Blue Devil Country

Kevin Durant Challenges Duke Basketball Prize Cooper Flagg to Be Great

It sounds like a 14-time NBA All-Star sees generational talent in future Duke basketball forward Cooper Flagg.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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During Kevin Durant's sitdown chat with business partner Rich Kleiman in the latest episode of Boardroom Cover Story, the two-time NBA Finals MVP and current Phoenix Suns superstar took a moment to assess the potential of the No. 1 prospect on the 247Sports 2024 Composite in Duke basketball signee Cooper Flagg.

Durant has noticed the lengthy five-star forward's continued dominance at the prep level and consistent display of league-ready moves. And the 35-year-old, one of the game's gems for over a decade, seems to believe the 17-year-old's future could include a longtime reign as a premier NBA sensation.

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Here's what the former one-and-done Texas forward said about Flagg, essentially summoning the projected one-and-done Blue Devil to do what it takes to fulfill his destiny, so to speak:

"See, young dudes, it's hard to truly understand when you're playing against high school competition. You don't know who's the best of the best. I don't know what's the best version of that competition. But the intangibles that [Flagg] has, his measurables, and his raw talent, I can see that through the TV.

"I mean, when you're 6-10 and can run up and down the floor like that and got the instincts with the basketball like that...if you work at it and if you care and if you're consistent with who you are...

"Like I said, it's [about] showing up every day. If you show up every day and be the best that you can be, I think Cooper Flagg can be one of the top players in the league for 15 years."

Of course, Cooper Flagg is the centerpiece of the nation's top-ranked recruiting class. He's set to join at least four others as a 2024-25 Duke basketball rookie. Those fellow heralded early signees are five-star forward Isaiah Evans, five-star forward Kon Knueppel, four-star forward Darren Harris, and five-star center Patrick Ngongba II.

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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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