Top 5-Star Best Player In America, Guard Cooper Flagg Decommits from Duke Blue Devils and Chooses Tennessee Volunteers Over Kentucky, Ohio State, and Michigan
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, 5-star guard Cooper Flagg has decommitted from the Duke Blue Devils and committed to the Tennessee Volunteers. Flagg, widely regarded as the top high school basketball player in the country, was originally set to join Coach Jon Scheyer’s program at Duke but surprised fans and analysts alike by choosing Tennessee over powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Ohio State, and Michigan.
Flagg’s decision marks a major turning point for the Tennessee basketball program, adding one of the most coveted talents in recent recruiting history to their roster. This move comes on the heels of an intense recruitment battle, with Flagg being heavily courted by some of college basketball’s most storied programs. His commitment to Tennessee is expected to bring an immediate impact to the Volunteers, who are already poised to be one of the top teams in the nation.
A Phenomenal Talent
Cooper Flagg’s rise to the top of the high school basketball ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his elite scoring ability, exceptional defense, and basketball IQ, Flagg has drawn comparisons to some of the best players in the game today. Standing at 6-foot-8 and playing primarily as a shooting guard, Flagg’s versatility allows him to dominate both ends of the floor. His ability to create his own shot, along with his defensive prowess, has made him a nightmare for opposing teams.
Flagg’s performance on the AAU circuit and in high school basketball has only solidified his status as the nation’s top recruit. As a result, he earned offers from nearly every major program in the country, but it became clear that his recruitment would come down to a few key programs: Duke, Kentucky, Ohio State, and Tennessee. His decommitment from Duke has sparked intense conversation among fans and analysts, as many expected him to continue the Blue Devils’ legacy.
Why Tennessee?
The decision to choose Tennessee over other elite programs is a game-changer for the Volunteers. Flagg cited several factors in his decision to flip to Tennessee, but one of the key reasons was the coaching staff’s vision for his development and the program’s growth. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has long been known for his ability to develop top talent and run a system that emphasizes defense and versatility—traits that align perfectly with Flagg’s strengths.
“Coach Barnes and his staff have been incredibly transparent with me about how they envision me contributing to this program. I’ve had a chance to connect with the team, and I feel like I can really thrive in their system,” Flagg said during his commitment announcement. “Tennessee has a winning culture, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
The Volunteers have been one of the most consistent programs in the SEC and NCAA basketball in recent years, with a strong defense-first mentality and an offense that makes the most of its players’ abilities. With Flagg joining an already talented roster, Tennessee now has the potential to compete for national championships for the foreseeable future.
The Recruitment Battle
The recruitment of Cooper Flagg was nothing short of a spectacle. Duke had long been the frontrunner in his recruitment, with many experts predicting his commitment to the Blue Devils. However, Flagg’s recruitment turned into one of the most closely watched battles in recent college basketball history, with Kentucky, Ohio State, and Michigan all making strong pushes.
Kentucky, known for attracting top-tier talent, seemed like a natural fit for Flagg due to Coach John Calipari’s track record of developing NBA-level players. Ohio State, under Coach Chris Holtmann, also made a strong case, emphasizing the program’s potential and its development pipeline. Michigan, led by Coach Juwan Howard, offered Flagg a chance to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten.
But in the end, it was Tennessee’s culture, the vision laid out by Coach Barnes, and the connection Flagg felt with the team that sealed the deal. His commitment to the Volunteers adds another layer to Tennessee’s rising status as a national contender.
A Bright Future for Tennessee
With Flagg now in the fold, Tennessee has solidified its place as one of the top programs in college basketball. The Volunteers have consistently been competitive in the SEC and on the national stage, and adding the nation’s top recruit is a huge statement of intent for the program.
Flagg’s versatility and skill set will allow him to make an immediate impact for Tennessee in the 2024-2025 season. Whether playing as a shooting guard, small forward, or even as a point guard in some sets, Flagg will provide Tennessee with the offensive firepower and defensive intensity needed to compete at the highest level.
Fans in Knoxville are already buzzing with excitement over Flagg’s commitment, and the Volunteers are now positioned as one of the favorites for the upcoming NCAA tournament. With Cooper Flagg leading the charge, Tennessee basketball’s future has never looked brighter.
In a decision that will resonate for years to come, Cooper Flagg’s choice to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers is a game-changer for both the program and college basketball. Fans will be watching eagerly as Flagg embarks on his journey to lead Tennessee back to the top of the college basketball world.
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