The Duke Blue Devils have seen their fair share of legendary freshmen come through Cameron Indoor Stadium, but Cooper Flagg has taken things to an entirely new level. The highly touted freshman has been nothing short of dominant in his first season in college basketball, shattering expectations and rewriting the Duke and ACC record books.
His performance against Notre Dame in January, where he dropped a jaw-dropping 42 points, cemented his status as one of the most electrifying players in the country. That game set a Duke and ACC freshman scoring record, putting Flagg in elite company alongside some of the greatest to ever play in the conference.
A Record-Breaking Performance Against Notre Dame
When Duke faced off against Notre Dame in January, most expected the Blue Devils to rely on their usual balanced attack. But from the opening tip, it was clear that Cooper Flagg was on a mission.
He displayed a full arsenal of offensive moves—pull-up jumpers, thunderous dunks, and clutch three-pointers. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Flagg had poured in 42 points, the most ever by a freshman in Duke and ACC history.
“I was just in the zone,” Flagg said after the game. “I wasn’t thinking about records or anything like that. I just wanted to win.”
His historic night showcased why he was the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class and why NBA scouts are already eyeing him as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Flagg’s Impact on Duke’s Season
Duke has long been known for attracting elite freshmen, but Flagg’s impact on the program has been instant and game-changing.
- He has led the Blue Devils in scoring, consistently putting up 20+ point performances against some of the best defenses in the nation.
- He’s not just an offensive force—his defensive versatility has also been key. He’s averaging over 2 blocks and 1.5 steals per game, making him one of the best two-way players in the country.
- His leadership and maturity have been beyond his years, something that has impressed Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.
“Cooper is just different,” Scheyer said. “His work ethic, his poise, his competitive fire—it’s what makes him special. We knew he was talented, but what he’s doing this season is incredible.”
How Flagg Stacks Up Against Duke’s All-Time Great Freshmen
Duke has seen some of the greatest freshmen in college basketball history, including Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, and RJ Barrett. But Flagg’s scoring ability and all-around dominance make him a unique talent.
Here’s how Flagg compares to some of Duke’s greatest freshman seasons:
| Player | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game | Blocks Per Game | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | 22.1 | 8.5 | 3.2 | 2.4 | 42 points vs. Notre Dame (2025) |
| Zion Williamson | 22.6 | 8.9 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 35 points vs. Syracuse (2019) |
| RJ Barrett | 22.6 | 7.6 | 4.3 | 0.4 | 33 points vs. Kentucky (2018) |
| Jayson Tatum | 16.8 | 7.3 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 28 points vs. UNC (2017) |
| Kyrie Irving | 17.4 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 31 points vs. Michigan State (2010) |
Flagg’s 42-point game not only set a Duke and ACC freshman record, but it also solidified him as one of the most dominant first-year players in program history.
NBA Scouts Are Watching Closely
With NBA Draft analysts already projecting him as a top-3 pick, Flagg’s stock continues to rise. Scouts have praised his:
- Elite Scoring Ability: Can score at all three levels—inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc.
- Defensive Instincts: His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
- Basketball IQ & Leadership: Plays with a veteran mindset despite being a freshman.
Many experts believe he has the potential to be the next NBA superstar, following in the footsteps of players like Kevin Durant, Paul George, and Jayson Tatum.
What’s Next for Flagg and Duke?
As Duke continues its push for an ACC Championship and deep NCAA Tournament run, Flagg will be at the center of it all. His ability to take over games will be crucial in matchups against North Carolina, Virginia, and other top teams.
The Blue Devils are legitimate national title contenders, and if Flagg continues to play at this level, he could lead Duke to its sixth NCAA Championship.
“We’re focused on one goal—winning it all,” Flagg said. “We have the pieces, and we believe in each other.”
Final Thoughts
Cooper Flagg is having one of the greatest freshman seasons in Duke and ACC history. His 42-point explosionagainst Notre Dame was just the latest example of his game-changing ability.
With the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament looming, the best may still be yet to come. If Flagg keeps playing at this level, he could not only add to Duke’s championship legacy but also cement his place as one of the best freshmen in college basketball history.
One thing is clear: Cooper Flagg isn’t just the future of Duke basketball—he’s the future of the sport.