He is undoubtedly the surprise guest at Team USA's training camp in Las Vegas. Called up to join the ” Select Team “, a B team made up of promising youngsters who play the “sparring partners” of the A team before the Olympic Games In France, Cooper Flagg barely realizes the opportunity he has been given alongside some of the best basketball players on the planet (and in history).
” I was just quite surprised, because it's not something normal. » he declaresregarding the call received from Grant Hill, the manager of the American delegation. I was really honored and excited to have this opportunity. When you think about it, you can learn from… Look at the team, there’s nothing better. So just coming here and learning, it’s a great experience and I’m humbled and grateful to have been selected.. »
Learn from the best
At just 17 years old, Cooper Flagg became the first college player since… Marcus Smart and Doug McDermott in 2013 to be selected for a Team USA training camp. Enough to gain a lot of experience as he approaches his first (and only?) NCAA season with Duke.
” All ” answers the potential number one of the 2025 Draft, when asked what he can learn from this camp and his elders. ” The way they behave, take care of themselves, treat their bodies, prepare themselves… These are things that you have to learn and take from others to build your routine. So [c’est important de] see their routines, how they interact with the coaches and how they prepare. »
A high school phenomenon and future college attraction, Cooper Flagg is currently unanimous among those who are meeting him for the first time. Like Jamahl Mosley, the Magic coach, who is still in charge of the “Select Team” this summer.
Jrue Holiday takes care of him
” You can see the quiet confidence he carries within himself, his ability to know what he's capable of and also the humility to say to himself: 'OK, I'm still trying to understand some things at this level', but he's not afraid of anything and that's something you see right away. ” explains the finalist for the title of Coach of the Year 2024. ” His basketball IQ is high, he's tough and he's willing to learn. He finds his preferred shooting positions, he can get to the rim, he's got a great touch. So he knows how to play, there's no middle ground and he's capable of playing. »
In front of his parents and Jon Scheyer, his future coach at Duke, Cooper Flagg is making a big impression in Nevada, just like when he caught Jayson Tatum's eye a few months ago. Even if he had to adapt to a certain amount of pressure, initially…
” At first I was a little stunned when I arrived, but once the kickoff was given, it was all about basketball to me… ” reveals the winger. ” We are all very good players and I have always admired everyone on this team, but once it started it was just competition.. »
On Monday, the kid was so easy against NBA stars that Steve Kerr asked Jrue Holiday to take care of him!
