Top recruit Cooper Flagg announces commitment to Duke

Durham, N.C. — Heralded five-star basketball recruit Cooper Flagg has announced his plans to play at Duke.

Flagg, a 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward from Montverde Academy, is one of the most high-profile high school players in recent memory and figures to be another "one-and-done" prospect bound for the NBA. Flagg is considered the top player in the class of 2024 by many of the recruiting ranking services.

The decision was made public on social media Monday morning.

Flagg visited Duke the weekend of Oct. 20 and was there for Duke's "Countdown to Craziness" event. It was widely circulated in recruiting circles that Flagg had narrowed his decision to Duke and defending champion UConn. In August, Flagg made an unofficial visit to Durham.

"After I got on campus, I really started to envision myself in Durham," Flagg said in a Twitter video. "All the love I felt made me really excited. Seeing all the crazies and the atmosphere in Cameron, I'm honored that I have the opportunity to join the brotherhood. Let's go Duke."

Flagg was expected to announce his choice on Thursday, but a mass shooting that claimed at least 18 lives in his home state on Wednesday night delayed the Maine native's announcement.

Highly-ranked players Kon Knueppel and Isaiah Evans are other class of 2024 commits for Duke.

Duke is the preseason favorite to win the ACC this season with sophomore Kyle Filipowski being named Preseason ACC Player of the Year. Four returning starters have the Blue Devils positioned for success again, along with a promising recruiting class led by guard Jared McCain.

Duke opens its season hosting Dartmouth on Nov. 6.