Duke Blue Devils freshman sensation Cooper Flagg made waves Tuesday morning by becoming the first men’s college basketball player to sign a historic NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with Gatorade, the iconic sports drink brand announced. This groundbreaking partnership not only highlights Flagg’s potential but also marks a significant milestone for men’s college basketball in the evolving NIL landscape.
The timing of the announcement couldn’t be more exciting for Blue Devils fans, as Flagg is just days away from his regular-season debut. Duke is set to host Maine on Monday, Nov. 4, kicking off the 2024 season, where Flagg’s presence has fueled high expectations for the Blue Devils.
As Gatorade’s 2024 Best Male Player of the Year, Flagg joins a star-studded roster of college athletes representing the brand, including UConn women’s basketball standout Paige Bueckers, USC Trojans’ Juju Watkins, and Colorado’s rising quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Flagg’s signing aligns him with an impressive lineage of Gatorade-backed basketball talents, featuring former Gatorade National Basketball Players of the Year who have made lasting impacts as brand ambassadors. This list includes WNBA star Candace Parker, NBA All-NBA talent Jayson Tatum, WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark, Bueckers, Watkins, and New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns.
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Although Flagg has yet to play his first college game, he is widely considered one of the most anticipated college players in recent years, projected as an NBA lottery pick in 2025, with potential to go first overall.
His recruitment was among the most closely watched in high school basketball history, and his arrival at Duke has solidified the Blue Devils’ status as a top contender for the national title.
The partnership with Gatorade is a significant marker of Flagg’s influence and potential impact on the sport.
As NIL deals continue to reshape college athletics, Flagg’s agreement signals both the growing marketability of elite college athletes and the increased visibility of men’s college basketball talent.
