Stephen A's Take: Cooper Flagg is the best American Born White basketball player since Larry Bird.

Summary

Summary of "Stephen A's Take: Cooper Flagg is the Best American Born White Basketball Player Since Larry Bird"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: Stephen A's Take: Cooper Flagg is the best American Born White basketball player since Larry Bird
• Release Date: March 29, 2025

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Introduction

In the March 29, 2025 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith shifts focus to the NCAA basketball tournament, spotlighting Duke University's standout player, Cooper Flagg. Amidst the fervor of the tournament's progression, Smith delivers an impassioned analysis, positioning Flagg as the most promising American-born white basketball talent since Larry Bird.

Cooper Flagg's Exceptional Performance

Stephen A. Smith begins by highlighting Cooper Flagg's impressive statistics and his pivotal role in Duke's advancement within the NCAA tournament.

"Cooper Flagg put up 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three blocks to lead the Blue Devils past Arizona last night in the Sweet Sixteen." ([01:38])

Smith emphasizes Flagg's versatility and comprehensive skill set, noting his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the court.

"He's got passing ability with poise, plays on both ends, plays defense and offense, can hit, goes to the free throw line." ([02:10])

Marketability and Superstar Potential

Beyond his on-court prowess, Smith delves into Flagg's marketability, drawing parallels to legendary players and highlighting the unique aspects that set Flagg apart.

"I think this is the greatest white American prospect since Larry Bird." ([04:15])

Smith underscores the strategic advantage of Flagg's name, "Flag," aligning it with national symbolism to enhance his brand appeal.

"You see Cooper Flag with the American flag behind him. Oh, my God. How marketable is that?" ([05:30])

This combination of athletic talent and branding potential positions Flagg as a highly marketable figure in sports.

Comparisons to Duke's Storied History

To contextualize Flagg's impact, Smith draws comparisons with Duke University's basketball legends, proposing a "Mount Rushmore" of Duke players.

"Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, Jay Williams, and Cooper Flagg." ([06:45])

Smith elaborates on each figure's contributions, ultimately asserting that Flagg earns a spot among the elite due to his current performance and future prospects.

"He's got superstar written all over him because he's got a game. His demeanor fits the bill." ([07:20])

Predictions for Flagg's Future

Smith provides bold predictions regarding Flagg's trajectory, envisioning him clinching national titles and securing the top pick in the NBA draft.

"Cooper Flagg might win the national title if he does that. Even if he doesn't, I think he'll be the number one overall pick in the NBA draft." ([07:50])

He further speculates on Flagg's endorsement opportunities, given his unique name and athletic appeal.

"Nobody in America needs to even try to compete with him in endorsement deals." ([08:10])

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith wraps up by reaffirming Cooper Flagg's status as a transformative player in college basketball, poised to leave a lasting legacy both on and off the court.

"That's how I got to look at it, y'all. Cooper Flagg. He's on. He's special." ([08:45])

Smith's analysis paints Flagg as not only a formidable athlete but also a burgeoning icon, capable of transcending the sport through exceptional performance and strategic branding.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "This Brother Cooper Flagg is the real deal. He's the real deal." ([02:05])
• "I think this is the greatest white American prospect since Larry Bird." ([04:10])
• "You see Cooper Flag with the American flag behind him. Oh, my God. How marketable is that?" ([05:15])
• "He's got superstar written all over him because he's got a game." ([07:10])
• "Nobody in America needs to even try to compete with him in endorsement deals." ([08:10])

Key Takeaways

• Performance Excellence: Cooper Flagg's multifaceted contributions (30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks) were instrumental in Duke's Sweet Sixteen victory over Arizona.
• Market Potential: Flagg's name and branding opportunities position him as a highly marketable athlete, comparable to Larry Bird.
• Historical Significance: Smith places Flagg among Duke's basketball legends, predicting his lasting impact on the program.
• Future Prospects: Anticipated to secure a national title and the top pick in the NBA draft, Flagg's trajectory suggests a promising professional career ahead.

This episode underscores Stephen A. Smith's recognition of Cooper Flagg's exceptional talent and his potential to become a significant figure in basketball history.

Transcript

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[Sports Analyst]

Let's get to the NCAA tournament real quick, please, as the Final Four will be set after this weekend. Here's the latest bracket after the first two rounds in the first day of the Sweet 16. The top seeds of Duke, Houston, Alabama and Auburn are all still alive heading into today's action, but I want to focus on Duke's Cooper flag, who put up 30 as in 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, three blocks to lead the Blue Devils past Arizona last night in the Sweet sixteen. Ladies and gentlemen, this Brother Cooper flag is the real deal. He's the real deal. Legit 68 with a J with a handle with passing ability with poise plays on both ends Plays defense and offense, can hit, goes to the free throw line. I mean, this brother is something special. And he's probably going to win national Player of the Year. The way Duke is looking right now, even though I was thinking Florida, I think Cooper Flagg might win the national title if he does that. Even if he doesn't do that, I think he'll be the number one overall pick in the NBA draft. I think people are salivating. Listen, I'm trying to figure this out, and I'll let my producers get in my ear if they think I'm making a horrible comparison here. I'm thinking box office. I think this is the greatest white prospect since Larry Bird. I think this is the greatest white American prospect since Larry Bird. A matter of fact, in an odd way, he might end up being. I mean, this kid's got superstar written all over him because he's got a game. But his demeanor fits the bill. He doesn't back down. He's rough and tumble, but it's classy in the same breath. Can go to his left or his right. Can pull up mid range, long range, finish at the basket. He's got all the tools. But you know what else he has that Larry Bird doesn't have? I'm not saying he could shoot like Larry Bird because Larry Bird's a different animal, but who knows this brother, his name, ladies and gentlemen, they're already marketing him. And you see the flag behind him or you see him superposed within the back and within his name is Cooper Flag. You put the American flag behind. Oh, my God. I mean, do you have yet. Do you have any idea how marketable that is? Squeaky clean, brother. That's a superstar that happens to be white and his last name is Flag. Nobody, nobody in America needs to even try to compete with him in endorsement deals. Oh, my Lord. Oh, my goodness. It's crazy. Cooper Flag. And he got the game to back it up. The brother's special. But let me tell you what the interesting part about him is. We had this discussion this morning on First Take where we were talking about a Mount Rushmore of Duke University players. Because Duke obviously has had many, many, many players throughout the years, okay? And we get that part. I don't think you can touch Christian Laitner. Just too successful at Duke. Just too successful. Okay? Deliver them a national title, the whole bit. A couple of them, actually, right? Grant Hill has to be number one. And I'm going to tell you why that is. Because Grant Hill was the one that enabled the Blue. The Duke Blue devils to beat UNLV. Y'all remember the 90s, UNLV, the running rebels, Stacy Ogden, Larry Johnson, Anderson Hunt, Greg Anthony. I mean, my Lord, these brothers had it, okay? And I'm telling you right now, when I think about Duke and I think about Grant Hill, this is what I'm thinking about right here. Because I'm thinking about the fact that they had gotten annihilated by about 30, the UNLV in a national championship game the year before this next go round. Same team going up against the same Duke team outside of Grant Hill. And Grant Hill is the reason they were able to beat UNLV that next year. So Grant Hill is number one. Grant Hill's did number one, Christian Laitner. And I'm gonna put my man Jay Williams from espn, who is a national player of the year and won a national championship. I'm gonna put my man Jay Williams up there on that Mount Rushmore. A great Duke players. And fourth is going to be Cooper Flag. That's how I got to look at it, y'all. I'm just trying to look at it right now. I'm just saying to myself, my goodness, I'm trying to look up these numbers because I want to make sure that I'm right, you know? But I'm telling you right now, I'm just looking at it right here, right now. Let's go through the list. We're here. They had never won a national championship in the program's history until 1990. 91, 91, 92, they won. But if you remember, they lost in the national championship game to UNLV. 103, 73. And then the very next year, in 1990, 91, is when they won their first national title. Grant Hill, Christian Laitner. Top two, Jay Williams in 2000, 2001. Okay, Jay Williams. They beat Arizona, okay? They were 35 and four that year. Shane Batty was on that team. Jay was only had 16 that game. Mike Dunleavy had 21. He led them in scoring. Shane Battier had 18. Okay, Richard Jefferson was on the Arizona squad with Gilbert Arenas. Gilbert Arenas had 10 that game. Richard Jefferson had 19. Lauren woods had 22. But they lost that game 8272 to Duke. Jay Williams and now Cooper Flag. They got booze and other guys. I know that Bobby Hurley can't forget all of these guys. They had a lot of great teams. No doubt. J.J. redick was fantastic. One of the great shooters. Never won a national championship, but one of the great shooters in Duke's history, no doubt. But I gotta go with Cooper Flag. Cooper Flag. He's on. I'm telling you, he was a national championship. He's got to win a national championship. You gotta win a national championship. National player of the year. That brother's one of the top four players in the history of the Duke program.

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[Pharmaceutical Representative]

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EBGLIS Lebrikizumab LBKZ, a 250 milligram per 2 milliliter injection, is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin or topicals, or who cannot use topical therapies. Eglis can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Don't use if you're allergic to Ebglis. Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe. Eye problems can occur. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with ebglis. Before starting ebglis, tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection searching for real relief?

Ask your doctor about ebglis and visit eglis.lilly.com or call 1-800-lilyrx or 1-800-545-5979.