Members of the media were not allowed to watch the scrimmage between the Paris Olympics-bound national team led by LeBron James and Stephen Curry and the USA selection team, which consisted mainly of young NBA players and flags. A freshman at Duke this fall. According to USA Basketball, official statistics are not kept for traditional varsity and junior varsity. And national team coach Steve Kerr declined to comment on the Flagg Sterling show, citing NBA rules that prohibit public statements about players who are not yet eligible.
As the gym doors opened to the press, however, Flagg was all smiles and smiles as he held off an 11-point outburst for a select team to come back. When James, 39, saw one, the hoops star knew he wanted to enjoy the flag after his national team’s 74-73 victory.
Flagg, a 6-foot-8 forward who became the first college player in more than 10 years to earn a select team invitation, understands why he will be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. The polished wing started his scoring spree with a three-pointer from the left corner over Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis and a layup over Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday.
Then, on a power build, the flag-front kid brought the ball up court, connected with Davis, worked his way to isolation, and drilled a side-level three-pointer over the NBA’s best defensive player. After the Nationals tried to find Davis in transition, Flagg took control of the ball and quickly pushed the ball to Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray for a three-pointer from the left corner. At the flag shot, he sprinted the length of the court, jumped with both hands to grab an offensive rebound in traffic, and finished off an aerial defense as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo fouled out.
The sequence – the shot, the pass, the rebound and the finish – in an instant It has spread in social networks, garnering millions of views within an hour. All told, Flagg scored six points in less than 20 seconds to set up a tense final. Davis blocked a game-winning jumper by Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podzimski to prevent an embarrassing loss for the overwhelming gold medal favorites.
A game-changing performance from Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards made it all the more remarkable that he became the youngest player on the national team by five years. When Flagg was born on December 21, 2006, James was in his fourth NBA season and about to make his third All-Star appearance.
“I was just competing and trying my best,” Flagg said. “Giving 100 percent. I’m confident in my skills and abilities. I’m confident in who I am and what I can do. Being able to share the court is a confidence boost.” [with the national team]. I am happy to have this opportunity to be here. I had no concerns. I didn’t put any pressure on myself. I’m here for a reason. i know that. “
Flagg appeals to his excellent motor, strong athletic tools and basketball smarts, and do it all with what he showed in front of a few hundred spectators on Monday. He’s an efficient ballplayer, willing outside shooter, physical rebounder, above-the-rim and multi-positional defender who can handle assignments in the paint or on the perimeter — all rolled into one package.
If Flagg Kabebe is found capable of leading USA Basketball, he will be remembered for the moment he showed fearlessness at the University of Nevada Las Vegas when he proved himself capable of competing with the best in the world.
“The select team was great,” Kerr said with a smile while commenting directly on Flagg. “They argued with us. They were physical. European teams have run a lot of things. It couldn’t have been better.”
One man who didn’t seem caught up in the excitement was Flagg, who spoke with his fellow Duke Blue Devils — Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill — before he recounted the afternoon’s events. Although Flagg grew up a Celtics fan and developed his offensive approach by studying Tatum, he said he was comfortable playing on a USA Basketball team that included 12 All-Stars and several future Hall of Famers.
“[There was some awe] “In the beginning, when we walked into the gym and saw all those players, it wasn’t until we started playing once,” he said. “Once the ball goes up, I’m a competitor. It’s a little adjustment on the court with them, but at the same time I’m playing basketball and trying to win. [The national team players] All have been very welcoming. They are telling me to keep working and stay grounded.”
Flagg, who was named a high school senior last fall and led Montverde Academy (Fla.) to an undefeated season and national title, said he was pushing for a spot on USA Basketball’s roster for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Qatar. At that point, he will be 20 years old and will probably have completed a one-and-done freshman campaign at Duke and two NBA seasons.
Meanwhile, Flagg expects the national team to win its fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris next month.
“They can be whatever team they want to be,” he said. “They don’t have weaknesses, they don’t have any holes. They can play any way and be dominant. It’s going to be a dominant team that’s going to impress everyone they see.”