NBA Legend Shaq on Cooper Flagg: The Hype Is Real

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant players in NBA history, knows what greatness looks like. He’s shared the court with legends, hoisted trophies, and left a legacy of power, personality, and championship pedigree. So when a player like Cooper Flagg catches Shaq’s attention, people listen. The words “The hype is real” coming from a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer aren’t just flattery—they’re an early endorsement from someone who knows the cost of superstardom. Flagg, a high school phenom already drawing comparisons to generational talents, has become one of the most talked-about prospects in recent memory. Shaq, never one to throw praise lightly, sees something authentic in the young star from Maine: the attitude, the motor, the IQ, the fire.

Cooper Flagg’s rise to national prominence has been swift but not undeserved. At just 17 years old, he’s already considered the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft class. Playing at Montverde Academy, a powerhouse that’s produced NBA stars like Cade Cunningham, Ben Simmons, and Scottie Barnes, Flagg has taken command of the spotlight. His combination of size, skill, and defensive tenacity is rare. At 6’9” with a 7-foot wingspan, he can guard every position, shoot the ball with fluidity, and make reads that many veterans in the league still struggle to master. His presence on the court is magnetic. He doesn’t just play the game—he imposes his will on it.

Shaq has always respected players who bring both intensity and intelligence to the game. It’s not just about stats—it’s about presence. Watching Flagg’s tapes, it’s easy to see why someone like Shaq would be impressed. Flagg’s timing on blocks is elite, his court awareness is uncanny for a teenager, and he plays with a calm confidence that never looks forced. He’s not just chasing highlights. He’s focused on making winning plays—setting the tone on defense, controlling the pace, encouraging teammates, and doing the little things that separate good players from franchise changers. That’s what resonates with someone like Shaq, who built his career on being not only dominant, but reliable in the biggest moments.

The hype surrounding Flagg has been compared to that of LeBron James during his high school days. While that comparison might be premature in terms of career trajectory, the cultural parallels are striking. Flagg, like LeBron in 2003, is already a known name before even stepping onto a college campus. He has a social media following in the hundreds of thousands, is the subject of YouTube mixtapes with millions of views, and has NIL deals lined up. He committed to Duke, a program known for producing elite NBA talent, which will only amplify the buzz. Shaq knows what it’s like to carry pressure and expectations at a young age. He sees how Flagg handles the weight, not by shrinking, but by stepping forward—something only a select few can do.

Flagg’s defensive instincts, in particular, are what really set him apart. In an era where offensive highlights often overshadow defensive brilliance, Flagg is a throwback in the best way. He lives for the contest, the block, the chase-down play that sparks a fast break. Watching him play is watching a player who understands timing and angles at a near-professional level. He doesn’t just react—he anticipates. Shaq, a player who built his dominance largely on interior presence, likely sees in Flagg a rare kind of two-way hunger. Offensively, Flagg is already polished for his age. He can stretch the floor with his jumper, create off the dribble, finish through contact, and operate as a secondary playmaker. But it’s his ability to impact the game without needing the ball in his hands that really turns heads. That’s the mark of a future star—someone who doesn’t need a stat sheet to prove their value.

Shaq’s assessment of “the hype is real” speaks volumes because he’s watched the evolution of the game from multiple perspectives: as a player, analyst, mentor, and father. He’s seen many prospects come and go, many anointed too early and many overlooked. His comment isn’t about clickbait—it’s an informed take. It suggests that Flagg isn’t just another high school phenom. He’s something more—a foundational piece, a leader, a player who can carry the torch for the next generation of NBA talent. Shaq knows the NBA is always looking for its next face, and while there will always be multiple stars, only a few can truly shift the league’s narrative. Flagg, in Shaq’s view, might just be one of them.

There’s also a mentality that Flagg brings to the game that resonates with old-school players like Shaq. In interviews and on the court, Flagg comes across as fiercely competitive but grounded. He’s humble but not passive. He plays like he has something to prove, even when he’s the most talented player on the court. That chip on his shoulder is part of what makes him dangerous. It’s the same kind of fire that fueled greats like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and yes, Shaq himself. Flagg wants to dominate, not just succeed. That drive is what elevates talent to legacy. And Shaq knows better than most that talent alone isn’t enough—you need that internal motor that keeps revving even after you’ve made it.

Flagg’s versatility also reflects where the NBA is headed. Positionless basketball is no longer a trend—it’s the standard. Players like Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero are redefining what it means to be a “big.” Flagg fits into this new mold perfectly. He can run the offense, switch onto guards, play above the rim, and hit from deep. Coaches love players like Flagg because they unlock possibilities on both ends of the court. Analysts love him because he represents a convergence of skill, size, and smarts that’s becoming rarer. Fans love him because he brings excitement and grit. Shaq sees that too—and when a Hall of Famer endorses your game, it’s more than just words. It’s a validation of potential.

As Flagg’s college career at Duke begins, the microscope will only get more intense. Every game will be dissected, every performance critiqued. But Shaq’s early vote of confidence gives Flagg something more valuable than just praise—it gives him credibility. Flagg doesn’t need hype. He needs belief. And Shaq is offering that belief, grounded in decades of basketball experience. This is more than a passing compliment—it’s an acknowledgment that Cooper Flagg has the tools, the mindset, and the maturity to not only meet expectations, but to surpass them.

Flagg will still need to prove himself at the college level. Many high school stars have stumbled when faced with the physicality and speed of Division I basketball. But all signs suggest Flagg is built for it. He’s already competed against older, stronger players in AAU and international competition. He’s held his own against top college recruits and often outshined them. He’s shown that he doesn’t shy away from contact, doesn’t fold under pressure, and doesn’t complain when things don’t go his way. These are small things—but they matter. They’re indicators of a player’s ceiling. And Shaq, always a keen observer of temperament, likely sees in Flagg the kind of mental resilience that translates to long-term success.

It’s also worth noting how Flagg has handled his rise. In an age where young athletes are often thrust into the spotlight before they’re ready, Flagg has navigated the attention with maturity. He’s present on social media but not distracted by it. He gives thoughtful answers in interviews, acknowledging his team, coaches, and support system. He trains like a pro, watches film like a vet, and doesn’t chase flash. These are rare qualities for someone his age. Shaq, who experienced early stardom himself, knows how treacherous that path can be. Seeing Flagg stay grounded might be one of the biggest reasons he believes in the kid’s future.

In many ways, Flagg represents a blend of eras. He has the raw physical tools and highlight-reel potential that today’s fans crave, but he also plays with the fundamentals and work ethic that old-school players admire. He’s a student of the game, not just an athlete. That combination is increasingly rare. Shaq, who has often voiced concern about young players skipping steps or losing sight of the basics, seems reassured that Flagg is cut from a different cloth. When someone like Shaq says the hype is real, it carries a weight no scout’s report or online ranking can match. It’s a statement made by someone who’s lived the game at the highest level and seen what greatness demands.

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Flagg’s name will be on every analyst’s board. He’ll be scrutinized, compared, projected. There will be debates over his ceiling, his comps, and his role in the league. But one thing is already clear: Cooper Flagg has won over some of the most respected voices in the sport. Shaq’s endorsement is more than symbolic—it’s a nod of respect, a stamp of potential, and a warning to the rest of the basketball world that a new era might be on its way.

For Flagg, the road ahead will be challenging. The expectations will mount. But with the backing of legends and the drive to earn it, he seems ready for whatever comes next. Shaq’s words echo in the minds of fans and scouts alike—not because they’re loud, but because they’re true. The hype around Cooper Flagg isn’t just media noise. It’s real. And if he continues on this path, we might one day look back at this