DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – Duke Blue Devils basketball phenom Cooper Flagg has only been on campus for a few months, and he’s already making college basketball history.
The star freshman big man officially agreed to a name, image and likeness deal with Gatorade, the brand announced on Tuesday.
He becomes the first NCAA men’s basketball player to ever sign an endorsement agreement with the iconic sports energy drink company.
“This has been a big year for me on and off the court, and Gatorade has been there the whole way,” Flagg said in a released statement. “From being named the Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year to now officially joining the team, it’s been surreal to have my name mentioned with some of the biggest names in basketball.
“The Gatorade roster is iconic, and I’m excited to work with them as I take this next step.”
Projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg marks a notable addition to the stacked lineup of college athletes under Gatorade’s umbrella. Other NIL athletes partnered with the brand include UConn women’s basketball standout Paige Bueckers, Southern California women’s basketball star Juju Watkins and Colorado starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
“Cooper is an incredible talent who quickly emerged as one of the best young athletes in the nation, and we know he has a bright future ahead of him,” Jeff Kearney, global head of sports marketing at Gatorade, said in a released statement. “At Gatorade, we work with the best of the best, so we’re proud to welcome Cooper to the family and are excited to be fueling him as his collegiate career begins.”
Flagg is arguably the most highly touted freshman prospect to come to Durham since Zion Williamson, already earning recognition as the only underclassman named to The Associated Press preseason All-American team.
The 6-foot-9 forward was selected as the 2024 Gatorade Men’s Player of the Year after leading Montverde Academy to a perfect 34-0 record during his senior season. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 blocks and 1.6 steals while shooting 55.1% from the field.
The Blue Devils were chosen as the preseason favorite to win the Atlantic Coast Conference, namely due to Flagg and a roster that features potentially two other future NBA first-round selections in freshmen Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel, as well as returning veterans Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster.
Flagg scored 22 points and dished out six assists during his unofficial debut against Lincoln University, before compiling nine points, four rebounds and three assists in an exhibition win over Arizona State on Sunday.
Duke tips off the 2024-25 season in a home matchup with Maine, the flagship school of Flagg’s home state, at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Monday at 7 p.m.