2025 ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE WINNERS: Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Louisville’s Pat Kelsey headline list of AP all-ACC award winners. Freshman star Cooper Flagg of top-ranked Duke is The Associated Press player of the year and newcomer of the year for the Atlantic Coast Conference, while…
Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg from top-ranked Duke has been named The Associated Press (AP) Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year for the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) season. Flagg, who has quickly established himself as one of college basketball’s brightest stars, earned both prestigious honors after a standout first year with the Blue Devils. In addition, Louisville’s head coach, Pat Kelsey, was honored as the AP Coach of the Year, leading the Cardinals to an impressive turnaround season.
Cooper Flagg Dominates Freshman Class
Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, entered his freshman season with high expectations and has more than exceeded them. Averaging 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, Flagg has been a dominant force on both ends of the floor. His versatile scoring ability, coupled with his exceptional defense and basketball IQ, have made him a standout player in the ACC. Flagg’s efforts helped Duke maintain its top spot in the AP rankings for much of the season and solidified his position as one of the premier players in college basketball.
Flagg’s play has been instrumental in Duke’s success, with the Blue Devils earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. His ability to impact the game on both ends—whether it’s with a game-changing block or a crucial basket—has earned him widespread recognition, with many pundits already touting him as a future NBA star.
“Cooper has been exceptional in every aspect of the game,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “His ability to step into a leadership role as a freshman and perform at such a high level is a testament to his talent and work ethic.”
Newcomer of the Year
In addition to being named Player of the Year, Flagg also claimed the ACC Newcomer of the Year award, further cementing his status as one of the most exciting young players in college basketball. Despite his youth, Flagg has consistently delivered in the clutch, leading Duke through several high-profile matchups against top-ranked teams.
His skill set and impact have not gone unnoticed, with ACC coaches and media members praising his poise, maturity, and ability to elevate his team when it matters most. The Newcomer of the Year award, given to the most impactful freshman in the conference, is another major milestone in Flagg’s burgeoning career.
Pat Kelsey Earns Coach of the Year Honors
While Flagg was undoubtedly the individual standout of the season, Louisville’s Pat Kelsey was named AP Coach of the Year after guiding the Cardinals to a remarkable season. After a series of underwhelming campaigns, Kelsey’s leadership turned the program around, leading Louisville to a strong finish in the ACC standings and earning a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Kelsey, in his second season at the helm, implemented a new defensive system that helped elevate Louisville’s play on both sides of the court. His ability to develop talent and instill confidence in his players played a crucial role in the team’s resurgence.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished this season, but this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaching staff,” Kelsey said in his acceptance speech. “We’ve made great strides, but this is just the beginning for our program.”
Other Notable Honors
In addition to Flagg and Kelsey, several other players were recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the season. North Carolina’s Armando Bacot, who averaged a double-double with 16.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, was named to the All-ACC First Team, along with Virginia’s Kihei Clark and Miami’s Isaiah Wong.
On the defensive side, Flagg was joined by Virginia’s Reece Beekman and Clemson’s PJ Hall, both of whom played key roles in their teams’ success this season. Beekman’s elite defense helped Virginia maintain one of the top defensive ratings in the nation, while Hall was instrumental in Clemson’s strong conference showing.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season heads toward its conclusion with the NCAA tournament on the horizon, Flagg and Kelsey will continue to be in the spotlight. Flagg’s dazzling performances and Duke’s championship aspirations make them a team to watch in March Madness. Meanwhile, Kelsey’s leadership of Louisville promises a bright future for the program as they look to build on their success in the coming years.
The AP All-ACC Awards serve as a fitting recognition of the outstanding talent and coaching excellence in the conference this season. With Cooper Flagg’s dominance and Pat Kelsey’s coaching brilliance, the future of the ACC looks incredibly promising.
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