No. 4 Duke’s 86-78 victory over Notre Dame made it clear who the best freshman in college basketball – or rather, the best player in the NCAAM – is. He’s also projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg, just 18 years old, scored a career-high 42 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 7 assists. His 42 points also set a new Duke freshman scoring record, surpassing Zion Williamson’s 35 points, as well as the ACC freshman scoring record. Without a doubt, this is a day Flagg will never forget, a performance that will go down in the history of Duke – home to some of the greatest players – and in the history of college basketball.
This Is Flagg’s First and Last Season at Duke
Flagg’s previous career high was 26 points, and after this performance, it’s clear that this will be his first and last season at Duke as his NBA potential can’t wait any longer. Flagg leads the Blue Devils in all of these categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and minutes. But what’s most impressive is what his coach, Jon Scheyer, said: “He’s not chasing numbers. He just puts up numbers because the game comes to him.” Flagg is one of two players, along with Auburn center Johni Broome, who are performing at the highest level this year. Watching them square off in March would be thrilling-don’t rule it out.
Raising the Flagg with Team USA
Go back a few months to the summer with the US team that won gold. At just 17 years old, the 6-foot-8 forward from Maine became the first college player since 2013 to make the U.S. national team. Known for his intense competitiveness and two-way play, Flagg showcased his skills against the gold medal-winning Team USA squad, solidifying his reputation as one of, if not the, top draft prospects. Though his offensive game is still developing, even with his record-setting game against Notre Dame, particularly his ball handling and shooting mechanics, Flagg’s defensive prowess and relentless drive set him apart.
Even NBA stars have taken notice. Kevin Durant said, “He looks like a hell of a player. At 17, he’s out there playing like a [veteran], showing no emotion and just getting the job done.” Devin Booker added, “He wants it – you can see how much he wants it. While Flagg still has room to refine his game, his potential is undeniable. Many believe that 2025 will mark the beginning of a long and impactful career for this rising star.
