While Duke basketball freshman Cooper Flagg has had a historic season, he only continues to add to it. Most recently, he won the AP National Player of the Year, per release.

The freshman forward averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Not to mention, Flagg took home the ACC Player of the Year and made the ACC All-Defense team.

As a freshman, he stood head and shoulders above the competition. Furthermore, Duke basketball is in the Final Four, after some uncertainty surrounding Flagg's ankle injury.

Regardless of the condition, he's been playing through it and has been dominant. The fire, will, and desire to win is extremely evident in the Blue Devils program.

In the NCAA tournament, he's posted 14+ points in every game. His most dominant performance came against Arizona in the Sweet 16. Flagg dropped a 30-piece and was dominating in every facet.

For a freshman, the accomplishment is beyond impressive. Now, he'll relish in winning the National Player of the Year

Duke basketball's Cooper Flagg wins a massive award

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo during the second half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Auburn Tigers at State Farm Arena.
Michigan State HC Tom Izzo fires back at critics of his NIL, transfer portal usageRichard Pereira ·
Washington Huskies head coach Danny Sprinkle motions to his team during the first half of the NCAA men's basketball game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena in Columbus on Feb. 12, 2025.
Washington Huskies land 15.8-PPG transfer from USCRichard Pereira ·
North Carolina Tar Heels guard Elliot Cadeau (3) shoots during the second half of a first round NCAA men’s tournament game against the Mississippi Rebels at Fiserv Forum.
Dusty May reveals how key transfer will take Michigan basketball to next levelScotty White ·
Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
Duke Blue Devils bid coach goodbye after 27 seasonsRichard Pereira ·
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Connecticut Huskies at Amalie Arena.
South Carolina’s Dawn Staley sends message to Aliyah Boston, Kamilla Cardoso Rexwell Villas ·
UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) controls the ball as North Texas Mean Green forward Grant Newell (8) defends during the first half at Dickies Arena.
Yaxel Lendeborg’s Final Four promise to Michigan basketballScotty White ·

Again, this isn't likely the most important thing for Flagg at the moment. His focus is solely on fellow No. 1 seed, the Houston Cougars. Both teams have been predicted to have a close game.

They are both talented defensively, and offensively. Still, stars can shine under the brightest lights, and Flagg might do just that. Whatever the outcome is, it won't discredit Flagg for a historic freshman season.

Even in one season, he has already left a lasting legacy with Duke basketball. This might help the program get back to its dominance and dynasty they previously had.

With head coach Jon Scheyer at the helm, he's been clear what his expectations of every player are. Nobody gets treated differently, only fairly.

Something like that has sat right with Flagg the entire year. At the end of the day though, the freshman won the award based on the dominance, as well as his team's sustained success throughout the season.