In the heat of March Madness and just ahead of the men’s Final Four, NBA Hall of Famer Dwight Howard made headlines, not for his dunking prowess, but for his glowing review of college basketball’s brightest rising star: Cooper Flagg.
The Duke Blue Devils freshman has taken the NCAA Tournament by storm, solidifying his status as the consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. And now, he’s earned a ringing endorsement from none other than one of the league’s most dominant big men.
Speaking after being officially named to the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class, Howard didn’t hold back when asked about Flagg’s potential.
“I’ve had a few chances to watch him, and I think he’s an awesome young player,” Howard said via NJ.com. “Coming into the NBA at a very young age could be very difficult, but the way the staff at Duke has helped him grow as a player and person, he’s going to be great in the NBA. I’m looking forward to seeing him thrive.”
That’s high praise coming from an eight-time All-Star, NBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist, a man who knows exactly what greatness looks like. As a former No. 1 overall pick himself, Howard sees something special in Flagg, and he’s not alone.
The 6-foot-9 forward recently etched his name into college basketball history by winning the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, recognizing him as the most outstanding men’s college basketball player of the year. In doing so, Flagg became only the fourth freshman to earn the honor, joining elite company in Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson.
At just 18, Flagg’s dominance on the court has already caught the eye of NBA veterans, scouts, and fans alike. Now, with the backing of an NBA legend like Dwight Howard, the hype surrounding his pro future just hit a whole new level.
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