In a recent announcement, Cooper Flagg, the top player in the 2024 recruiting class, revealed that he has chosen Duke University as his college basketball destination. Flagg, a 6-foot-9 small forward from Maine who currently plays at Montverde Academy in Florida, had also been considering UConn as an option. The decision, which was made public on social media in collaboration with Slam Magazine, comes just before the NCAA's early signing period, set to begin on November 8.
This commitment further solidifies Jon Scheyer's successful start to his coaching tenure at Duke. Under Scheyer's leadership, Duke secured the top-ranked recruiting class for the Class of 2022, and this year's class ranks fourth in the nation before Flagg's decision. The Blue Devils have already secured commitments from five-star forwards Isaiah Evans and Jon Knueppel, as well as four-star forward Darren Harris, for the 2024 class.
Flagg had previously expressed his admiration for Duke, calling it his dream school. However, he also considered UConn after a visit in September, during which he spent time with family friend Donovan Clingan, UConn's 7-2 center. Flagg and Clingan's mothers were former teammates in Maine, and the two players shared a social media post wearing replicas of their mothers' jerseys.
Flagg initially intended to announce his decision last week but postponed it due to the tragic shootings in his home state of Maine.
Overall, Flagg's commitment to Duke adds to the team's already impressive recruiting class and reinforces the positive start to Scheyer's coaching career. It will be exciting to see Flagg's impact on the Duke basketball program and how he develops as a player at the collegiate level.