Phenomenal freshmen basketball gamers rake in endorsement offers, command the highlight from the media shops and get chosen close to or on the high of the NBA Draft, however they don’t all the time prosper within the NCAA Match. Sure, Michael Jordan hit a nationwide championship game-winner, Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis each gained Most Excellent Participant of the Ultimate 4 and Michigan’s Fab 5 earned a sensational runner-up end. Nevertheless, expertise is a vital a part of the fashionable school sport. Nicely, inform that to Cooper Flagg.
Duke’s star ahead notched certainly one of his best outings ever within the Candy Sixteen on Thursday, posting 30 factors (9-of-19 taking pictures), seven assists, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal in a 100-93 win towards Arizona. He delivered blow after blow all through the competition, however his defining play got here on the finish of halftime.
Flagg rushed throughout the courtroom and pulled up for a deep 3-pointer as time expired, giving the No. 1-seeded Blue Devils a 48-42 halftime lead. Though the rating bought a bit tight close to the top, they by no means relinquished management within the second half. And that may be a testomony to the extraordinary composure the 18-year-old exemplified in New Jersey’s Prudential Middle.
Past main this system to its second straight Elite Eight look, Flagg completed a March Insanity feat that had not been finished since a present Corridor of Famer led the Marquette Golden Eagles to the Ultimate 4.
“Cooper Flagg is the primary participant with a minimum of 25 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and three-plus blocks in an NCAA Match sport since Dwyane Wade within the 2003 Elite Eight vs. Kentucky,” CBS Sports activities’ Matt Norlander posted on X. That’s spectacular firm to maintain.
Duke advances after Cooper Flagg posts historic outing
Associated Duke Basketball InformationArticle continues beneath
Contemplating Flagg is virtually assured to go No. 1 within the 2025 NBA Draft and is already reserving commercials, it’s simple to stay up for the longer term and get caught up within the hysteria. He’s taking part in for the identify on the entrance of his jersey, nevertheless.
The ACC Participant of the 12 months and anticipated Wood Award winner reveals clear love for Duke basketball, and he simply helped the long-lasting blue-blood draw nearer to their first nationwide title within the post-Mike Krzyzewski period. If Flagg can lead this proficient squad all the best way to the highest of the ladder in San Antonio’s Alamodome, he’ll cap off one of many best freshman seasons ever.
The 6-foot-9 native of Newport, Maine can’t earn such an illustrious label with out his teammates, although. Kon Knueppel scored 20 factors on 5-of-7 taking pictures versus Arizona, Tulane switch Sion James added 16 and made three treys and middle Khaman Maluach totaled 4 blocks. Flagg is clearly the nucleus, however Duke can damage opponents from all sides.
The Blue Devils face Alabama within the East Area Ultimate on Saturday, beginning at round 8:49 p.m. ET.