Stand back, because basketball history was made—and it was EPIC! Duke’s sensational rookie, Cooper Flagg, has just been crowned the 2025 John R. Wooden Award winner, and the hoop world is shaking.
This isn’t just any trophy—it’s college basketball’s highest honor, a globe-spanning recognition of excellence both on and off the court. Flagg emerged victorious, beating out Auburn’s Johni Broome by 178 votes, as announced live on ESPN’s GameDay—proof that his dominance was undeniable.
What does this honor mean? Duke now stands alone as the top program in Wooden legacy, with a record eight winners in its history. Flagg joins a legendary lineup: Zion Williamson (2019), JJ Redick (2006), and more.
Dig deeper, and the magnitude is even more dazzling: Cooper Flagg becomes only the fourth freshman ever to win the Wooden Award—following in the footsteps of Kevin Durant (2007), Anthony Davis (2012), and Duke legend Zion Williamson himself.
His numbers? Jaw-dropping. Averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, Flagg delivered elite two-way impact with remarkable consistency that carried Duke to the ACC regular-season and tournament titles and a berth in the Final Four.
The votes rolled in from March 11 to 24, judged by a national panel of sportswriters, broadcasters, and former Wooden Award winners—with strict academic and character qualifications, just as Coach Wooden intended.
Flagg’s recognition wasn’t his only one. He also collected a sweep of national honors: the Naismith Trophy, AP Player of the Year, Oscar Robertson Trophy, Lute Olson Award, and others—cementing his reign as college basketball’s undisputed titan of the year.
This moment isn’t just about accolades—it’s about seismic impact. A 17-year-old phenom from Maine redefined what freshman greatness looks like. He played with poise, power, and passion, ignited Cameron Indoor Stadium, and rewrote legacy in real-time.
Cooper Flagg’s 2025 Wooden Award is not just a win—it’s a statement: the future of college hoops isn’t just bright. It’s glowing in Duke Blue.
