New Duke recruit Cooper Flagg entertains NBA stars at Team USA training camp

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg, who has yet to play a single game in college, was part of a select group that was invited to face Olympic Team USA during its training camp in Las Vegas. The 17-year-old was the story of Monday's game, as he showed “fearlessness” and produced several power plays.

Starting with a three-pointer over Anthony Davis. Then an acrobatic backhand over Bam Adebayo, and he is treated badly in the process. And finally a fundamental reversal against Jrue Holiday. The rising star held his own against three of the best defenders in the NBA.

“The opportunity, it was good,” said Flagg. “It was a blessing to be here. I'm just thinking about the physical condition, and the level of where I want to get to, there's a lot to improve on, there's a lot where I need to keep improving. This shows how big the details are.”

17 year old Duke makes Cooper Flagg Team TORCHING USA 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6E7IblYhFA

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 8, 2024

When the fight was over, the young man couldn't help but feel blessed by this opportunity. “I was shocked, surprised and very excited about this opportunity,” said Flagg in relation to the selected team. “And I am blessed that I was able to come out and spend money and show what I have.

“I am very happy to go out and study. That was a big thing for me – just being able to learn and grow, share the gym and all these great, great names. Myths. So, I am truly blessed.”

However, he wasn't the only one who had his mouth open, as American team coach Jamahl Mosley is sure that Cooper proved why there is always so much buzz about the youngster, especially since he will improve his game in college. .

“He kicked butt here,” said the coach who also coaches the Orlando Magic. “There is respect for what he did. People who haven't seen him play, as he puts himself into the game, they quickly see what he can do.”

Flagg impressed both the NBA stars he played with, as well as the small group that accompanied him during Monday's session.

During Monday's game, in which the Olympic lineup managed to beat a small selection of teams by one point, Flagg was everywhere from the floor to producing power plays in the end.

When it was over, he impressed players on both teams, including national team guard Devin Booker. “He wants it,” the Phoenix star said after the contest. “I know that he will take this incident forward.”

Also playing alongside him was Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Heat, who was considered one of the best players in the NBA last season. The Miami guard expressed high praise for the Gatorade Player of the Year, Naismith Player of the Year and McDonald's All American.

“Being able to do what he did, even playing a college game, let alone the NBA, there is no fear,” he affirmed. “It doesn't stop. And what you can tell about him is that he's just talented and determined to win. He doesn't need football. He just found a way. And the ball comes to him. That's something you can't teach. He feels good about this game.”