Flagg, a freshman poised for stardom, recently left campus to compete with the USA Basketball Select Team in its Olympic Team training camp. He made history as the first college player invited to participate since 2013.
During the camp, Flagg had the opportunity to play against top NBA talent, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jayson Tatum. His performance in these scrimmages was impressive, earning praise from many, including Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who traveled to Las Vegas to watch him in action. There was even speculation that Flagg might secure a spot on the Olympic roster following Kawhi Leonard’s dismissal. However, Grant Hill, the managing director of USA Basketball, ultimately chose Boston Celtics guard Derrick White instead.
After concluding the training camp in Vegas, Flagg traveled to Los Angeles for the ESPY Awards, where he was honored with the Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year award.
“It’s an honor to take home this award, and having it handed to me by some of the biggest names in basketball makes it even better,” Flagg said. “The list of former Gatorade Best Players of the Year speaks for itself, so it’s special to put my name next to theirs.”
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Now back in Durham, Flagg is finishing the Blue Devils’ offseason workouts before taking a brief break ahead of the fall semester’s start at the end of August.
Flagg and his brother, Ace, will also be hosting a youth basketball camp in their home state of Maine on August 9 and 10.
Duke’s season opener is set for November 4 against the University of Maine at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
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