As a media storm has brewed surrounding Caitlin Clark’s lofty rookie season expectations, two prominent ESPN personalities are concerned the same pressures may be in store for another up-and-coming phenom, Cooper Flagg.
During their “Pardon the Interruption” show on Thursday, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon discussed the 17-year-old basketball star and incoming Duke five-star prospect.
“Because he’s going to Duke, and because he is a white player, assumptions are going to be made. Statements are going to be thrown out there,” Kornheiser said. “That is the nature of what we’re dealing with here, as it is with Caitlin Clark. I hope that he is a great player, but the pressure on him will be enormous. Will there be a great white American basketball player, sort of like Larry Bird? And, if there is, will he be allowed to just be a basketball player, or will all these cultural notions overwhelm him?”
Wilbon agreed, noting that the relative popularity of men’s versus women’s basketball might amplify the racial discourse surrounding Flagg. “I hope this kid has the stomach for this, Tone, with parents who can help, and teammates who can help. But, Tony, this is a real thing,” Wilbon expressed. “People don’t really want to get into it with Caitlin Clark. This is new, and newer to women’s sports. But there won’t be that same reluctance and reticence when it comes to Cooper Flagg and Duke.”
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Flagg, the No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2024, has already turned heads with his impressive performances for Team USA’s Select Team. He recently showcased his talent against NBA stars like Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis during an Olympic team scrimmage in Las Vegas, solidifying his status as a generational talent.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark has excelled as a professional, becoming an All-Star in her rookie year and recording the first rookie triple-double in WNBA history — a first for her team, the Indiana Fever. Despite her success, Clark has faced high expectations from fans and pundits, including pressure to win Rookie of the Year over Angel Reese.
Flagg is already being eyed by NBA franchises as a potential top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Newport, Maine native is part of a Duke recruiting class that ranks No. 1 in the nation, alongside fellow five-stars Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Kon Knueppel. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer will look to guide this talented group to success after losing premier players Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski.
Last season, Scheyer’s Duke program reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before falling to ACC rival N.C. State. As they aim for their first national title since 2015, the Blue Devils will rely heavily on their new recruits to fill the void left by departing stars.
Flagg’s journey at Duke will be closely watched, not only for his on-court performance but also for how he navigates the intense scrutiny and cultural expectations that come with being a high-profile white player in college basketball.
As Kornheiser and Wilbon pointed out, the road ahead will be challenging, but with the right support, Flagg has the potential to rise above the pressure and make his mark in the sport.
