Duke Star Cooper Flagg Wins 2025 Naismith Trophy

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg was named the recipient of the 2025 Naismith Trophy on April 6, 2025, just one day after clinching the Wooden Award. In doing so, he became only the fourth freshman to ever win both honors, joining the notable ranks of Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson. Despite Duke’s narrow 70-67 loss to Houston in the Final Four, Flagg finished the season with impressive averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 37 games, while also earning Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and consensus first-team All-American nods. His stellar performance has set him up as a projected top pick in the NBA Draft if he chooses to declare.

In related news on the same day, Rick Pitino of St. John's was honored as the Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year, leading his team to a 31-5 record and securing their first NCAA Tournament win since 2000. Additionally, Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner received the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award, highlighted by his 93 blocks and 19.2 points per game, capping off a season where he continued his dominance as a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year.