By CHARLIE PARENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Monteverde Academy (FL.) head coach Kevin Boyle has another potential No. 1 NBA Draft pick in high school phenom and Duke commit Cooper Flagg.
The Eagles and Flagg dominated in Saturday’s 91-58 HoopHall Classic win over Brewster Academy (NH.). Flagg had a seamless 11 points on 4-for-8 shooting in 20 minutes of action. He posted 5 rebounds and 2 blocks as well.
“He’s a great player,” Boyle said postgame. “He doesn’t have to score to be outstanding. A lot of times, he can block shots, get steals, his defense and rebounding, his ability to attract people and be willing to pass the ball, he’s really unselfish.”
“I think at Duke he can get into that top-three [draft] spot next year,” he concluded.
Boyle, who has coached former No. 1 NBA Draft picks Cade Cunningham and Ben Simmons, believes Monteverde could have four of the top 10 players in the NBA five years from now, including Flagg.
“Ben Simmons was an incredible high school player,” he said. “Scottie Barnes will probably be an all-star this year and Cade is averaging 20 points per game and will be an All-Star eventually. I think we have a chance, with Jalen Duren coming on in five years, that we could have four guys in the top 10 of the NBA.”
Focusing on Flagg’s Duke career, Boyle is confidence the 6-foot-9 forward can be the main guy for the Blue Devils, while playing within coach Jon Scheyer’s system.
“It’s really important players go to the right system or they can get lost even though they’re a really good player,” Boyle said. “With Cooper he’s talented enough where he can be the main guy.”
Montverde (18-0), Boyle and Flagg take the stage at HoopHall once again on Sunday for a must-watch matchup with 2025 No. 1 overall recruit AJ Dybansta and Prolific Prep (CA.).
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