The Oklahoma City Blue started their title defense with a big win over the Texas Legends on Tuesday. Limiting its rivals I-35, 103-102. In that game, dual guard Adam Flagler had 18 points, three rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Even in a game where he didn’t shoot well, with the regular shooter going 3-of-16 from beyond the arc, his impact was not only felt, but he was the best player on the floor.

After the game, Blue bench head Kameron Woods praised the Baylor Bears product, citing his leadership skills as the reason the Blues started the season 1-0.

“He’s in his second year as a pro, he’s turned into one of the leaders of this group. Not because of his (contract), but because of his experience, he’s a hard worker… He’s impacted the game in a lot of ways,” said Woods.

This wasn’t Flagler’s first time leading his troops, as Woods told a story about the 6-foot-3 guard being an extension of the side pacer on the floor during training camp.

“(Adam Flagler) knows me very well, he knows the organization very well, because we’ve spent so much time together,” Woods explained. “Examples for me are training, a lot of times in training he’ll stop the pitch, without telling me, and he’ll crowd guys and hit things that I’d give them. We have a great relationship in terms of how we want to feel and how we want to work. He sets the tone there.”

Woods, a standout player in his own right with records still hanging at Butler University, knows what a locker room looks like with a respected leader and a leader in name only. That’s no small compliment for his lead guard.

“The most impressive part about it to me, if you’re going to do it, guys have to respect you … These guys look for more when they communicate with the team, which says a lot about him. They respect him, they respect the way he works,” Woods continued.

That led this scribe to the Thunder locker room before Wednesday’s tilt with the Pelicans to catch up with Flagler and ask him about his second year in the Blue’s system, which mirrors the varsity clubhouse.

“I think that’s always been something that I’ve been. Vocal wise, I’ve always been a lead by example guy, but wanting to be more vocal, especially for the team,” Flagler explained to the Thunder on SI. “Being here for a second year now, knowing what to expect is big for me to put guys in their place and let them know they’re not alone.”

Leadership is mainly a skill you are born with or have, few can simulate it effectively. Flagler is someone who has always had that trait, helping the Bears to their first national title during the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

In his second year in the Oklahoma City system, he has increased his ability to be vocal with his team by knowing what is expected of the group organizationally.

“I spend so much time being on the road, (Kameron Woods) does a great job of building a relationship off the court where that trust can be felt the moment we step on the court,” Flagler told the Thunder at SI. “Anytime I can say the things they might be thinking and be that coach or leader on the floor is great. He never wants to exaggerate, he doesn’t want his voice to be where it is not as receptive. .”

Flagler navigated roads that were under construction throughout his basketball career. After a successful college career, the point guard suffered a devastating knee injury the day before the 2023 NBA Draft that could have derailed his hoop dreams into a nightmare.

However, Oklahoma City still brought him into the fold post-draft, where he earned the respect of the organization right out of the gate.

The way he has attacked his rehab has earned him praise from Thunder bench boss Mark Daigneault in the past. He also saw him recover quickly, marking his return to basketball on Dec. 29 in Maine.

On February 10, 2024, the Thunder signed Flagler to his multi-year deal, and the Baylor product helped another team – OKC Blue – win its first championship.

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