Star Duke commit Cooper Flagg has been named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, adding another impressive accolade to his already stellar basketball career before even stepping onto the court for the Duke Blue Devils.

The announcement was made by the iconic sports drink brand, Gatorade, on Wednesday, placing Flagg in the esteemed company of former Duke stars Jayson Tatum, R.J. Barrett, and Jabari Parker, as well as other NBA luminaries like Chet Holmgren, Karl-Anthony Towns, Bradley Beal, Jrue Holiday, Dwight Howard, and two-time winner LeBron James, who have all been recipients of this prestigious award.

Flagg, a 6-foot-9 standout, is the consensus top basketball recruit of the 2024 class, boasting a perfect 1.000 rating on 247Sports’ composite list. His exceptional skills and potential have positioned Duke as an early favorite for the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball national championship.

According to 247 Sports Director of Basketball Eric Rossi, Flagg’s versatility, intensity, and commitment to both offense and defense set him apart. Rossi praised Flagg’s ability to excel in a team-oriented environment, highlighting his positional versatility, size, and defensive prowess. Flagg’s impressive statistics at Montverde Academy in Florida, where he averaged 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game, reflect his all-around impact on the court.

In addition to his on-court achievements, Flagg has maintained a weighted 4.10 GPA and has been actively involved in charitable endeavors, demonstrating his dedication to both academics and community service. His outstanding performance both on and off the court has solidified his status as a true winner and a deserving recipient of the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award.

Flagg’s recognition as the 2023-24 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year serves as a testament to his exceptional talent, work ethic, and character, setting the stage for what promises to be an illustrious collegiate and potentially professional basketball career.