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NBA Draft's Cooper Flagg Reveals Hidden Talent, Handicap on Course

NBA Draft's Cooper Flagg Reveals Hidden Talent, Handicap on Course

Newsweek4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
At 18 years old, Cooper Flagg was just drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft. He's coming off a season in which he was named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, and led Duke to the ACC title and the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament.
Before that, he was the No. 1 high school prospect in the 2024 class. And yet he's still found time to achieve a 14 golf handicap. Impressive.
During a recent interview, Flagg revealed his passion for golf, as well as that he considers his golfing skills his "hidden talent":
Hopefully there's still some time for golf in the offseason 😉
Congrats to @Cooper_Flagg for being the No. 1 pick in the @NBA Draft! pic.twitter.com/t5aVu8vMX9 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 26, 2025
In another interview ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, he revealed his dream foursome of NBA legends:
"Michael Jordan. I know he's a good golfer. I think Steph Curry is a really good golfer, and then I know Tatum plays a little bit, so maybe Jason Tatum."
Golf is an ultra-popular sport among professional basketball stars. Jordan, Curry, and Tatum are three notable examples due to the high level they have reached in their golfing skills.
Another well-known example is WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who has demonstrated her love for golf, although her skills are still a work in progress.
Cooper Flagg answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Cooper Flagg answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.Cooper Flagg was the breakout star of NCAA basketball last year. He needed just one season with the Duke Blue Devils to make his mark on college sports.
The 6'9'' guard averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, leading his team to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance. He became the first ACC player in 25 years to record 500+ points, 100+ assists, and 30+ blocks in a regular season.
Flagg earned most of the major national honors, including Naismith College Player of the Year, ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, and consensus First-Team All-American.
Predicted as the No. 1 overall pick virtually since the start of his college career, Flagg actually received the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Dallas Mavericks will count on him next season to round out a roster that also includes stars like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson.
More Golf: Tony Finau Latest Victim to Withdraw from PGA Tour's Rocket Classic

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