Q&A: 2025 star Cooper Flagg sits down with KSR to talk recruiting

2025 five-star wing Cooper Flagg isn’t just one of the best players in his class, he’s seen as one of the best in all of high school basketball. A unique blend of scoring, shooting, playmaking and length, the 6-foot-8 forward has quickly emerged as a clear favorite for No. 1 in the rising sophomore class.

The clear talent has resulted in several early offers, highlighted by Duke, Iowa, Michigan, UCLA and West Virginia, among others. Kentucky head coach John Calipari was also in attendance to watch the standout wing at the Nike Peach Jam in North Augusta this week.

Flagg sat down with KSR to discuss his time at Peach Jam, his game and the early stages of his recruitment. Check out the complete conversation below:

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What is it like playing at Peach Jam in front of sold-out crowds and college coaches?

It’s a great opportunity for me and all of the people I’ve grown up with. My team, we’ve been around each other for so long. It’s just a great opportunity to showcase what we have.

It’s really cool, just seeing some of the big-name coaches. But at the end of the day, I just try to go out there and play.

What separates your game from the other players in your class?

The versatility and shot creation, being able to do whatever I need to do.

What position do you hope to play at the next level?

Just whatever position my coach needs to play for him at the time.

How is your recruitment going?

They just kind of talk to my mom right now because they can’t talk to me, but I’m able to call them. It’s good talking to them, getting in touch with some coaches early.

Which schools have been in contact?

I mean, some of the ones that have offered obviously, that’s pretty much who I’ve been talking to. Schools like Duke, UCLA, Michigan and Iowa.

You’ve been connected quite a bit to Duke. What is the appeal of that program?

Obviously I need to see how Coach (Jon) Scheyer does, but I just grew up watching them play.

What do you know about the Kentucky program?

It’s definitely one of the schools I grew up watching. I always thought about positioning myself to be there. It’s a school you look up to, you know? You model your game after players on those types of teams.

What other schools did you grow up watching?

Michigan State, Michigan, I just watched a ton of different colleges. Anything that was on at the time.

Is it frustrating to have people making assumptions about your recruitment, you being a lock to Duke or any other narratives about you right now?

Yeah. I mean, nothing has been decided, nothing’s even been really thought about college yet. To make that type of assumption — I have no idea where I’m gonna go. That discussion hasn’t even started yet.

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