Cooper Flagg ‘was nervous’ to face LeBron James, Team USA

Cooper Flagg admitted he was nervous when he played against LeBron James and Team USA. Flagg had the opportunity to play against his idol when a match was played between the United States select team and the men’s national squad earlier this month in Las Vegas.

The 17-year-old also earned praise for his dribbling skills. The youngster said it was an unbelievable experience to share the court with some of the big names of the game.

“It was cool, an unbelievable experience,” Flagg said during an appearance on “The Brotherhood Podcast,” hosted by his Duke teammate Caleb Foster. “Just having the opportunity to be there and just share the court with that level of talent and player, the people who’ve made that type of name for themselves. I’ve been watching them for years, growing up.

“The first day, for sure, I was nervous. I didn’t know what to think. I got on the court, and I was like, ‘Wow.’ I was guarding LeBron in the corner. It kind of just hit me for a second, and I had to snap out of it.”

Flagg said he was settled after a few minutes and then he was concentrating on the game.

“I think once I got going into it, it was just playing basketball, and I think a lot of players share a similar experience that once you start playing, the nerves and stuff [disappear],” Flagg said. “Most of the players that can really perform at a high level, once the tip goes up, it all goes away, for sure.”

Flagg led Montverde (Florida) Academy to a 30-0 season and national championship last season.

“I’m just working on bettering myself in ways that aren’t just physical,” he said.

Meanwhile, LeBron James and Team USA have reached the quarterfinals in the ongoing Paris Olympics.