Despite only spending one season with the Duke Blue Devils, Cooper Flagg left a huge mark on the program’s history, taking them all the way to the 2025 NCAA tournament Final Four. Even though they were upset by the Houston Cougars in the semifinal, Flagg and Co. played at a high level, with the forward confirming he was the best prospect of his class.
In 37 games played, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 48.1% from the field, 38.5% from deep, and 84% from the free-throw line.
Such an impressive season earned him high praise, with legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski labeling him as the greatest freshman in the program’s history. Additionally, Jon Scheyer discussed the possibility of Flagg getting his jersey retired.
Jon Scheyer talks about retiring Cooper Flagg’s Duke Jersey
“Even if you had your jersey retired, everything would be published,” Scheyer said during a press conference. “At the same time, it gives somebody an opportunity to win every National Player of the Year award, which Cooper did. Other guys have, by the way, too. I mean, Zion did the same thing. Elton Brand.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils speaks with Cooper Flagg.
“It’s something we’ve looked about briefly, but at some point we have to take a deeper look because you want to make sure you’re honoring guys the right way when they come here. It’s clearly a different environment, clearly different circumstances. That’s something we’re going to have to look at,” he added.
After being selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg debuted with the Texas team in the Summer League. His first matchup was a much-anticipated game against the Los Angeles Lakers of Bronny James.
Flagg finished the game, which peaked at over a million viewers, with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. While he struggled to score (5-of-21 from the field and 0-of-5 from deep), he showed glimpses of his brilliance.
