Duke Great Seth Curry Praises Cooper Flagg Ahead of NCAA Tournament: 'Wise Beyond His Years'

The Duke Blue Devils are eagerly awaiting the return of their star player, Cooper Flagg, just in time for the NCAA Tournament. After suffering an ankle injury during the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, Flagg’s comeback has fans and experts buzzing. However, head coach Jon Scheyer and the medical staff have had to tread carefully in deciding when to bring him back to the court.

Flagg is widely considered a future top NBA Draft pick, with many predicting he’ll go first overall later this year. The stakes are high, and any further injury could jeopardize his smooth transition to the professional league. But, as former Duke guard Seth Curry aptly put it, no one goes to Duke without aiming for national glory.

"There’s a reason he came to Duke," Curry commented in an interview with Fox News Digital. "You go there to play in the ACC Tournament, you go there to play in March Madness. This is his time." Curry, who knows a thing or two about the Blue Devils’ legacy, praised Flagg for his drive and ambition to etch his name into the program’s storied history.

Flagg’s NBA-ready skillset—combining the height of a big man with the agility to score, pass, and defend—has already drawn comparisons to current NBA stars. Curry, who observed Flagg during Charlotte Hornets training camp at Duke, was impressed by the young player’s relentless work ethic. "He’s not afraid to take control, and his leadership stands out. At his age, he’s wise beyond his years, and his skill set is unreal," Curry said. He added, "Flagg is destined to be the number one pick and have a fantastic career."

Coach Scheyer confirmed Flagg’s determination, revealing that the player had asked to join the ACC Championship game despite the team’s decision to rest him for the NCAA Tournament. The mindset is clear: Flagg came to Duke not just to prepare for the NBA, but to create unforgettable moments with his teammates. Curry reinforced this sentiment: "Some of those memories of enjoying a tournament run with your teammates—you can’t put a price tag on that. I know he wants to play."

The Blue Devils will face No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s in the first round, a matchup fans are eager to see if Flagg will participate in. If the buzz around Flagg’s comeback isn’t enough, Seth Curry’s side project might add some flavor to March Madness. Partnering with Bush’s Beans, Curry has been promoting a recipe called "Curry Caviar," a household favorite introduced by his wife, Callie Rivers. Described as a healthy, snackable dish, it’s become a staple in the Curry household during tournament season.

Through Bush’s "Your Fam on a Can" campaign, fans can personalize cans to showcase their favorite family recipes, with Curry’s creation leading the charge. "It’s top-notch," Curry declared, adding a lighthearted culinary note to an otherwise competitive season. But make no mistake—on the court, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and the legacy he’s building at Duke.