As Duke men’s basketball prepares for the season opener, freshman standout Cooper Flagg celebrates a major milestone. The 6-foot-9 forward has signed an NIL deal with Gatorade, making him the first men’s college basketball player to join Gatorade’s roster of athletes.
“This year has been huge for me both on and off the court, and Gatorade has supported me every step of the way,” Flagg shared in a statement. “Being named Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year and now officially joining the team is surreal. To be associated with such iconic names in basketball is a dream, and I’m thrilled to take this next step with them.”
Flagg now joins a prestigious group of Gatorade athletes, including women’s basketball stars Caitlin Clark, Juju Watkins, and Paige Bueckers, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and former Duke player Jayson Tatum.
“Cooper is an extraordinary talent who quickly rose to national prominence, and we see a bright future ahead for him,” said Jeff Kearney, Gatorade’s global head of sports marketing. “We work with the best, and we’re excited to fuel Cooper as he begins his college journey.”
Flagg, the 2024 Gatorade Men’s Player of the Year, has already made an impact for the Blue Devils, scoring 22 and nine points in their first two exhibition games. Duke’s season kicks off on November 4 against Maine, Flagg’s home state.
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