Cooper Flagg Announcement Revealed by ACC Following the Duke vs. Georgia Tech Matchup
In a highly anticipated moment for college basketball fans across the nation, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) made a major announcement following the Duke vs. Georgia Tech matchup on December 24, 2024. The announcement involved none other than Cooper Flagg, the highly touted high school basketball prospect who has captured the attention of the entire sports world. The reveal, which came directly from the ACC office, has sent shockwaves through both the basketball and collegiate athletics communities.
Background: Who is Cooper Flagg?
Cooper Flagg, a 6’9″ forward from Maine, is widely regarded as one of the most gifted young talents to emerge in recent years. He is a consensus top prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, with skills that transcend his age. Flagg is known for his exceptional versatility on both ends of the floor, able to score in a variety of ways, defend multiple positions, and serve as a disruptive force with his length, athleticism, and basketball IQ.
Flagg’s game has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players to ever play the game. His ability to impact the game in so many ways has drawn the attention of college basketball powerhouses, professional scouts, and media outlets alike. Flagg, who first gained national attention with his dominant performances for Montverde Academy in Florida, is expected to be a game-changer at the next level.
His announcement, which came after the thrilling Duke-Georgia Tech game, was expected to clarify where he would take the next step in his basketball journey. Would he take his talents to college, enter the NBA G League, or explore other professional routes? The tension surrounding the decision had grown as the recruiting battle intensified.
The December 24th Duke vs. Georgia Tech Game
The Duke Blue Devils vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets matchup was already primed to be a compelling game in the ACC schedule. Duke, under head coach Jon Scheyer, entered the game with an impressive record, fueled by a mix of returning talent and incoming freshmen. Georgia Tech, led by coach Josh Pastner, was coming off a series of strong performances and had the home-court advantage.
While the game was intense, with Duke pulling out a hard-fought win in a game that went down to the wire, the atmosphere was heightened by the anticipation of Cooper Flagg’s announcement. As the final buzzer sounded on the 74-69 win for Duke, fans and analysts alike were immediately focused on what would happen next. The ACC had set the stage for one of the most significant decisions in college basketball recruiting history.
The Announcement: What We Learned
Following the game, the ACC media relations team gathered reporters and analysts for a live-streamed press conference, which would deliver the much-anticipated announcement. The conference, broadcast on various platforms, was attended by key ACC officials and national basketball figures, adding a sense of gravitas to the event.
The ACC’s Commissioner, Jim Phillips, opened the press conference with a brief statement regarding the growth of the conference and the exciting talent that the ACC had been able to attract in recent years. He mentioned that the ACC had always prided itself on being a leader in college basketball, and today, they were welcoming another young talent who would shape the future of the conference.
At this point, the room fell silent as the Commissioner introduced Cooper Flagg, who appeared on the video feed. Flagg, dressed in a sharp suit, looked calm and collected as he spoke about the opportunity he had to take his talents to the next level.
Flagg began by expressing his gratitude to his family, teammates, and coaches who had supported him throughout his career. He spoke fondly of the relationships he had built with his coaches at Montverde Academy, as well as the impact that basketball had on his life. It was clear that this decision was not made lightly.
Then, with a slight pause, Flagg made the much-anticipated announcement: He would be committing to play for Duke University in the 2025-2026 college basketball season.
The Significance of Cooper Flagg’s Decision
The decision to join Duke was not unexpected, given the whispers that had circulated throughout the basketball community over the past several months. However, the confirmation of his commitment has massive implications for both Duke and the broader landscape of college basketball.
Impact on Duke
For Duke, securing a player of Flagg’s caliber is a monumental win. Under Coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have continued to evolve as a powerhouse, with a blend of elite recruiting and player development. Flagg, with his exceptional all-around game, is expected to immediately step into a prominent role in Duke’s lineup. His ability to play multiple positions, particularly as a forward capable of stretching the floor and guarding nearly any player, will provide Duke with versatility and depth that is unmatched.
Flagg’s decision to commit to Duke also strengthens the Blue Devils’ position as one of the top teams in the ACC and a major contender for the NCAA Championship. With players like Flagg on board, Duke’s chances of capturing another national title increase significantly. The Blue Devils have already been ranked among the top teams in the nation, and Flagg’s arrival will only bolster their case for being one of the elite programs in college basketball.
The Broader Recruiting Landscape
Flagg’s commitment to Duke sends ripples through the recruiting world. His decision to bypass professional options such as the NBA G League or the Australian NBL highlights the continued strength and appeal of the traditional college route, particularly for top-tier players looking to develop their skills in a competitive environment before making the leap to the pros.
The announcement also underscores the continuing dominance of the ACC in college basketball. With programs like Duke, North Carolina, and others continuing to attract top talent, the ACC remains one of the most competitive conferences in the nation. This will likely lead to a new wave of high school players aiming to play in the ACC, knowing that the league offers both a platform to showcase their skills and a clear path to the NBA.
Implications for the NBA
While Flagg’s decision is a win for college basketball, it also has major implications for the NBA. The 2025 NBA Draft is already being viewed as one of the most stacked in recent memory, and Cooper Flagg has been widely regarded as a future No. 1 overall pick. His time at Duke will only serve to further refine his skills, increase his exposure, and position him for success at the next level.
Scouts and NBA teams will be closely monitoring Flagg’s progression at Duke, where he will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best collegiate players in the country. His development under Coach Scheyer’s guidance, combined with the high-profile nature of his program, will likely make Flagg one of the most talked-about players leading up to the draft.
A New Era for College Basketball
Cooper Flagg’s commitment to Duke also represents a broader trend in college basketball: the increasing intersection of high school talent, college programs, and the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. As more elite players opt to stay in college for at least a year before entering the draft, the college game is becoming more competitive, with players like Flagg at the forefront of this shift.
With Flagg heading to one of college basketball’s most iconic programs, the 2025-2026 season is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. For basketball fans across the world, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in Cooper Flagg’s storied career—one that will undoubtedly be filled with excitement, drama, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
