Cooper Flagg dominated the beginning of each halves on Saturday as No. 4 Duke defeated SMU 89-62 whereas enjoying on the street with coach Jon Scheyer at dwelling on account of sickness. Flagg scored 11 factors within the first 10 minutes after which chipped in 9 extra over the primary 4:05 of the second half because the Blue Devils prolonged a 7-point halftime result in 17.
The freshman phenom completed with 24 factors for the third time in Duke’s final 4 video games as he continued a scorching begin to ACC play. With 11 rebounds, Flagg additionally completed along with his fourth double-double of the season. The versatile ahead rounded out his stat line with three assists, two blocks and a steal in 32 minutes.
Maybe most encouraging for Flagg was his 2-for-2 exhibiting from 3-point vary. The projected No. 1 choose within the 2025 NBA Draft entered taking pictures simply 27.1% from 3-point vary for the season however is now 7 of 14 from deep in his final 4 video games. As a group, Duke hit 11-of-27 makes an attempt from past the arc (40.7%) whereas holding SMU to 23.8% 3-point taking pictures within the win.
Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel every added 14 factors to help the Blue Devils, who improved to 12-2 (4-0 ACC).
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It wasn’t the prettiest sequence, however this frenzied possession led to a Flagg 3-pointer that prolonged Duke’s result in 54-37 early within the second half. It capped a 13-3 run and gave Flagg seven factors within the first 4:05 of the second half.
Key quantity
93.1%: After going 8 of 8 from the charity stripe towards SMU, Flagg is taking pictures 93.1% from the free-throw line over Duke’s final six video games. That is a marked enchancment from the 69.6% mark that he posted in his first eight video games.
Giving out a grade
There was little to criticize about Flagg’s efficiency on the street towards a top quality opponent in a hostile setting. He made procuring a double-double look comparatively easy as he was efficient at a number of ranges as a scorer. Most encouraging was that Flagg continued to exhibit enchancment as a free-throw shooter (8 for 8) and perimeter risk (2 for two from 3-point vary). If Flagg can inch his 3-point taking pictures share up towards 35% throughout ACC play, it would make all of the extra deadly. Grade: A
Up subsequent
Duke hosts Pitt on Tuesday in its solely scheduled assembly with the Panthers, who’re coached by ex-Duke participant and assistant Jeff Capel. Scheyer is anticipated to return for the sport after lacking Saturday’s contest on account of sickness.
Flagg units tone on 18th birthday in street win vs. Georgia Tech
No. 5 Duke improved to 2-0 in ACC play on Saturday with an 82-56 street win over Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils led for almost all of the sport and blew the Yellow Jackets out late with a giant second half as freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach — who mixed for 46 factors within the victor — almost outscored Georgia Tech’s complete group.
Flagg, who turned 18 years outdated on Saturday, set the tone for Duke early on this one with 9 of his 13 factors coming within the first body and was capable of watch from the bench down the stretch as Duke emptied its bench in rubbish time. He completed with no steals or blocks however nonetheless managed to supply a number of highlights along with his leaping potential.
The win offers Duke its second win of the week and certain ensures it would stay within the prime 5 of the AP ballot subsequent week after beating George Mason by 21 factors earlier within the week. Duke now has 10 days of relaxation earlier than ACC play resumes on Dec. 31 at dwelling vs. Virginia Tech.
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Flagg made simply 5 area objectives in Saturday’s win however took benefit of his restricted alternatives once they arose. One such likelihood got here early within the sport in a play he made look approach simpler than it ought to’ve, as he gathered a transition move, dribbled as soon as then attacked a defender for a simple jam.
Key quantity
3: That is the variety of turnovers Flagg had within the win. With simply two assists, it marked the fourth time this season he had extra turnovers than assists, with two of the opposite three events — vs. Kentucky and vs. Kansas — ending in a Duke loss.
Giving out a grade
The roster building and mixture of starpower and depth on this Duke group does not require that Flagg placed on his superman cape and fly excessive each sport. Saturday’s win was an instance of that. He did sufficient on protection, as a scorer and along with his power to steer Duke and stepped out of the eway when vital as Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach acquired their probabilities. He does not get an A as a result of he did not dominate, however he does not get dinged considerably for taking part in successful ball, both. Grade: B
Up subsequent
Duke has a 10-day break in its schedule earlier than resuming ACC play on Dec. 31 vs. Virginia Tech again in Durham, North Carolina.
Flagg scores 24 in blowout win vs. George Mason
No. 5 Duke defeated George Mason 68-47 on Tuesday behind a powerful second-half efficiency from star freshman Cooper Flagg. Flagg scored 17 of his 24 factors after intermission and added 9 rebounds to assist the Blue Devils win their fifth consecutive sport.
Duke acquired off to a gradual begin at dwelling and led by a slim 20-16 margin late within the first half earlier than pulling away within the second half. Flagg got here one rebound shy of securing his fourth double-double of the season after recording a double-double in three of his final 4 video games.
Within the victory vs. the Patriots Flagg improved from his final efficiency when he scored a career-low six factors in Duke’s final outing towards Incarnate Phrase. Flagg logged a season-low 22 minutes and missed all three of his 3-point makes an attempt within the 72-46 win over UIW.
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Flagg was taking pictures solely 22.2% from past the arc coming into the week. He knocked down his 3-pointer in transition towards George Mason, which could possibly be an indication of issues to return. Flagg had simply made one 3-pointer throughout Duke’s four-game successful streak earlier than the victory vs. the Patriots.
Key stat
5: Flagg, who has finished a very good job this season of crashing the glass, had 5 offensive rebounds. Most of his offensive boards got here from his personal missed pictures. Nonetheless, it is spectacular to see the younger ahead decide to rebounding on each ends of the ground. 5 of his 9 complete rebounds had been on the offensive finish.
Giving out a grade
Flagg’s general effectivity wasn’t superb (7 of 20 from the ground). The positives had been he made two 3-pointers and knocked down all eight free throws makes an attempt. After Duke acquired off to a gradual begin within the first half, Flagg took over the sport and helped his group notch its fifth straight win. Grade: A-
Up subsequent
Duke will face Georgia Tech on the street subsequent on Saturday. The Blue Devils opened ACC play with a win over Louisville earlier this month and can play Georgia Tech of their second convention sport of the season. Georgia Tech has misplaced its final three video games and is 4-6 this season.
USATSI
Flagg performs simply 22 minutes in straightforward win over Incarnate Phrase
No. 4 Duke acquired off to a gradual begin towards Incarnate Phrase on Tuesday at Cameron Indoor Stadium however pulled away within the second half for a 72-46 win. The Blue Devils outscored UIW 44-25 within the second half for his or her fourth consecutive victory since falling to Kansas final month in Las Vegas.
Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg had a quiet night time and recorded six factors, eight rebounds and two assists. Flagg helped Duke erase a double-digit deficit on the street in his group’s final assembly towards Louisville and recorded his fourth profession double-double within the course of.
The six factors Flagg scored within the win over UIW marked a brand new career-low. Flagg scored 9 factors in a win over Seattle U and eight towards Wofford final month. Flagg logged lower than half-hour in each of these video games.
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Flagg’s playmaking potential has been on full show this season. Even when his shot is not falling, he can create appears for others due to the eye he attracts.
Key stat
22 minutes: Flagg logged a season-low 22 minutes within the win over UIW. Flagg performed 38 minutes in Duke’s win over Auburn final week and logged solely 28 towards Louisville on account of foul hassle. Flagg’s earlier season-low was towards Military within the second sport of his profession. Flagg did not play a majority of the second half in that sport on account of cramps.
Giving out a grade
By Flagg’s requirements, it was a lackluster efficiency. Flagg performed a season-low 22 minutes and shot 2 of 8 from the ground. He missed all three of his makes an attempt from past the arc. Flagg did not must do a lot due to the opponent, however enhancing his 3-point taking pictures ought to be some extent of emphasis for the remainder of the season. Grade: C
Up subsequent
Duke will face George Mason at dwelling on Tuesday. The Patriots are off to a 7-3 begin to the 2024-25 season and it will mark their second sport towards a Energy 5 opponent this season. George Mason misplaced to Marquette 82-63 in its second sport.
No. 9 Duke erased a 14-point deficit on the street Sunday to flee Louisville with a 76-65 win in its first ACC check 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 enhancing to 7-2 on the season.
Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg had yet one more huge day on the workplace to steer 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 besides.
Flagg’s huge sport put an exclamation mark on what was a giant 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 does not want it! Even when he is not capable of end in 1-on-1 settings, he all the time 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 harm all whereas enjoying 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 taking pictures. Grade: B
Up subsequent
Duke will face Incarnate Phrase on Tuesday because the Blue Devils return dwelling 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 type of self-creation is the subsequent step in his improvement.
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 a minimum of 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 improbable 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 probably the greatest defenses within the nation. This was probably the greatest 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 12 months 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 along 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 a lot of the ultimate 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 taking pictures on the day, didn’t make both of his two makes an attempt from 3-point vary and had three turnovers on the night besides. Grade: C+
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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 greatest group within the sport proper now, but additionally the perfect 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 perfect 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 one in every 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 robust 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 just like what occurred on the finish of Duke’s sport towards Kentucky. Grade: C.
Up subsequent
Duke will keep in Las Vegas the subsequent 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 night time in Tucson, Arizona, No. 12 Duke went into the hornet’s nest that’s the McKale Heart and received convincingly 69-55 over a proficient No. 17 Arizona group that has been almost computerized on its dwelling flooring beneath coach Tommy Lloyd. The schematic rationalization for the way they did so contains forcing turnovers, making huge 3s and creating further alternatives, however the easy rationalization 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 yet one more stat-sheet stuffing exhibiting. The No. 1 recruit has been the No. 1 choice for Duke and probably the greatest gamers in faculty basketball instantly, and it is proven within the field rating, the place he now leads Duke in each main statistical class, as World Scouting famous over the weekend — making him the one at present 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 approach that no different participant — not simply freshmen, however participant — is doing so on the Div. I stage.
Flagg’s handed each check this season with flying colours save for a late turnover vs. Kentucky within the Champions Traditional that may’ve value Duke the win. He’ll have his greatest check of the season — and perhaps the 12 months — on Tuesday night time in a significant highlight showdown as Duke faces No. 1 Kansas in Las Vegas, pitting him up towards star huge man Hunter Dickinson and a proficient froncourt that features freshman Flory Bidunga and KJ Adams. It ought to be appointment viewing, as each Flagg sport has been this season.
Key stats
31%: Flagg has the second-highest utilization charge amongst qualifying freshmen this season in faculty basketball at 31%, trailing solely Texas freshman Tre Johnson, whose utilization charge by 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 charge whereas averaging a minimum of 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 dimension however it’s laborious to be too crucial of what Flagg has completed already as a 17-year-old true freshman enjoying 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 changing 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 Traditional. Duke has since received two straight forward of its greatest 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 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 Traditional earlier this month.
Giving out a grade
The McKale Heart 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 superb, however he did rating 24 factors — probably the most of any participant on the ground. Flagg held his personal towards probably the greatest 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 report. Longtime coach Invoice Self lately turned the winningest coach in Kansas program historical past following a victory over Michigan State within the Champions Traditional.
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 Traditional. 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 must 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 perfect 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 report 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 must do a lot for his group to report a bounce-back win at dwelling. 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 subsequent step in his improvement. 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 can be a rematch of final 12 months’s showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium, received by Arizona 78-73. Arizona is coached by Tommy Lloyd, who’s in his fourth season with this system after spending twenty years as an assistant coach at Gonzaga.
Flagg proper on monitor in first few video games
By means of three video games, Cooper Flagg has had his ups (he is averaging a double-double) and downs (poor taking pictures, cramping). All in all, it has been a fantastic 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. Latest Duke No. 1 General Picks (By means of 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 |
Nevertheless, control how Flagg shoots the ball the subsequent few weeks — each the consequence and the method. Here 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 individuals will speak about, however the 17-year-old had 26 factors and 12 rebounds on the Champions Traditional. 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 downside. The self-creation is a piece in progress, however that was largely anticipated.
It has been the taking pictures that has stood out as a variable that is going to doubtlessly be much more vital than anticipated. He is 3-for-13 from three thus far (23%), however greater than that it is that his spot-up pictures particularly have not appeared significantly good. He is getting nearly no carry 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 a giant a part of taking pictures consistency and so the sheer variance of his elevation into various kinds of pictures creates some uncertainty about the way in which it might pattern 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 night time, the Blue Devils had been in determined want of a bucket after lacking six straight pictures from the ground. So, with the sport hanging within the steadiness, they turned to the youngest participant on the ground.
Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg took the basketball, bullied his approach 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 ultimate two minutes because the No. 19 Wildcats edged the No. 6 Blue Devils 77-72 in a Champions Traditional thriller. Flagg’s 26 level, 12-rebound effort featured many dazzling moments as he performed within the first showcase sport of his faculty profession. Nevertheless it 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 ultimate 30 seconds on two separate possessions, he dedicated two turnovers that sank Duke’s probabilities.
Flagg’s ability and flexibility shined all through towards a veteran-laden Kentucky group. Nevertheless, the ending will go down as a hard-learned lesson for the projected No. 1 general choose 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 enjoying simply 12 minutes within the first half after selecting up his second foul, Flagg performed your entire second half. That was a big improvement 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 laborious to knock a 17-year outdated 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. Particularly, his incapacity to even rise up a shot earlier than committing consecutive turnovers within the ultimate 30 seconds was pricey. However the legion of NBA scouts in attendance doubtless noticed nothing that might immediate them to contemplate 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 report 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 power the difficulty 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 taking pictures from 3-point vary As a group, the Blue Devils made 17 of 38 appears 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 stress 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 taking pictures, 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 thus far this season is a priority, he is nonetheless appeared the half of a school 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 price 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 Traditional. The Wildcats are a veteran-oriented group beneath first-year coach Mark Pope.
Flagg has stable debut vs. his home-state faculty
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 trying out 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 hearth with 13 factors within the first seven minutes, Flagg took on a complimentary function 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 choose 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 appropriate 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 ideal 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 had been +27 with him on the ground, and he handed the attention check in his first sport towards a Division I opponent after a few exhibitions towards lower-tier foes. Flagg not often compelled appears on offense, however he did end simply 6 of 15 taking pictures. Flagg’s 0 for 4 mark from past the arc was the most important drag on his grade. General, although, it was a very good 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 Traditional.
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 principally 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 taking pictures in 21 minutes. Flagg logged simply 5 minutes within the second half because the Blue Devils performed their reserves ample minutes.
“I assumed he simply impacted the sport in a whole lot of methods,” Scheyer stated. “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 that you would be able to’t clarify, the place he simply makes everybody round him higher. His unselfishness, when your greatest participant will not be looking for 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 his fingers. I assumed he had a very good 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.
Here 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 laborious he performs. After which, you add in his really feel, he will make some particular performs. At this time, he had 4 blocks. I feel he may even add in some steals, ideally subsequent time going ahead. However I assumed it was good for him. I assumed he was himself. I assumed even for ‘Coop,’ he can rebound extra. There’s a lot there for him. And I assumed it was nice for him to get a really feel immediately.
Flagg earns No. 3 spot High 100 and 1 listing
CBS Sports activities printed 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. Here 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 choose within the subsequent NBA Draft, enrolls at Duke, the eyes of the game will concentrate on Cameron Indoor Stadium, which is precisely what’s occurred this preseason. Will Flagg dwell as much as expectations and develop into the youngest Picket Award winner in faculty basketball historical past whereas serving to Jon Scheyer advance to his first Closing 4 as a coach?
“As all the time, we’ll see. However there is no doubting that the 6-9 ahead from Maine is a generational expertise who can and does affect successful in quite a lot of methods — from scoring to rebounding to passing and guarding. There’s actual substance behind the hype. His first high-profile sport can be Nov. 12 towards Kentucky within the Champions Traditional in Atlanta.”
School basketball rankings: The High 100 and 1 greatest gamers coming into the 2024-25 season
Kyle Boone
Behind the scenes at Duke
Matt Norlander went behind the scenes with Duke throughout preseason apply. “Prepare, as a result of Duke might be going to be The Largest Deal in School Basketball once more, doubtlessly reaching the stratospheric ranges of Zion Williamson and firm in 2018-19,” Norlander wrote. “Whether or not the Blue Devils are the perfect 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 rationale for that’s apparent. Cooper Flagg.”
Cooper Flagg hype units tone for Jon Scheyer’s most important Duke season but: An inside have a look at the Blue Devils
Matt Norlander
Cooper Flagg named CBS Sports activities preseason Freshman of the 12 months
Cooper Flagg was unanimously voted CBS Sports activities preseason Freshman of the 12 months and was the one freshman named to the CBS Sports activities 2024-25 Preseason All-America First Workforce. Here 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 probably the most dominant gamers at simply 17 years outdated. Flagg can be surrounded by a veteran Duke squad with nationwide championship expectations in 12 months 3 of the Jon Scheyer period. No stress, child.”
2024-25 CBS Sports activities Preseason Freshman of the 12 months: Duke’s Cooper Flagg leads frosh All-America group
Cameron Salerno
