Blue Devil Country

Top Duke Basketball Signee Rejects Seemingly Everything in Reach

Duke basketball's defensive artistry should be a masterpiece with Cooper Flagg anchoring the effort next season.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Stu Boyd II-USA TODAY NETWORK
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As with most premier preps, many folks first and foremost obsess over what Montverde Academy (Fla.) five-star and future Duke basketball forward Cooper Flagg is capable of on the offensive end of the floor. And the 17-year-old's repertoire isn't lacking there, as he's a top-notch scorer and centerpiece playmaker.

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However, one could argue that Flagg, averaging 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.7 blocks this season despite often exiting games early for a 30-0 Montverde squad that routinely has blowout wins well in hand by halftime, displays his most eye-popping skillset on defense.

It doesn't hurt that the 6-foot-9, 200-pound phenom enjoys the good fortune of pairing his exceptional instincts, competitiveness, and athleticism with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and giant-sized hands.

This week, to recognize Flagg's penchant for chasing down and demoralizing opposing scorers with frequently vicious rejections, SLAM HS Hoops put together the following mixtape of his loudest block parties:

Cooper Flagg is the top-ranked 2024 Duke basketball recruiting prize, as he sits atop the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

But he's not the only touted talent coming to town. He'll arrive in Durham as part of the nation's No. 1 class this summer alongside four-star forward Darren Harris and four fellow five-stars in forward Kon Knueppel, forward Isaiah Evans, center Khaman Maluach, and center Patrick Ngongba II.

Maluach, who committed to the Blue Devils last week, is the only one from that group who hasn't put his pledge in ink. The others did so during the early signing period.

Duke Recruiting: Five-Star Big 'Thousand Percent Committed'

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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