Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns star, recently praised Duke Blue Devils freshman Cooper Flagg for an outstanding performance during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. This acknowledgment highlights Booker’s ability to set aside the historic Kentucky-Duke rivalry to commend exceptional talent. Booker, a former Kentucky Wildcats player, acknowledged Flagg on Instagram, referencing his own signature sneakers, the Nike Book 1, which Flagg wore during the game.
During the matchup against Notre Dame, Flagg scored an impressive 42 points, alongside 6 rebounds and 7 assists, breaking Duke’s freshman scoring record previously held by Zion Williamson. He also set a new ACC freshman scoring record, further cementing his growing reputation as a rising star. Flagg’s remarkable skill on both offense and defense captivated fans, leaving a lasting impression on the basketball community.
Cooper Flagg vs. Notre Dame:
🔵 42 PTS (most by a freshman in men’s ACC history)
🔵 11-14 FG
🔵 6 REB
🔵 7 AST pic.twitter.com/cLd1hfyYt7— ESPN (@espn) January 11, 2025
Booker’s praise for Flagg comes as no surprise, as the NBA star has previously acknowledged young talents like Bryce James, LeBron James’ youngest son, who also sported Nike Book 1s during a photoshoot. Despite Booker’s Kentucky roots and the rivalry with Duke that dates back to the 1992 NCAA Tournament, he continues to recognize and celebrate talent when it emerges.
Flagg’s journey as a basketball prodigy has been widely discussed. During a USA Select Team scrimmage against Team USA in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, he impressed NBA stars by scoring over Anthony Davis, executing a turnaround against Jrue Holiday, and completing a putback against Bam Adebayo. His performance earned respect from veterans, including Booker, who commented, “He wants it,” predicting Flagg’s bright future.
As Flagg continues to build his legacy, fans and analysts speculate whether he will fulfill the expectations of becoming the next NBA star. Booker’s acknowledgment, along with Flagg’s consistent displays of talent, suggests that his basketball career is only beginning to unfold.