As high school basketball fans look to the 2023-24 season, one name seems to be on everyone’s mind: Montverde Academy forward Cooper Flagg. Having reclassified to the 2024 class, Flagg already was established as one of the nation’s top basketball prospects going into the 2023 summer season. After a stellar performance on the Nike EYBL summer circuit, Flagg’s stock has only continued to rise.
Previously the No. 2 prospect, both statewide and nationally, behind Miami Columbus’ Cameron Boozer, Flagg is now rated as the No. 1 player in the 2024 class. The consensus five-star prospect holds offers from numerous major collegiate programs, including Duke, Kansas, and UConn, among others.
Flagg didn’t begin his high school career in Florida, but rather in Maine. As a freshman he attended Nokomis High School, where he helped the Warriors become one of the state’s top teams as a freshman.
Prior to the 2022-23 season, Flagg transferred to national powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida, where as a sophomore he played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ run to a 23-3 record. In 25 games, Flagg ranked third for the Eagles in scoring at 9.8 PPG, while also averaging 5.2 RPG, 3 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 2.2 BPG. Flagg shot an impressive 55% from the field, as well as 38% from three-point range and 87% from the free throw line.
Flagg carried that success over into the summer, where his stock continued to rise during June, July, and August. Playing with Maine United at the 16U level, he posted an impressive stat line of 25.4 PPG, 13 RPG, 5.7 APG, and 6.9 BPG during the EYBL Peach Jam, where his team reached the championship game. Flagg and Maine United fell in that game to Nightrydas, which was led by the aforementioned Boozer.
Despite the loss, Flagg the Montverde Academy star impressed with a stat line of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, and he further cemented his status as high school basketball’s next great prospect. Now he eyes his senior season, when he’ll lead a loaded 2023-24 Montverde Academy team that is sure to be one of Florida’s best.
Remember the name Cooper Flagg, because the Montverde Academy star just might be a No. 1 NBA Draft pick one day – he’s that good.
