Because hes a white player 17-year-old Cooper Flagg will face enormous pressure li

Cooper Flagg has generated buzz with his impressive skills on the court. He recently showcased his elite-level talent in a practice game against the US Olympic Team as part of the select team. This has solidified his status as one of the top recruits in the country.

Flagg has committed to playing for Duke University. Moreover, the teenager is expected to be a top pick in the NBA Draft after his freshman year. However, ESPN analysts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon are concerned that he may face undue scrutiny and pressure due to his race.

Let's get to the real facts of this, okay? Because he's going to Duke and because he is a white player, assumptions are going to be made, statements are going to be thrown out there. That is the nature of what we're dealing with here as it is with Caitlin Clark. I hope he is a great player, but the pressure on him will be enormous.

Both analysts worry that Flagg will be used as a symbol in racial tensions between Black and White players in the league, much like Caitlin Clark has been. They acknowledge that Flagg’s talent and success will be subject to intense scrutiny. As such, they believe the teenager will face pressure to live up to expectations.

The analysts hope Flagg has the support system and mental toughness to navigate these challenges. However, they are concerned about the potential impact on his career and well-being. The thoughts of Kornheiser and Wilbon suggest that pressure may be a limiting factor in his budding career. 

Team USA Select coach Jamahl Mosley raves about Cooper Flagg’s talent

Cooper Flagg, the Team USA camp’s youngest player, made a name for himself. This comes after being part of the training exercise for Team USA’s Paris Olympics preparation. He held his own among the world’s best players during team practices. Flagg earned praise from coaches and players alike, ahead of his first season in college.

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley took part as the Team USA select coach. The NBA coach sang Flagg’s praises in an ESPN interview. He praised Flagg’s overall basketball acumen, but he might have nearly run out of words for the teenage sensation.

[He has a] high basketball IQ, tough, willing to learn. He gets to the spots that he needs to for a shot a lot, able to get to the rim, great touch on his shot. I mean, he can play. There's no in-between. There's me saying, in many different forms, he can just flat-out play.

Mosley’s glowing assessment of Flagg’s abilities is a testament to the young player’s potential. With his impressive performance at the Team USA camp, Flagg proved that he belongs among the best in the world, and his future in basketball looks bright.

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