BREAKING NEWS: UNC TAR HEELS Land the No. 1 College Player in America — COOPER FLAGG Commits to Chapel Hill!
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — June 9, 2025
In one of the most stunning recruiting victories in recent college basketball history, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have landed a commitment from the No. 1 player in the country — Cooper Flagg. The announcement came during a highly anticipated, nationally televised event on ESPN, where Flagg, donning a Carolina Blue cap, declared his commitment to UNC, sending Tar Heel Nation into absolute jubilation.
Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, has long been regarded as a generational talent. The 2025 consensus No. 1 recruit chose the Tar Heels over an array of powerhouse programs, including Duke, Kentucky, and UConn. In a playful nod to his widespread appeal, the young phenom even joked about the interest from professional basketball franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, whose fans have already been dreaming of him in NBA uniforms.
> “A lot of people were talking about the NBA already,” Flagg said with a grin. “But I want to experience college basketball at the highest level. I want to chase banners, and there’s no better place to do that than Chapel Hill.”
A Game-Changer for the Tar Heels
Flagg’s commitment is a monumental moment for UNC head coach Hubert Davis, who continues to put his stamp on the program in the post-Roy Williams era. Since taking over in 2021, Davis has re-energized recruiting efforts and modernized the Heels’ style of play, but landing Flagg is on a different level.
> “Cooper Flagg is the kind of player who can change a program,” Davis said in a statement. “He embodies everything we look for — talent, toughness, humility, and an unmatched competitive spirit. We can’t wait to welcome him to Chapel Hill.”
Flagg’s commitment makes UNC the favorite to secure the top recruiting class of 2025, which already includes five-star guard Jalen Haralson and elite wing Caleb Wilson. Together, they promise to give the Tar Heels a roster stacked with NBA-caliber talent and the depth needed to compete for another national championship.
Who is Cooper Flagg?
For those unfamiliar with Flagg’s meteoric rise, the Maine native burst onto the national scene as a high school sophomore, dominating the prestigious Nike EYBL circuit and earning MVP honors at the Nike Peach Jam. Known for his two-way versatility, elite athleticism, and basketball IQ beyond his years, Flagg draws frequent comparisons to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum.
Flagg reclassified to the 2025 class last year and hasn’t looked back. In his final high school season at Montverde Academy in Florida, he averaged 22.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and an astounding 3.9 blocks per game — showcasing his ability to impact the game in every facet.
Scouts rave about Flagg’s unique blend of size, skill, and motor.
> “He’s a once-in-a-decade prospect,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “There are no holes in his game. He can score at all three levels, defend every position, and he makes his teammates better. And he’s just scratching the surface.”
Why UNC?
Flagg’s decision to choose UNC over other bluebloods surprised some insiders who pegged Duke as an early leader. But sources close to the family say that Flagg was drawn to UNC’s tradition, player development track record, and the opportunity to play in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in sports.
His official visit to Chapel Hill reportedly made a lasting impression. The experience of walking through the Dean E. Smith Center, meeting Tar Heel legends, and spending time with Coach Davis and his staff helped solidify Flagg’s choice.
> “When I visited UNC, it just felt like home,” Flagg said. “There’s a family atmosphere there. I want to be part of something bigger than myself and help bring another championship to Chapel Hill.”
Sources also say that Flagg was inspired by the legacy of past Tar Heel greats like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Antawn Jamison, as well as more recent stars such as Coby White and Cole Anthony, who made the leap from UNC to the NBA.
Immediate Impact
While some top recruits use college as a brief stepping stone to the NBA, Flagg insists he is committed to the team-first ethos that defines Carolina basketball.
> “I want to compete for a national title,” he said. “That’s my number one goal. Individual success will come if the team wins.”
Flagg is expected to start from Day 1 and will likely be the focal point of the Tar Heels’ offense. His versatility gives Coach Davis the flexibility to deploy him as a forward, small-ball center, or even a playmaking wing.
Paired with a talented supporting cast, including returning All-ACC guard Elliot Cadeau and the incoming freshman stars, UNC instantly becomes a top contender for the 2026 NCAA championship.
A Recruiting Ripple Effect
Flagg’s commitment is already having a ripple effect. Several uncommitted top-50 recruits reportedly have UNC high on their list, now intrigued by the chance to play alongside Flagg. The Tar Heels’ NIL program, combined with the program’s history and visibility, makes them an even more attractive destination.
> “When a player like Cooper chooses a school, other players want to be part of that,” said recruiting insider Adam Finkelstein. “UNC just vaulted itself to the top of the recruiting world again.”
Final Thoughts
The basketball world will undoubtedly be watching Cooper Flagg’s journey in Chapel Hill closely. In an era where players have more options than ever — from professional leagues like the NBA G League Ignite to lucrative overseas contracts — Flagg’s commitment to the college game, and to one of its most tradition-rich programs, is a huge win for both UNC and NCAA basketball.
As Tar Heel fans flooded social media with excitement, one sentiment was echoed again and again:
“The sky is Carolina Blue today.”