"That's why you fear him so much in the college game": Anonymous college coach gives verdict on Cooper Flagg's unmatched abilities

Cooper Flagg enters the college basketball circuit as the best player in the 2024 talent pool. Moreover, even before Duke’s season has started, the Montverde product is assumed to be the top player in the 2025 NBA draft. Fans, insiders and coaches across the league believe Flagg is one of the most special hoopers the college circuit has witnessed.

Jeff Borzello shares that to get a feel for the same, ESPN’s representatives interviewed several coaches about their impression of Flagg and to understand the 6-foot-9 forward’s possible impact on the game.

"He impacts the game in so many ways that are really not controllable from a scouting standpoint," an undisclosed coach said. "That's why you fear him so much in the college game. When you're playing a guy that is so talented with the ball in his hands or such a dynamic shooter, you can at least maybe get to a point where you have strategy.”

“But he's all over the court in so many different ways. He's so versatile. No matter what you try to do, he's going to beat you in other ways."

A glimpse of Cooper Flagg's talent and versatility came on July 8, 2024, during Team USA's scrimmage vs the Select Team. Flagg's appearance made him the youngest player to earn an invite and when he did step on the floor, Flagg did not look like a player who had not even begun practicing with his college team.

Flagg took the challenge to go against some of the best defenders on Team USA's Olympic crew and was responsible for retaining competition till the last second.

Cooper Flagg is already the best player in college basketball: Report

Before Flagg played a college basketball game or a friendly scrim, the Maine native was handed the title of being the best college basketball player.

In a poll conducted by CBS Sports, more than 100 top college coaches were enquired about their choice for the best hooper in America from the 2024–25 season. 36% of them chose Cooper Flagg.

Flagg was the only freshman on the list. The next three biggest vote-getters, Alabama’s Mark Sears (22%), Kansas' Hunter Dickinson (16%) and UNC’s RJ Davis (15%), are all seniors in their last college season.

While fans are awaiting to witness Cooper Flagg’s impact on the court, coaches across the league already have an idea about it through their scouting and recruiting efforts over the last few years.