Only the greatest players live up to the hype they’re put up to. If we look at Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time was the biggest prospect coming out of North Carolina. And 39 years later, there’s still no one like him graduating from the program. The closest that anyone had ever been to the young MJ was LeBron James. James has lived up to the hype and many fans and former players regard him as the GOAT.
20 years later, after James got drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, a young and dynamic French talent, Victor Wembanyama entered the 2023 draft class. He didn’t even get to step on the NBA court and fans and media have found “The next Victor Wembanyama.”
How did the 16 YO wonder kid catch LeBron James’ attention?
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Cooper Flagg, a five-star high school athlete, is anticipated to declare for the NBA draft in 2025. Many believe he will be the second overall choice, following Cameron Boozer. Despite his young age, Flagg has already represented Team USA in the FIBA under-17 World Cup in 2022, where he won a gold medal. Flagg is dubbed as the next Wembanyama. He delivered an outstanding performance against Boozer’s Nightrydas.
The two-star players in the class of 2025 are highly regarded as the best high school basketball players in the country. The dispute about who should be rated first is ongoing and will most likely continue until they finish high school.
Flagg currently attends Montverde Academy, a college noted for grooming talented NBA players. Joel Embiid, RJ Barrett, Precious Achiuwa, D’Angelo Russell, Ben Simmons, Scottie Barnes, and Cade Cunningham, the first pick in the 2021 NBA draft, are among the notable alumni.
However, what stood out among the stars is the consistent extraordinary performances in the Peach Jam, which ought to catch James’ attention as his younger son Bryce James is among the participants for his team Strive For Greatness. Flagg didn’t just impress King James. He has been the talk of the town all over the internet for his unique triple-double numbers.
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Overtime posted this image of LeBron James shaking hands with Cooper Flagg. The caption reads, “Pretty insane that LeBron just pulled up to watch Cooper play 🔥 @cooper_flagg@nikeeyb” Do we really see the next Victor in Cooper? Fans believe so!
Fans react to the unreal numbers Cooper Flagg has delivered
Despite being the tallest player on the field, Flagg comes from a new generation of huge shotmakers. He can easily and swiftly move the ball up the court and accept the main ball-handling responsibility for his team. Standing out at 6-foot-8, Flagg was named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year in 2022.
The young star can also perform one-handed skip passes while dribbling. The 16-year-old rarely misses open cutters, and he’s great at drawing defenders before throwing the ball to open teammates. Cooper is a multi-talented scorer and what separates him from others is his consistent and unique all-around performances. And, he puts up some NBA numbers in the Peach Jam this summer, averaging a triple-double with Points, Rebounds, and Blocks.
A feat that made fans hail him as “The next Victor Wembanyama”
Here are a few reactions from the fans:
One fan asked, “Is he the new Wemby”
Is he the new Wemby?
— Titus (@Atlanticoncrete) July 9, 2023
One fan claims Cooper is a one-man army!
What looks impressive is that his teammates are not great players
Really, he is doing it all on his own
— Coach Kermani 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@coachkermani) July 9, 2023
Another fan called him NBA-ready.
I say he’s nba ready tbh
— Alexito (@alexito2224) July 9, 2023
One fan is all in tears after looking at his stats!
Bro averaging more than 10 blocks😭😭😭
— Lucas dias (@Ld__23) July 9, 2023
And yet another one finds the stats insane!
Triple double with blocks?? Insane 😱
— UntilTheWheelsFallOff! 💙💛😤 (@DaddyKen23) July 9, 2023
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A fan believes that he’s right on time for the league.
Dude, coming right on time, too. The league bout to be full of BIGS that can run the floor!!!
— 👑 Ar·ta·xerxʹes (@Artaxerxes72) July 9, 2023
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What’s your take on this? Is he the next Wembanyama? Share your thoughts in the comments below!