Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Old Video of LeBron James and Cooper Flagg Resurfaces After Duke’s Final Four Berth

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 8:12 AM ET

The No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils are in the midst of what could be one of the most impressive single-season runs in college basketball history, led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg.

After dominating Alabama 85-65 in the Elite Eight on Saturday, they are now set for an exciting Final Four matchup against the No. 1 seed Houston Cougars in San Antonio, which could feel like a home game for Houston.

Flagg, the projected No. 1 overall pick in June's NBA draft, has been the best player in the nation all season and has carried that success into the NCAA Tournament, where Duke has secured four victories so far.

He’s led the Blue Devils in minutes played, points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks this season. In addition to earning ACC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, Flagg has also been recognized with multiple National Player of the Year accolades from various outlets.

Following Duke’s latest win over Alabama, an old video resurfaced, showing Flagg interacting with NBA legend and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. The video, filmed on Feb. 7, 2023, shows James offering advice to Flagg after an AAU game, with Flagg playing for a team based in his hometown of Newport, Maine.

LeBron and Cooper Flagg pic.twitter.com/sQuJLguOLR
— Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5) March 28, 2025

While Flagg grew up playing most of his basketball in Maine, his high school career took a significant turn when he attended one of the most prestigious basketball academies in the country, Montverde Academy.

There, he played alongside talented teammates like Derik Queen of Maryland, Liam McNeeley of UConn, Asa Newell of Georgia, and Robert Wright III of Baylor, all of whom had outstanding freshman seasons.

This season, Flagg has been dominant, averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.4 steals, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 37.4% from the three-point line.

Now, Duke is just two wins away from securing its first national championship since 2015. With a freshman leading the charge, the Blue Devils have the chance to accomplish something that hasn't been done since Carmelo Anthony led Syracuse to a national title in 2003 as a freshman.

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

More must-reads: