No. 9 Duke erased a 14-point deficit on the street Sunday to flee Louisville with a 76-65 win in its first ACC take a look at of the 2024-25 common season. The Blue Devils outscored shorthanded Louisville 43-28 within the second half and outscored their convention foe 34-14 within the paint whereas bettering to 7-2 on the season.
Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg had one more huge day on the workplace to guide Duke with 20 factors and 12 rebounds, marking his fourth profession double-double. Flagg fouled out for the primary time all season and performed simply 28 minutes. However he made his mark within the sport with two steals, one block and one help as well.
Flagg’s huge sport put an exclamation mark on what was an enormous week each personally for him and for his group after the Blue Devils took down No. 2 Auburn on Wednesday behind his 22 factors, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.
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Flagg’s growing face-up sport has proven some enchancment already this season, however as we noticed Sunday, maybe he would not want it! Even when he is not capable of end in 1-on-1 settings, he at all times has the choice of merely cleansing up his personal messes on the rim — like this end vs. the Playing cards. A factor of magnificence.
Key stat:
12 rebounds: Flagg set a brand new career-high with 12 rebounds vs. Louisville and did his injury all whereas taking part in the third-fewest minutes in a sport all season.
Giving out a grade
The bar for grading Flagg is excessive however even by his personal requirements, this was a very stable efficiency. He made an enormous distinction on the boards, was lively on protection and confirmed aggressiveness on offense. He completed 8-of-17 capturing. Grade: B
Up subsequent
Duke will face Incarnate Phrase on Tuesday because the Blue Devils return house to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Duke, Flagg topple No. 2 Auburn
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Flagg knocked down a tricky fadeaway jumper within the first half towards Auburn. This sort of self-creation is the following step in his growth.
Key stat:
11 rebounds: Flagg matched his career-high by flattening 11 rebounds within the win over Auburn. It is the third time he has grabbed at the very least 11 rebounds in a sport after engaging in the feat in back-to-back video games earlier this season towards Military and Kentucky. The standard of the opponent makes the stat that rather more spectacular.
Giving out a grade
Flagg was implausible towards Auburn. He was lively on each ends of the ground. Flagg recorded three steals and two blocks and made some well timed pictures down the stretch towards among the finest defenses within the nation. This was among the finest general performances of his younger profession. Grade: A
Up subsequent
Duke will face Louisville on the street on Sunday. The Cardinals are off to a 5-3 begin in Yr 1 of the Pat Kelsey period however have misplaced their final two video games to Oklahoma and Ole Miss. Louisville went on a five-game win streak final month, highlighted by an 89-61 win over Indiana.
Flagg dominates in win vs. Seattle
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Flagg threw down (one other) main dunk within the first half to assist set the tone and get the Cameron Crazies juiced up simply earlier than halftime. He makes transition buckets look easy together with his size and explosiveness, and that was the case right here as he casually completed with two fingers above the rim.
Key stat
7 assists: Flagg had a season-high for assists regardless of driving the pine for many of the remaining 10 minutes of the sport. That not solely bested his earlier career-high of six assists however was additionally the second-most for any Duke participant in a single sport this season behind solely Kon Knueppel, who had eight vs. Kansas earlier within the week.
Giving out a grade
Pretty much as good as Flagg was making performs for his teammates, we will not overlook his struggles elsewhere. He completed 2 of seven capturing on the day, didn’t make both of his two makes an attempt from 3-point vary and had three turnovers on the night as well. Grade: C+
Up subsequent
Duke hosts Auburn inside Cameron Indoor Stadium on Wednesday. Auburn is coming off a Maui Invitational title and appears prefer it not solely has the finest group within the sport proper now, but additionally the most effective participant. —– Kyle Boone
Flagg struggles in loss to No. 1 Kansas, turns ball over late once more
Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg scored 11 of his 13 factors within the second half, however it wasn’t sufficient as No. 1 Kansas defeated No. 11 Duke 75-72 in an exciting nonconference sport in Las Vegas. Flagg completed with 5 rebounds and three assists however turned the ball over 4 occasions in a slim loss to the Jayhawks.
Flagg has scored in double figures in 5 of his first six video games. He was coming off arguably the most effective efficiency of his younger profession, posting a team-high 24 factors in a 69-55 win over Arizona.
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Flagg threw down a monster poster dunk within the second half towards Kansas on Tuesday.
Key stat
1 for two: Flagg scored solely two factors within the first half, hitting certainly one of his two field-goal makes an attempt earlier than halftime. Flagg acquired going considerably offensively after intermission and scored 11 of his 13 factors after halftime.
Giving out a grade
Flagg delivered a highlight-worthy dunk and made some sturdy defensive performs, this was most likely the worst outing of his younger faculty profession. His efficiency towards Arizona final week confirmed what he is able to doing. Along with his group trailing by one, Flagg turned the ball over with 48 seconds remaining, which gave Kansas the ball again. It was considerably much like what occurred on the finish of Duke’s sport towards Kentucky. Grade: C.
Up subsequent
Duke will keep in Las Vegas the following few days earlier than going through Seattle U. The Redhawks face Furman within the second sport of the doubleheader on Tuesday in Sin Metropolis. Seattle U is off to a 2-3 begin to the season.
Flagg placing up huge numbers
On Friday evening in Tucson, Arizona, No. 12 Duke went into the hornet’s nest that’s the McKale Middle and gained convincingly 69-55 over a gifted No. 17 Arizona group that has been practically automated on its house ground beneath coach Tommy Lloyd. The schematic clarification for a way they did so consists of forcing turnovers, making huge 3s and creating additional alternatives, however the easy clarification boils down to 2 phrases.
Cooper Flagg.
Duke’s freshman phenom was sensation within the win with 24 factors, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal in one more stat-sheet stuffing displaying. The No. 1 recruit has been the No. 1 choice for Duke and among the finest gamers in faculty basketball immediately, and it is proven within the field rating, the place he now leads Duke in each main statistical class, as International Scouting famous over the weekend — making him the one presently Div. I participant to be doing so proper now.
That is as spectacular as it’s jarring. A 17-year-old is dominating for a Duke group prone to be in or very close to the highest 10 of the AP High 25 on Monday, and in a method that no different participant — not simply freshmen, however participant — is doing so on the Div. I stage.
Flagg’s handed each take a look at this season with flying colours save for a late turnover vs. Kentucky within the Champions Basic that may’ve price Duke the win. He’ll have his largest take a look at of the season — and possibly the 12 months — on Tuesday evening in a serious highlight showdown as Duke faces No. 1 Kansas in Las Vegas, pitting him up towards star huge man Hunter Dickinson and a gifted froncourt that features freshman Flory Bidunga and KJ Adams. It must be appointment viewing, as each Flagg sport has been this season.
Key stats
31%: Flagg has the second-highest utilization price amongst qualifying freshmen this season in faculty basketball at 31%, trailing solely Texas freshman Tre Johnson, whose utilization price by way of six video games stands at 31.2%. Since 2000, solely eight different gamers within the energy construction convention have posted that top of a utilization price whereas averaging at the very least 17.5 factors and 9.0 rebounds per sport in a season. That listing is: DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Ben Simmons, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, Kris Humphries and Carmelo Anthony.
Giving out an early grade
5 video games into the season is a small pattern measurement however it’s onerous to be too important of what Flagg has achieved already as a 17-year-old true freshman taking part in for probably the most scrutinized group in faculty basketball. He is appeared each bit the a part of the No. 1 recruit and is monitoring towards turning into the overwhelming favourite to go No. 1 within the 2025 NBA Draft. Grade: A+
Flagg leads leads Blue Devils over Arizona in first true street sport
In his first true street sport as a collegiate participant Flagg led No. 12 Duke to a 69-55 victory Friday at No. 17 Arizona in one of many premier nonconference video games of the 2024-25 faculty basketball season. Flagg completed with 24 factors, six rebounds and three assists vs. the Wildcats.
The Blue Devils jumped out to a 34-27 halftime benefit and held off a late rally from Arizona to enhance to 4-1 on the season. The Blue Devils’ lone loss got here earlier this month to Kentucky within the Champions Basic. Duke has since gained two straight forward of its largest sport of the season towards No. 1 Kansas subsequent week.
Flagg performed a career-high 38 minutes within the win over Arizona.
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With simply over 12 minutes remaining within the second half on Friday, Flagg drove by way of the center of the lane and threw down a strong one-handed flush.
Key stat
24 factors: Flagg has now scored double figures in 4 of his 5 profession video games. Flagg scored eight factors in 28 minutes throughout a blowout loss to Wofford final week and responded with a pleasant scoring effort days later. Flagg’s career-high (26 factors) got here towards Kentucky within the Champions Basic earlier this month.
Giving out a grade
The McKale Middle in Tucson is among the hardest and most intimidating environments for any (opposing) participant to play in. Flagg’s general effectivity (10 of twenty-two) wasn’t wonderful, however he did rating 24 factors — probably the most of any participant on the ground. Flagg held his personal towards among the finest groups within the nation. Grade: A
Up subsequent
Duke travels to Las Vegas on Tuesday to face No. 1 Kansas. The Jayhawks opened the season because the top-ranked group in each the AP and Coaches polls and can enter this matchup with an ideal 5-0 file. Longtime coach Invoice Self just lately grew to become the winningest coach in Kansas program historical past following a victory over Michigan State within the Champions Basic.
No. 6 Duke defeated Wofford 86-35 on Saturday at Cameron Indoor Stadium simply days after struggling its first loss to Kentucky within the Champions Basic. Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg had a quiet offensive efficiency, ending with a season-low eight factors, however stuffed the stat sheet with 9 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks.
Flagg did not need to play a lot within the second half as a result of his group jumped out to a 51-14 halftime benefit. The star ahead performed all 20 minutes within the second half within the loss to the Wildcats and logged solely 13 minutes after intermission towards the Terriers.
Regardless of the loss to Kentucky, Flagg had the most effective scoring efficiency of his profession, posting a team-high 26 factors. Flagg had scored in double-digits in Duke’s first three video games of the season coming into the weekend.
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Flagg had a quiet day on offense towards Wofford, however did file an And-1 bucket within the first half. He celebrated appropriately.
Key stat:
13 second half minutes: Flagg performed all 20 minutes within the second half towards Kentucky earlier this week however checked out with 5:41 remaining towards Wofford. The star freshman acquired some effectively deserved relaxation forward of a marquee showdown towards Arizona subsequent week.
Giving out a grade
Flagg did not need to do a lot for his group to file a bounce-back win at house. The star ahead solely logged 28 minutes and completed with eight factors, 9 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Flagg went 1 of 5 from the 3-point line – an space he might want to enhance on to take the following step in his growth. Grade: A-
Up subsequent
Duke travels to Tucson, Arizona, on Friday to face No. 9 Arizona. The Wildcats are coming off a 103-88 loss on the street to Wisconsin for his or her first lack of the season. This sport might be a rematch of final 12 months’s showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium, gained by Arizona 78-73. Arizona is coached by Tommy Lloyd, who’s in his fourth season with this system after spending 20 years as an assistant coach at Gonzaga.
Flagg proper on monitor in first few video games
Via three video games, Cooper Flagg has had his ups (he is averaging a double-double) and downs (poor capturing, cramping). All in all, it has been a wonderful early debut for the freshman phenom. Taken in context of how different eventual greats started their careers, Flagg is correct on monitor.
Cooper Flagg vs. Current Duke No. 1 General Picks (Via first 3 Video games)
| Participant | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Zion Williamson | 25.3 | 10.7 | 2.7 | 82.1 |
| 2021 Paolo Banchero | 19.3 | 8.7 | 0.3 | 67.7 |
| 2024 Cooper Flagg | 19.0 | 10.0 | 3.3 | 45.5 |
Nonetheless, keep watch over how Flagg shoots the ball the following few weeks — each the end result and the method. This is how Adam Finkelstein, the Director of Scouting at 247Sports and a draft analyst for CBS Sports activities, assesses Flagg:
The cramping and the 2 late turnovers towards Kentucky could also be what folks will speak about, however the 17-year-old had 26 factors and 12 rebounds on the Champions Basic. For him to play that effectively, and but nonetheless have a lot untapped upside is what’s so thrilling. Most scouts assume the cramping will not be a long-term drawback. The self-creation is a piece in progress, however that was largely anticipated.
It has been the capturing that has stood out as a variable that is going to probably be much more essential than anticipated. He is 3-for-13 from three up to now (23%), however greater than that it is that his spot-up pictures particularly have not appeared notably good. He is getting nearly no elevate into his launch, versus when he shoots off the dribble or on the transfer and he tends to rise-up extra into that launch.
Having repeatable mechanics is an enormous a part of capturing consistency and so the sheer variance of his elevation into several types of pictures creates some uncertainty about the way in which it might development long-term.
No. 6 Duke performs towards Nov. 16 towards Wofford.
Flagg shines however turns ball over twice late in loss to Kentucky
With No. 6 Duke down by two towards No. 19 Kentucky popping out of a timeout with simply over two minutes remaining on Tuesday evening, the Blue Devils have been in determined want of a bucket after lacking six straight pictures from the ground. So, with the sport hanging within the stability, they turned to the youngest participant on the ground.
Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg took the basketball, bullied his method contained in the free-throw line and sank a contested jumper over Koby Brea as Brea dedicated a foul. Flagg made the free throw, which put Duke forward. It felt for a second like the sport’s pivotal play.
However neither the lead, nor Flagg’s brilliance lasted over the sport’s remaining two minutes because the No. 19 Wildcats edged the No. 6 Blue Devils 77-72 in a Champions Basic thriller. Flagg’s 26 level, 12-rebound effort featured many dazzling moments as he performed within the first showcase sport of his faculty profession. But it surely additionally featured some rising pains down the stretch.
Following the aforementioned and-one sequence, Flagg made one other bodily bucket to tie the sport at 72-72. However when the Blue Devils went again to Flagg twice within the remaining 30 seconds on two separate possessions, he dedicated two turnovers that sank Duke’s possibilities.
Flagg’s ability and flexibility shined all through towards a veteran-laden Kentucky group. Nonetheless, the ending will go down as a hard-learned lesson for the projected No. 1 general decide within the 2025 NBA Draft.
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Flagg made his presence felt instantly, as he completed a lob on the sport’s first possession to open the scoring. It was a part of a robust begin as Flagg wanted simply over 11 minutes to achieve double figures.
Key stat
20 minutes: After taking part in simply 12 minutes within the first half after selecting up his second foul, Flagg performed your complete second half. That was a big growth for Duke after Flagg handled cramping points within the Blue Devils’ first two video games.
Giving out a grade
Whereas on the one hand, it is onerous to knock a 17-year previous freshman for such a statistically productive efficiency in his first sport towards a high-major faculty opponent, there was lots for Flagg to enhance upon. Specifically, his lack of ability to even rise up a shot earlier than committing consecutive turnovers within the remaining 30 seconds was pricey. However the legion of NBA scouts in attendance possible noticed nothing that might immediate them to think about shifting Flagg from No. 1 on their huge boards. General, he was nice, however the efficiency was marred by the ending. Grade vs. Kentucky: B
Up subsequent
Duke hosts Wofford on Saturday. The Terriers are coached by Dwight Perry, a former Kentucky walk-on who’s initially from Durham, North Carolina. Wofford was picked to complete fourth within the Southern Convention preseason ballot and ranks No. 7 nationally in minutes continuity with a deep effectively of gamers again from a group that completed 17-15 final season.
Flagg posts early double-double vs. Military
Cooper Flagg wanted only one half to file the primary double-double of his faculty profession because the No. 7 Blue Devils beat Military 100-58. The freshman phenom had 13 factors, 10 rebounds, two blocks and a steal at halftime as Duke opened up a 43-20 lead.
Flagg was quiet within the second half, including a rebound to that tally in simply six minutes because the Blue Devils cruised to a 2-0 begin and he handled obvious cramps for a second straight sport.
There was no want for Duke to pressure the problem with Flagg within the second half because the Blue Devils owned a commanding lead behind a robust group effort. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel was spectacular once more, ending with a team-high 15 factors on 4-of-6 capturing from 3-point vary As a group, the Blue Devils made 17 of 38 appears to be like from deep as Tyrese Proctor additionally made 4 3-pointers. Six gamers reached double figures for Duke.
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Duke had missed six straight pictures from the ground and led simply 7-6 when the Blue Devils acquired a transition alternative by advantage of their strain protection lower than 4 minutes into the sport. Sion James got here up with a steal, and Tyrese Proctor led a quick break that Flagg completed with an emphatic alley-oop slam.
Key stat
2 of 4: Flagg’s 3-point capturing, which was a welcome sight after he went 0 for 4 from 3-point vary in Duke’s season-opening win over Maine. His two 3-pointers bookended an 18-0 Duke run within the first half.
Giving out a grade
Whereas Flagg’s cramping points within the second half of each video games up to now this season is a priority, he is nonetheless appeared the half of a faculty basketball star. For any participant to safe a double-double of their second collegiate sport is a powerful accomplishment. That Flagg wanted solely a half to achieve that threshold of statistical productiveness is a testomony to his dominance. It wasn’t an ideal efficiency — a 1-for-3 efficiency from the free-throw line is value a slight knock — however Flagg appeared nice for probably the most half. Grade: A-
Up subsequent
Duke faces a substantial uptick in competitors on Tuesday because the Blue Devils will play No. 23 Kentucky in Atlanta as a part of the Champions Basic. The Wildcats are a veteran-oriented group beneath first-year coach Mark Pope.
Flagg has stable debut vs. his home-state college
Duke phenom Cooper Flagg made his long-awaited collegiate debut on Nov. 4 because the Blue Devils outlasted Maine 96-62 to open the 2024-25 season. Flagg completed with 18 factors, seven rebounds and 5 assists in half-hour earlier than testing with 3:28 remaining whereas battling cramps.
The Maine native did not get his first basket from the ground till 6:25 remained within the first half. However his command for the sport was on show early as Flagg assisted on two of Duke’s first three buckets. With fellow freshman Kon Knueppel on fireplace with 13 factors within the first seven minutes, Flagg took on a complimentary position for a lot of the primary half.
However Flagg’s potential to affect the sport with out the ball in his fingers is a part of the attract that makes him the projected No. 1 general decide within the 2025 NBA Draft. Right here is extra from his debut:
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With Duke main simply 35-27 and beneath 4 minutes remaining within the first half, Flagg provided a glimpse of the highlight-reel functionality that helped make him the No. 1 general prospect within the Class of 2024. Working on the precise wing, Flagg beat a Maine defender off the dribble, hit the paint after which exploded for a vicious right-handed dunk. The play ignited the Cameron Crazies and provided a glimpse of the electrical potential that Flagg brings.
Key stat
Flagg made 6 of 6 free throws, which was an amazing signal contemplating how a lot time he is prone to spend on the charity stripe this season.
Giving out a grade
Flagg appeared comfy and in command, even throughout a gradual offensive begin. The Blue Devils have been +27 with him on the ground, and he handed the attention take a look at in his first sport towards a Division I opponent after a few exhibitions towards lower-tier foes. Flagg hardly ever pressured appears to be like on offense, however he did end simply 6 of 15 capturing. Flagg’s 0 for 4 mark from past the arc was the largest drag on his grade. General, although, it was an excellent begin. Grade: B+
Up subsequent
Duke returns to motion Friday at 6 p.m. ET when the Blue Devils welcome Military to Cameron Indoor Stadium. Will probably be the ultimate tune-up earlier than a Nov. 12 showdown vs. Kentucky within the State Farm Champions Basic.
Early flash from Flagg in preseason blowout
Flagg had a pleasant and-one end within the first minute of Duke’s 103-47 exhibition beatdown of Arizona State. He added a few free throws shortly thereafter whereas accounting for 4 of his group’s six factors. From there, it was largely a quiet day for Flagg because the Blue Devils steamrolled the Solar Devils. He completed with 9 factors, 4 rebounds and three assists on 3 of 9 capturing in 21 minutes. Flagg logged simply 5 minutes within the second half because the Blue Devils performed their reserves ample minutes.
“I believed he simply impacted the sport in a number of methods,” Scheyer mentioned. “In fact, his numbers aren’t going to wow you or something. I did not put him again within the sport, in order that’s a part of it. He has this ‘it’ issue you can’t clarify, the place he simply makes everybody round him higher. His unselfishness, when your finest participant just isn’t trying to find stats it has such a tremendous affect on the remainder of your group. That is what he does. He guards whoever you ask him to. He is pushing the break, the ball flowed by way of his fingers. I believed he had an excellent sport and, nonetheless, he is acquired much more in him.”
Flagg shines in exhibition debut
Flagg logged an environment friendly 24 minutes in Duke’s 107-56 exhibition win over Division II Lincoln (PA) on Oct. 19. He led the Blue Devils in factors (22), assists (6) and blocks (4). Whereas the competitors was missing relative to what Flagg will see all through the common season, it was an encouraging first glimpse at his versatility.
This is what head coach Jon Scheyer needed to say about Flagg’s defensive efficiency within the sport, through The Devils Den: “He has nice instincts, clearly, with how onerous he performs. After which, you add in his really feel, he will make some particular performs. Right this moment, he had 4 blocks. I believe he may even add in some steals, ideally subsequent time going ahead. However I believed it was good for him. I believed he was himself. I believed even for ‘Coop,’ he can rebound extra. There’s a lot there for him. And I believed it was nice for him to get a really feel in the present day.
Flagg earns No. 3 spot High 100 and 1 listing
CBS Sports activities revealed its listing of the highest 100 and 1 gamers in faculty basketball coming into the brand new season. Flagg registered at No. 3 on the listing, trailing solely Mark Sears of Alabama and RJ Davis of North Carolina. This is what senior author Gary Parrish needed to say about Flagg:
“Any time the consensus top-ranked highschool participant within the nation, who additionally doubles because the projected No. 1 general decide within the subsequent NBA Draft, enrolls at Duke, the eyes of the game will give attention to Cameron Indoor Stadium, which is precisely what’s occurred this preseason. Will Flagg reside as much as expectations and turn into the youngest Wood Award winner in faculty basketball historical past whereas serving to Jon Scheyer advance to his first Closing 4 as a coach?
“As at all times, we’ll see. However there is not any doubting that the 6-9 ahead from Maine is a generational expertise who can and does affect successful in a wide range of methods — from scoring to rebounding to passing and guarding. There’s actual substance behind the hype. His first high-profile sport might be Nov. 12 towards Kentucky within the Champions Basic in Atlanta.”
Faculty basketball rankings: The High 100 and 1 finest gamers coming into the 2024-25 season
Kyle Boone
Behind the scenes at Duke
Matt Norlander went behind the scenes with Duke throughout preseason follow. “Prepare, as a result of Duke might be going to be The Greatest Deal in Faculty Basketball once more, probably reaching the stratospheric ranges of Zion Williamson and firm in 2018-19,” Norlander wrote. “Whether or not the Blue Devils are the most effective group, top-10 good or an inconsistent curiosity, coach Jon Scheyer is aware of this season goes to be evaluated and adjudicated extra intensely than his first two.
“The explanation for that’s apparent. Cooper Flagg.”
Cooper Flagg hype units tone for Jon Scheyer’s most important Duke season but: An inside take a look at the Blue Devils
Matt Norlander
Cooper Flagg named CBS Sports activities preseason Freshman of the Yr
Cooper Flagg was unanimously voted CBS Sports activities preseason Freshman of the Yr and was the one freshman named to the CBS Sports activities 2024-25 Preseason All-America First Workforce. This is what Cameron Salerno needed to say about Flagg’s lofty preseason accolades:
“Flagg has generated the hype of being the top-ranked prospect in his respective recruiting class due to his distinctive ability set that may translate to the school stage and make him one of the crucial dominant gamers at simply 17 years previous. Flagg might be surrounded by a veteran Duke squad with nationwide championship expectations in Yr 3 of the Jon Scheyer period. No strain, child.”
2024-25 CBS Sports activities Preseason Freshman of the Yr: Duke’s Cooper Flagg leads frosh All-America group
Cameron Salerno
