Blue Devil Country

Supernatural Duke Basketball Forward Honored With National Distinction

Duke basketball freshman Cooper Flagg has landed the Oscar Robertson Trophy, handed out to the nation’s top player.
Matt Giles|
Duke basketball forward Cooper Flagg
Duke basketball forward Cooper Flagg | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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Entering his freshman season with some of the highest expectations that can be put on a player, Cooper Flagg has exceeded those and then some, putting together one of the all-time most impressive seasons by a Duke basketball talent.

ALSO READ: Brother of Former Duke Big Man Returns to Transfer Portal

In addition to leading the Blue Devils in every major statistic, Flagg’s competitiveness and defensive tenacity has helped cement a culture and standard as this year’s Duke basketball team aims to make a run to the Final Four and potentially cut down nets in April.

Those attributes and his play on the court have helped the phenom live up to expectations and receive some extra special recognition.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the 18-year-old had been awarded with the Oscar Robertson Trophy, which goes to the most outstanding NCAA Division I men's basketball player, selected by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

He becomes the first freshman and the first Blue Devil to win the award since the 2018-19 season, in which eventual No. 1 draft pick Zion Williamson took home the honors in his lone season as a Duke basketball sensation.

Other former winners of the trophy to don the Blue Devil jersey are JJ Redick, Jason Williams, Shane Battier, Elton Brand, Christian Laettner, Danny Ferry and Art Heyman.

Flagg and the rest of the Duke basketball squad will look to continue their season on Thursday night, as the No. 1 seed Blue Devils take on No. 4 seed Arizona at 9:39 p.m. (CBS).

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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