“Beyond anything I’ve seen at 17”: In awe of Cooper Flagg’s talent, Duke senior aims to help the freshman “stay steady”

Like Cooper Flagg, Sion James also began his Division I career at the age of 17. The guard chose the Tulane Green Wave over Ole Miss and other competitive programs. He transferred to the Duke Blue Devils for his fifth season.

When asked about Flagg, one of the youngest players in Division I men's basketball, James had high praise.

“Let’s start by saying I think there's a difference between Cooper at 17 and me at 17,” James shared with The Devils Den on Saturday (Timestamp: 1:17). “Completely different players. But the truth is, (he's) still young, still got a lot to learn.

"Cooper is unbelievably talented, but I just try to keep him level. I remember my freshman year was ups and downs and ups and downs. So, I’m trying to help him stay steady, but Cooper is beyond anything I’ve seen at 17. He's unbelievable.”

Cooper Flagg enters college as the best recruit in the 2024 class and is assumed to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

The 6-foot-9 forward brings elite two-way skills, the ability to get his shots up in multiple ways and a high understanding of team-oriented basketball. On the defensive end, Flagg can use his wingspan and athleticism to disrupt lanes, pester players and time his blocks.

Coaches believe Cooper Flagg is already the best player in college

Even before college basketball fans could witness Cooper Flagg playing against college players, the Montverde Academy product was labeled the best player in college basketball.

CBS Sports asked more than 100 Division I coaches for their choice for the best hooper in college this season. A total of 36% chose Flagg.

The next three biggest vote getters were Alabama’s Mark Sears (22%), Kansas' Hunter Dickinson (16%) and North Carolina’s RJ Davis (15%). All of these players are slated for their last college season and have increased their stock over the last few years.