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Cooper Flagg Wears NBA Star's Sneakers in Duke Debut

Cooper Flagg wore Devin Booker's Nike sneakers in his Duke debut.

Pat Benson

Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2024; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) is introduced to the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images / Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
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It is October, which means the South is still obsessed with college football. But Durham, North Carolina, is fixated on college basketball every day of the year.

On Friday night, the blue-blood NCAA program hosted its Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Fans lined up to see one player - freshman forward Cooper Flagg.

The 17-year-old did not disappoint in his Duke debut, scoring 13 points in 20 minutes. Even better, Flagg gave fans a preview of the sneakers he will probably wear a lot this season.

Flagg wore Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker's first signature Nike sneaker in a newly-released colorway. The diaper dandy laced up the Nike Book 1 in the "Python" colorway. Online shoppers can buy the snake-themed sneakers for $150 on the Nike website.

The colorway is a nod to one of Booker's favorite Nike sneakers, featuring a snakeskin leather upper with a python texture. The model's Air Zoom cushioning combines with Cushlon foam to help him slither and strike on the court.

Devin Booker's tan and white Nike sneakers.
The Nike Book 1 "Python" colorway. / Nike

This is noteworthy not only because Flagg is expected to be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft but also because he has already signed a sneaker deal with New Balance. The Boston-based brand made the announcement in August, heralding it as the "intelligent choice."

Despite Flagg's contract with New Balance, he must still wear Nike when on the court with Duke. This has become a growing trend in the NCAA throughout the NIL era. Student-athletes sign with a brand that does not sponsor their school before hitting the NBA or WNBA.

There was no better example than last year's LSU Tigers women's basketball team. Angel Reese (Reebok), Hailey Van Lith (adidas), Flau'Jae Johnson (PUMA), and Mikaylah Williams (Jordan Brand) signed with brands other than Nike.

The NBA preseason is already underway, and college basketball will be tipping off before we know it. Fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all their sneaker news from the sports world and beyond.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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