Cooper Flagg Leads USA Basketball's Next Era
Cooper Flagg is the most obvious candidate to lead USA Basketball's next era. On July 2022, a 15-year-old Flagg traveled to Malaga, Spain, for the FIBA Under-17 World Cup and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Cooper Flagg averaged 9.3 points, 10 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 2.4 steals per game as the United States won gold. In the championship game against Spain, he delivered 10 points, 17 rebounds, eight steals and four blocks in a 79-67 victory.
USA Basketball named Flagg its 2022 Male Athlete of the Year, making him the youngest player ever to win the award. This recognition highlights Flagg's potential to lead the national team in the future.
The 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar runs from Aug. 27 to Sept. 12, 2027. Cooper Flagg will be 20 years old by then, entering his third NBA season. The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles carry different weight entirely, with Flagg at 21 years old and three full NBA seasons of development behind him.
Cooper Flagg went up against LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid in practice before starting his freshman year at Duke. He was able to lock them down, showcasing his defensive skills.
The United States has not yet officially qualified for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, but is competing in the Americas Qualifiers, which run through March 2027. Given the depth of American talent, its inclusion is expected.
Cooper Flagg's two-way profile fits exactly what international basketball demands from a lead forward. He will have the opportunity to prove himself on the international stage in the upcoming tournaments.
USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill called Flagg's selection to the Select Team part of developing the national team pipeline for the future. This move highlights the organization's investment in Flagg's potential.
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will be a defining moment for Cooper Flagg's career. With a home crowd and three full NBA seasons of development behind him, he will have the chance to lead the national team to victory.