The Duke Blue Devils are back on the grand stage. With a powerhouse trio of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor, the Blue Devils have muscled their way into the Final Four. Their next challenge? A primetime showdown against fellow No. 1 seed Houston Cougars on Saturday at 8:49 p.m.
Flagg’s Brilliance Sparks NBA Buzz
Cooper Flagg has been nothing short of spectacular. The 18-year-old freshman has led Duke with poise beyond his years, turning heads with his polished game and relentless energy. His stat line tells the story—18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Flagg’s efficiency is just as impressive. Shooting 48.3% from the floor and 37.4% from deep, he’s showing all the makings of an elite prospect. The NBA is already watching, with analysts projecting him as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.
The Jayson Tatum Comparison
Colin Cowherd, the outspoken sports analyst, has sparked a debate. During Monday’s edition of The Herd, he made a bold claim: Flagg is a better version of Jayson Tatum at the same age. The numbers suggest he might be right.
Tatum, during his freshman year at Duke, posted 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. He shot 45.2% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc. Flagg has outperformed him in nearly every statistical category.
What Sets Flagg Apart?
- Versatility: Flagg isn’t just a scorer. His ability to facilitate and defend at a high level makes him a complete player.
- Size and Athleticism: At 6-foot-9, Flagg moves with guard-like agility while possessing the strength to battle in the paint.
- Defensive Instincts: His shot-blocking and perimeter defense stand out, traits that translate well to the NBA.
- Three-Level Scoring: His efficiency from all areas of the court gives him an offensive edge over most freshmen.
The Road Ahead
Duke’s immediate focus remains on the Final Four, but Flagg’s future is already a hot topic. If he continues his dominance, he won’t just be the No. 1 pick—he could be a franchise-changing talent.
For now, though, the Blue Devils have a championship to chase.
