Celtics star Jayson Tatum has high praise for Duke's Cooper Flagg: 'Plays the right way'

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Boston Celtics and former Duke star Jayson Tatum had high praise for current Duke star Cooper Flagg.

"The first impression I had of Coop was just how hard he played, how he competed," Tatum, 27, said during a recent appearance on "New Heights." 

"In high school, it’s rare to see a guy that wants to guard the other best player, trying to block every shot, rebounding. And he just plays the right way," 

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Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) dunks the ball during the first half against the Baylor Bears in the second round of an NCAA Tournament game at Lenovo Center March 23, 2025. (Zachary Taft/Imagn Images)

The Celtics star said he first saw Flagg play during his summer camp two years ago. 

"He has a great feel for the game. He knows how to set a screen. He knows when to cut. He likes to get his teammates involved, and it’s been on full display all season and a big reason why they have a chance to win a championship," Tatum said.

Flagg has been the catalyst of a Duke team that is 33-3 and in the Sweet 16. 

The star freshman was a consensus All-American during the 2024-25 campaign and is the favorite to win Player of the Year after averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. 

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Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) controls the ball as Baylor Bears forward Norchad Omier (15) defends during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center March 23, 2025. (Zachary Taft/Imagn Images)

However, Flagg