Cooper Flagg added another superlative to his impressive resume Friday, winning the 2024 Naismith High School Player of the Year Award.
The 6-foot-9 Newport native already established himself as the country’s No. 1 prospect regardless of class last fall, and was named a McDonald’s All-American in January. He will be headed to Duke University next fall.
The award is named for Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game of basketball, and is presented to the top boys and girls player as selected by a committee organized by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Previous winners of the Naismith Award include Isaiah Collier of the University of Southern California (2023), Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder (2021), Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons (2020), Dwight Howard (2004) and LeBron James (2003).
Flagg has led his Montverde Academy (Florida) Eagles to a perfect 30-0 record this season, and the No. 1 overall ranking in the nation. The 17-year-old has averaged 16.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.7 blocks per game this season.
This story was updated to correct the name of the award.
