While watching Cooper Flagg shine in a game against Illinois at Madison Square Garden, it’s clear we’re observing a standout player. Flagg, the 6-foot-9 freshman from Duke, demonstrated his prowess despite a slow start, ultimately finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in a commanding 110-67 victory.

Historically, freshmen have struggled to dominate in major stats while leading their teams to the NCAA tournament. Currently, aside from Auburn with odds of +325, Duke has the second-best chance at +425 to win the championship in San Antonio. Flagg is averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, positioning him as a frontrunner.

This Duke squad is particularly strong, featuring possibly another top-five pick, Khaman Maluach, as well as top players like Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel. Many believe this might be Duke’s best chance to claim a title in a decade.

An NBA general manager commented, “He’s incredibly skilled. What I like most is his team spirit. He consistently plays hard every possession, making him a remarkable teammate and a big reason why Duke is my top contender.”

An ACC coach also praised Flagg’s competitive nature, noting that his skill set could lead to stardom in the NBA.

Among scouts, Flagg is regarded as the best talent since Zion Williamson, who formerly led Duke to the Elite Eight and won the National Player of the Year award in 2019. The draft is poised to showcase Flagg as a potential number one pick, supported by his impressive performances and team leadership.