What top 2024 recruit Cooper Flagg's commitment means for Duke

Early on Monday, Cooper Flagg, the consensus top recruit in the class of 2024, announced his commitment to Duke on the cover of Slam magazine.  

“I think after I got on campus at Duke, I really started to feel it, to be honest. That’s something the coaches definitely stressed to me, that once you get to campus, it’s something you have to feel," Flagg said to Slam. "And [I knew then] I wanted to go to Duke and that’s where I wanted to play college basketball."

Flagg first visited Durham on an unofficial visit in August. Last weekend, he took his official visit and got to observe practice, interact with the coaching staff and players, and attend Duke's "Countdown to Craziness" event that showcased the men's and women's basketball teams. 

"Being on the visit, I got to see them in practice, and see how they were holding their guys accountable, and really pushing them to be better," said Flagg. "Especially from all the love I saw this last weekend when I was there, it made me really excited, all the [Cameron] Crazies and the fans."

Flagg is one of the highest-rated high school recruits in recent memory. Everywhere he's gone, he's not only showcased his own elite abilities, but he's elevated the team around him and contributed to winning basketball. 

Most notably, Flagg averaged 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 6.9 blocks to help lead underdogs Maine United to the EYBL Peach Jam finals. That performance helped assert Flagg as a generational talent. 

A 6-foot-8 forward, Flagg has all the tools necessary to be a versatile, elite player in the modern game. He can shoot from deep, drive inside, has elite athleticism and has remarkable defensive instincts, especially around the rim as a shot blocker.