Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dick Vitale Delivers Strong Words on Cooper Flagg’s All-Time Potential

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 12:30 PM ET

Cooper Flagg’s name continues to echo across the college basketball landscape—and one legendary broadcaster is making it clear that the Duke freshman belongs in rare company.

Appearing on “Pardon My Take,” longtime ESPN analyst Dick Vitale spoke openly about the impression Flagg has left on him, drawing parallels between the Duke star’s early promise and that of NBA legends he’s seen firsthand.

Vitale wasn’t just making noise. He based his comments on his own decades of experience evaluating talent at the high school level.

Vitale Explains What Sets Flagg Apart

“When I talk about Cooper Flagg, I think about the guys I’ve seen in high school over 45 years,” Vitale said. “There’s only a few I’ve seen with those kinds of instincts, awareness, and all-around game—LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson.”

He emphasized that his statement wasn’t about Flagg’s future accomplishments, but about the rare combination of skills the Duke star already displays at this stage of his development.

As @DShulman_ESPN & @JayBilas have said so well @DukeMBB ‘star @CooperFlagg is a multi dimensional superstar. In my many years of basketball that I have seen personally as Cooper is right there with the 3 best I ever seen at a young age @KingJames @kobebryant @MagicJohnson
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 11, 2025

“Cooper doesn’t need to score 40 to impact a game,” Vitale added. “The way he sees the floor, defends, passes—it’s just rare.”

On Saturday night, Duke and Flagg’s title hopes came to an abrupt end in the Final Four. Despite a strong showing from Flagg, the Blue Devils surrendered a late lead and fell to Houston, 70–67, in a crushing loss that halted their championship run.

Even in defeat, Flagg’s poise and production under pressure only reinforced Vitale’s belief. “What Cooper does,” he said, “isn’t just special—it’s uncommon.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: