SAN ANTONIO — The two best players in college basketball are each still standing ahead of Saturday’s national semifinal matchups, but Duke star Cooper Flagg has decisively outperformed Auburn’s Johni Broome in the race for individual achievements.

Flagg was honored with both the Oscar Robertson Trophy and AP National Player of the Year accolades as the events of Friday at the Final Four turned into an unofficial coronation for the freshman star of Blue Devils basketball.

Both prestigious awards are granted to the top player in the NCAA, adding to the growing accolades for Flagg, who began the 2024-25 season at just 17 years old. This week, he was also named the CBS Sports Player and Freshman of the Year.

The attention and accolades are nothing new for the anticipated No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. However, even amid crucial upcoming contests, the flow of recognition during the Final Four has provided a moment to reflect on what has been a strikingly successful college basketball journey for Flagg.

“Just so proud of this guy, what he has accomplished,” said Duke coach Jon Scheyer. “I have to remind myself he should be graduating high school now. Having the season that he has had speaks volumes about him. The stats, the highlights, reflect that, but it’s his character and the energy he brings daily that elevates our team.”

Amid the spotlight and expectations, Flagg remains grounded, showing appreciation during his awards presentation, even sharing light-hearted banter with his mother, Kelly Flagg, from where he stood as the centerpiece of attention.

“I believe I’m just a regular kid. I’m alright at basketball, I suppose,” he remarked humbly.