Kevin Garnett praises Cooper FlaggCooper Flagg and Kevin Garnett (Images Credit: Getty Images)


Cooper Flagg, a freshman at Duke University, is already generating massive attention as the projected top pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg committed to Duke last year after leading the Eagles to an impressive 33-0 record. His talent has not only impressed at the college level but also on the international stage.

Flagg has made history by being a part of Team USA’s Select Team for the Paris Olympics. It marked the first time since 2013 that a college player has been selected for the team, as the rest of the squad consists of players who have already completed their rookie seasons in the NBA.

Former NBA star Kevin Garnett has become a fan of Flagg’s talent. On the latest episode of Ticket & The Truth on the All The Smoke podcast, Garnett praised the young player’s potential, recognizing him as a future NBA star.


“He [Flagg] got that superstar potential that you can come in and put product behind him, you know what I’m saying. We ain’t had no bad a** cold a** white boy like this in a long time. That’s some real s**t,” Garnett said.

Cooper Flagg Reflects on His Surprise Selection to Team USA Select Team

For Cooper Flagg, being a part of Team USA even before the NBA was an exciting opportunity. In an interview with ESPN, Flagg shared his surprise and gratitude for the chance to compete alongside some of the best basketball players in the world.

“I was pretty surprised just because it’s not like a normal thing. So I was definitely really honored and just excited that I had this opportunity. If you think about it, you’re able to learn from it. If you look at their team, it’s nobody better,” Flagg said.

“So it’s just being come out here and learn; this is a great experience, and I’m really just humbled, and I’m really grateful and blessed that I was selected,” he added.

According to Joe Vardon and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Flagg’s performance during the camp impressed his peers. In fact, the majority of Team USA players voted him as the best player on the Select Team.