The Newport native and Dallas Mavericks rookie became the first basketball player to win the award in nine years.

To add to the accolades, Flagg won ESPN’s ESPY award for the 2025 Best Male College Athlete on Wednesday afternoon. 🏀 @DukeMBB ➡️ @dallasmavs @Cooper_Flagg takes home the @ESPYS Best College Athlete - Men's Sports award! 🏆 @MarchMadnessMBB x @MFinalFour pic.twitter.com/7jYKl1r0BK

The Duke Blue Devils went on a great run during the 2024-25 college basketball season. Led by Cooper Flagg, the storied program made it all the way to the Final Four before being eliminated by the Houston Cougars.