around me. My coaches have challenged me every day to get better, my teammates have pushed me and supported me through every high and low, and my family has always been my rock. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.”
But while the Wooden Award marks a personal career milestone, Flagg’s thoughts quickly shifted to the team’s collective heartbreak after their stunning Final Four loss to Houston. “This season has been incredible in many ways, and making it to the Final Four was a huge accomplishment for us. We fought hard, showed resilience, and made a lot of memories together. But losing that game to Houston… it was tough. It was really tough.”
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing with a reflective tone. “I think about the moments in that game—the missed shots, the defensive lapses, the small mistakes that ended up costing us dearly. When you’re that close to the championship game, everything feels magnified. You’re not just playing for yourselves anymore; you’re playing for the entire program, the fans, the legacy of the team, and the dreams you’ve carried all season. To come so close and then fall short…it’s heartbreaking.”
Flagg acknowledged the emotions that have come in the days following the loss. “There’s been a lot of reflection. A lot of ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys.’ But I also know that this experience will make us stronger. Painful as it is, it’s a part of growth. It teaches you lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of leaving everything on the court. We’ll use this as motivation to come back better next season.”
When asked about the standout moments and key factors in the game against Houston, Flagg offered a candid assessment. “Houston played an outstanding game. Their defense was relentless and their energy was on another level. They came ready to battle, and we just didn’t have the answers in key moments. I think their physicality and toughness really tested us, and they executed their game plan very well.”
He gave credit to Houston’s coaching staff and players, acknowledging the respect due to opponents who rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. “You have to tip your hat to them. They deserved the win that night. But for us, it was a reminder that at this level, the margin for error is razor-thin. Every possession counts. Every decision can change the course of a game. It’s a humbling experience, but also a powerful motivator.”
Flagg reflected on how the season has shaped him both as a player and as a person. “This year has been a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows. Winning the Wooden Award is definitely a highlight, but I’ve grown the most through adversity. There were times when we faced tough losses, injuries, and challenges that tested our resolve. But each time, we came together as a team and pushed forward. That’s what I’m most proud of—our character and our commitment to each other.”
Looking ahead, Flagg shared his vision for the future. “I’m excited to keep developing my game and to help Duke reach new heights. We have an amazing group of players, and I believe we have the potential to achieve great things. The goal is always to win championships, to make history, and to represent our university with pride and integrity.”
He also spoke about the impact of the Wooden Award on his personal goals. “Receiving this award inspires me to keep working harder. It’s not a finish line; it’s a checkpoint. I want to keep improving, keep competing at the highest level, and keep pushing the boundaries of what I can do on the court. This award reminds me of what’s possible when you dedicate yourself fully to your craft.”
Flagg took a moment to express gratitude beyond basketball. “I want to thank the fans who have supported me and the team all season long. Their energy and enthusiasm have been incredible, and it’s an honor to play in front of such passionate people. Also, to my family and friends—thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and standing by me through every moment. This journey is as much yours as it is mine.”
Before concluding, Flagg addressed the young athletes and aspiring players who look up to him. “To anyone chasing their dreams, my message is simple: stay focused, work hard, and never lose sight of your goals. There will be setbacks and challenges, but those are the moments that define you. Embrace them, learn from them, and keep moving forward. Success isn’t just about talent—it’s about heart, determination, and resilience.”
As the interview wrapped up, Cooper Flagg’s demeanor was a mix of humility, determination, and hope. His words carried the weight of experience and the promise of a bright future—not just for himself but for the Duke basketball program and the sport he loves.
“Basketball has given me so much,” he said. “It’s taught me discipline, teamwork, and the power of perseverance. This season, this award, this journey—they’re all part of a bigger story that’s still being written. I’m grateful for every chapter and excited for what comes next.”
If you want, I can also break it down into sections, add quotes or hypothetical deeper analysis of his playing style or specific game moments, or expand on related topics like the history of the Wooden Award or Duke’s season in detail. Would you like me to do that?
