The Duke Blue Devils have had a plethora of elite talents in their ranks over the course of history. That’s why<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cooper Flagg </a>is looking to become the next player on that long list.



Flagg, unlike most modern players, takes pride in playing both ends of the floor. Hence, some have compared him with another big forward with 3-and-D expertise, like Andrei Kirilenko.



However, as impressive as his defense has been, his offense hasn’t fallen much behind. According to Koby Del Rosario of Sportskeeda, with his 17.5 points per game, Flagg is on pace to match or surpass Kyrie Irving and Brandon Ingram’s scoring average at Duke.



<h2>Cooper Flagg is averaging the same scoring numbers as Kyrie Irving</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Should the freshman sensation improve on his current point average of 17.5 points per game for the rest of the campaign, he could potentially surpass the aforementioned players during their days in college,” wrote Del Rosario. “Irving was tallying the same scoring average as Flagg during his one-and-done stint at Duke. Meanwhile, Ingram had only produced 17.3 ppg during the 2015-2016 season.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250111_BUS_310297_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_4ea82adf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-278552" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on November 22, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. </figcaption></figure>



Of course, he’s still far behind other former Blue Devils stars, such as Zion Williamson or Marvin Bagley, who eclipsed the 20-point mark during their days at Durham.


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Even so, with complementary averages of 8.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, Falgg is one of the most complete and well-rounded prospects we’ve seen in years.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg to take down Kyrie Irving mark with Duke

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg to take down Kyrie Irving mark with Duke - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Duke star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>is rarely fazed or bothered by the bright lights. If anything, he’s been used to being in the spotlight long before the start of his college basketball career.



However, even the most calm player can get emotional at times. That was the case with Flagg when he was called for a foul early in the second half of the win vs. Pittsburgh.



Flagg was visibly upset with himself after the call. That’s why, shortly after, he took it on the rim by completing a one-man fastbreak after a steal for one of the most incredible dunks of the season. Following the game, coach Jon Scheyer talked about his pupil’s character. 



<h2>Jon Scheyer talks about ‘angry’ Cooper Flagg</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He gets angry, but he’s loose at the same time,” Scheyer said. “He loves being in the arena, but he’s got an edge to him now, and it can go quick. We saw that tonight. He picked up his third [foul] and it just got him going. He’s proven it with who he’s played and how he’s done it in such a mature way. He’s just so competitive, and he just brings out a lot of good stuff from his teammates.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250110_BUS_308878_Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576_bd161a70.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287062" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2).</figcaption></figure>



The coach continued to praise his young star for his play. Admittedly, that dunk was one of the highlights of the season, and he knows the energy was contagious:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We’ve had a few guys through the years to make a couple plays that just spark everybody in the building,” Scheyer said. “That was one of those moments tonight.”</blockquote>


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Flagg is still considered to be the best prospect in the NBA Draft. And while other players gained some ground in recent weeks, those kinds of plays will likely cement his place as the first guy off the board.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer gets real on 'angry' Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer gets real on 'angry' Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies will have their work cut out for them on Tuesday night. The No. 9 team in the nation will go against Villanova, a program with a rich history and a myriad of talent.



Wooga Poplar has had a strong year this season. However, Eric Dixon might as well be the most unstoppable player in all of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball </a>15 games into the season.



That’s why, with his team getting ready to face him on Tuesday night, Coach Hurley tipped his hat to the big man, putting him ahead of players like Ace Bailey or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a>.



<h2>Dan Hurley names Eric Dixon ‘the hardest guy to guard in college’</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I think (Dixon is) the hardest guy to guard in college basketball,” the Huskies coach said. “That 1-2 punch that they’ve got with [Eric] Dixon and [Wooga] Poplar is as good a 1-2 combo as you’re going to play against,” Hurley continued.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250108_BUS_308854_danhurleyjpg_242310155-1024x631_8d74c8a3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-217995" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/danhurleyjpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dan Hurley head coach of the UConn Huskies</figcaption></figure>



Looking at Dixon’s numbers, it’s honestly hard to disagree with that statement. He’s a Player of the Year candidate with a whopping 25.9 points per game on 49% shooting from beyond the arc.


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Needless to say, the Huskies will have to bring their A-Game to contain a player of Dixon’s caliber. But if someone can crack the code, that’s most definitely coach Hurley.

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley reveals the toughest player to guard in college, and it's not Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Dan Hurley reveals the toughest player to guard in college, and it's not Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> just had one of his best games with the Duke Blue Devils. He had 19 points and grabbed ten rebounds in a lopsided win over the Pittsburgh Panthers.



Jon Scheyer’s team was always in control of the game. Nevertheless, Flagg was frustrated with his play after being called for an avoidable foul to start the second half.



Shortly after, he got a steal near the baseline, took the ball down the court, took off at the top of the key, and had one of the most impressive dunks we’ve seen in quite a while. When asked about it, he admitted that he was angry at himself.



<h2>Cooper Flagg was ‘angry’ before his dunk</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I almost blanked out as soon as I jumped, and everything from that was just a flash,” Flagg said after the win. “I jumped, my mind went blank, and it all happened really fast. I was kind of down on myself for a stupid foul early in the second half. Definitely was a little angry and took it out on the rim.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250108_BUS_308714_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_1b59578a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-284788" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>NCAA, College League, USA Basketball 2024: Seattle vs Duke NOV 29 November 29, 2024: Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) catches a lob during the NCAA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Greg Atkins CSM </figcaption></figure>



Even though everybody was in awe after the emphatic dunk, Flagg wasn’t fazed. When asked to give it a score, the young forward stated that he would rate it an 8.5:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I haven’t seen it quite enough. Only saw the one angle so far. Right now, I’m putting it at 8.5 but that might change a little bit when I see a different angle,” Flagg said.</blockquote>


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Well, it seems like he’s going to have to watch the tape again. That dunk was one of the best in-game dunks we’ve seen in quite a while, and we’re not talking just about<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg has a brutally honest reaction to his 'angry' dunk

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg has a brutally honest reaction to his 'angry' dunk - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils needed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>on Tuesday, but it seemed like he was going to sit for a while. He got into foul trouble with two quick fouls in the win vs. Virginia Tech.



Flagg was called for his second foul with 12:50 minutes left to play in the first half. Needless to say, coach Jon Scheyer was far from pleased with that, but he still trusted him to stay on the floor.



He ended up paying him back by scoring 24 points on 9-of-14 from the floor and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Eventually, the Blue Devils won 88-65, taking their record to 11-2 (3-0 in the ACC). Even so, Scheyer didn’t let him off the hook.



<h2>Jon Scheyer says he was mad at Cooper Flagg</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’m pretty aggressive. Unless something crazy (is going to happen), he’s gonna play,” Scheyer said of the star forward. “I was pissed at him for getting the second foul. To be honest that is a first problem, we need to make sure he doesn’t do that.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250104_BUS_304762_John-Scheyer-1024x576_d5c6ed53.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="John Scheyer" class="wp-image-278615" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/John-Scheyer.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the game against the Wofford Terriers at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>



Even so, the third-year coach also tipped his hat to his great player, especially since he continued to play strong defense even after being called for his second foul:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“But even with two (fouls), I thought he did a really good job of still playing hard but yet not picking that foul. So you know more times than not, that’s were going to do,” the coach concluded.</blockquote>


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So far, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has been excellent in Durham, averaging 16.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer admits he was 'pissed' at Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer admits he was 'pissed' at Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

Even though we haven’t seen <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> and the Duke Blue Devils take the court in quite a while now, they didn’t miss a beat in the USA TODAY Sports men’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>coaches poll.



Jon Scheyer’s team continues to hold onto the No. 4 position in the nation. That was also the case with the top nine teams in the college basketball scene right now.



The Tennessee Volunteers, who have yet to lose a game after 12 contests, continue to lead the way, whereas the Auburn Tigers and Iowa State Cyclones round up the podium. Duke, however, stands alone in their conference.



<h2>Duke tops in Top 25 poll</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“In what’s become a bit of a theme for the 2024-25 season, Duke is still the only ACC team within the top 25. The Pittsburgh Panthers, North Carolina Tar Heels, and Clemson Tigers all received at least eight votes, but none of them cracked the five in the Receiving Votes category,” wrote Ryan Haley of Duke Wire.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241230_BUS_303225_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_4a2ba027.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils" class="wp-image-268979" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils watches from the bench in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



The Blue Devils are riding high right now. They’ve won six games in a row, and they will square off vs. Virginia Tech on Tuesday for a chance to make it seven in a row.


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Jon Scheyer’s team continues to build off their defense, allowing just 58.5 points per game. Flagg, on the other hand, is shining with averages of over 16 points, almost nine rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per contest.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg's Duke stay in AP top 5

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg's Duke stay in AP top 5 - Bolavip US

For most of this high school career, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>was penciled in as the best prospect in his class. Now, with him dominating in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> with the Duke Blue Devils, that continues to be the case for the most part.



However, with other players surging around college hoops and more tape available, some are starting to question whether Flagg is actually the undisputed alpha dog in his class. 



Notably, that includes former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. In the latest edition of his podcast, the controversial pundit claimed that Flagg would be better suited as the second or third pick.



<h2>Gilbert Arenas says Cooper Flagg is his ‘second or third’ option</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Like, he’s my second or third option,” Arenas said. “If I’m demanding, if I’m telling him to be the next type of GOAT guy that we’re gonna feed our offense through, I don’t… I can’t see it right now.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241228_BUS_301981_Gilbert-Arenas-1024x576_13766c49.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Gilbert Arenas of the Enemies runs out during introductions against the Trilogy during BIG3 Week Six at Comerica Center on July 23, 2022 in Frisco, Texas." class="wp-image-253259" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Gilbert-Arenas-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Gilbert-Arenas-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Gilbert-Arenas-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Gilbert-Arenas-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Gilbert-Arenas.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Gilbert Arenas of the Enemies runs out during introductions against the Trilogy during BIG3 Week Six at Comerica Center on July 23, 2022 in Frisco, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



Some were expecting to see a little more from Flagg so far. Even so, the Blue Devils are stacked with talent, and they admittedly don’t want to run everything through him.


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There’s a strong case to be made for him to be the first-overall pick, and most NBA scouts seem to agree. Even so, the picture will get clearer as that date gets closer.

NCAAB News: Former NBA star warns teams not to draft Cooper Flagg at No. 1

NCAAB News: Former NBA star warns teams not to draft Cooper Flagg at No. 1 - Bolavip US

For years, fans have berated the fact that high school players can no longer go directly into the NBA. We saw that happen in the past over and over, but it’s been a while since that happened.



The league has shown no desire to go back to the old ways. They still want players to spend at least one year in college or be removed from high school before being eligible.



That’s why Jeff Teague believes it’s a big waste of time. In the latest edition of his podcast, the former All-Star claimed that some players were ready for the pros already.



<h2>Jeff Teague calls college a ‘waste of time’</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Some guys like Cooper Flagg, I just feel like they should’ve been able to go out of high school. Like, Ace Bailey should’ve been able to go out of high school. Some of these guys, college is not really benefiting them,” Teague argued.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241228_BUS_302001_cooper-flagg1-1024x576_b3e9ee9b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="cooper flagg" class="wp-image-279675" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a dunk against the Lincoln Lions</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“You look at a kid like AJ Dybantsa. He getting $7 million for one year, and I think he cold. So I think he gonna go to BYU and have a heck of a year, but he don’t really need to go there,” he added.</blockquote>


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At the end of the day, it takes more than just skill to thrive in the NBA. And while we’ve seen players like Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, or LeBron James thrive right out of high school, most young players are still raw and need more polishing.

NCAAB News: Former NBA star re-ignites college debate with Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey

NCAAB News: Former NBA star re-ignites college debate with Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils got an early Christmas gift. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, the No. 1 recruit in the nation, committed to play for them last season, choosing them over multiple blue-collar programs.



The early returns have been remarkable. Even though some have been disappointed with his three-point shooting, he’s still been a great all-around player for Jon Scheyer’s team.



Of course, being the biggest name on campus, he was the target of countless ads and posts for the Holiday season. One of them, however, wasn’t happy at all, as he recalled the time his brother broke the dirt bike he had just gotten as a present.



<h2>Cooper Flagg recalls his worst Christmas story</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“My older brother broke it because he was too big and sat on it and broke the tire. That was sad, but it was fun while it lasted,” he told Duke’s social media department.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241226_BUS_301025_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_69159275.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-284788" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>NCAA, College League, USA Basketball 2024: Seattle vs Duke NOV 29 November 29, 2024: Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) catches a lob during the NCAA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Greg Atkins CSM </figcaption></figure>



Well, if that’s the worst thing one can remember of his childhood, then that person has had a pretty good life so far. And it’s only going to get much better for him.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/college-basketball/highest-paid-college-basketball-head-coaches"></div>


Flagg is still slated to be the first-overall pick in the NBA Draft, and even if that’s not the case, it’s safe to say that he’ll have more than enough money to buy as many dirt bikes as he wants.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg makes 'sad' admission about Christmas present

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg makes 'sad' admission about Christmas present - Bolavip US

For years, NBA scouts have deemed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> as the undisputed first-overall pick in the upcoming edition of the NBA Draft. The Duke product was viral long before committing to the Blue Devils.



Flagg has been solid for the most part during his first — and most likely only — season in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>. Even so, others are starting to have second thoughts about him.



According to NBA Draft expert Nic Thomas, scouts don’t feel like he’s the clear-cut best player in the nation right now, with Rutgers star Dylan Harper taking that spot.



<h2>Scout says Dylan Harper will be the No. 1 pick</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Cooper is an awesome prospect. Almost any other year he’d go number one. However, a guy like Dylan’s Harper is far more likely to go first,” the scout reportedly said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241223_BUS_299100_Dylan-Harper-1024x576_6e1c1d32.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dylan Harper" class="wp-image-285819" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Dylan-Harper.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrates defeating Notre Dame Fighting Irish 85-84 in overtime of their game during the Players Era Festival basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 26, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.</figcaption></figure>



Notably, he’s not the only one who feels that way. If anything, Thomas also believes that Flagg isn’t the best player in this class, and his choice would be Ace Bailey instead:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’m the same. Cooper is not going to be first on my next board, but he will be higher than Harper,” Thomas told another fan who responded to his story. “Ace is still my number one.”</blockquote>


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There’s still plenty of basketball to be played this season, so scouts might not feel the same way a couple of months from now. For now, it seems like there will be a big race to the top.

NCAAB News: NBA scout reveals Cooper Flagg won't be the first-overall pick

NCAAB News: NBA scout reveals Cooper Flagg won't be the first-overall pick - Bolavip US

For years, NBA scouts have raved about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>. He has the physical tools to become a star at the next level, and his offensive talent and rim protection are mesmerizing.



Flagg is the most talked-about player in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, and that’s not likely to change any time soon. If anything, the hype will get bigger as the tournament approaches.



Nevertheless, even despite his age, Dylan Harper could eventually take his spot atop the big boards. At least, that’s what NCAA expert Rob Dauster pointed out in DTF.



<h2>Dylan Harper could challenge Cooper Flagg in the NBA Draft</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I can’t get past that Dylan Harper’s kind of young for his age, right? He’s born in March of 2006, so he will turn 19 during the NCAA tournament, or actually more likely during the Big 10 tournament. He turns 19 in March,” Dauster said. “Cooper Flagg is not even 18 years old, yet he will turn 18 years old four days from today, Dec. 21. It’s the age thing. The 17 to 21 is when you do the most development as a basketball player. And I think that he is just scratching the surface of what he can be.” </blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241218_BUS_295983_Dylan-Harper-1024x576_6734b93e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dylan Harper" class="wp-image-279291" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Dylan-Harper.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Dylan Harper #2 and Jordan Derkack #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights react during the first half of their game against the Wagner Seahawks at Jersey Mike’s Arena on November 6, 2024 in Piscataway, New Jersey.</figcaption></figure>



Even in spite of his age, and even though there are several other enticing players who look like potential stars in this stacked draft class, Dauters doesn’t see anybody else on Flagg’s or Harper’s level:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I understand why people are enamored with Ace Bailey and, like, VJ Edgecombe and has been fun, and Liam McNeeley has been awesome. And there’s, like, a whole bunch of really good freshmen here, but like, I think it’s those two,” he concluded.</blockquote>


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Of course, drafting isn’t an exact science, and anything can fail. But for the time being, Harper and Flagg look as much as a certain thing as there can be in this league.

NCAAB News: Analyst reveals the only player who could challenge Cooper Flagg as No. 1 pick

NCAAB News: Analyst reveals the only player who could challenge Cooper Flagg as No. 1 pick - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg</a> hasn’t played a single minute of NBA basketball, but the fans have already seen him hold his own against NBA competition. He scrimmaged with Team USA in the offseason, and he was quite impressive.



That, plus his physical traits and skills, has positioned him atop the NBA Draft big boards for quite a while now. Barring a major turn of events, he’s going to leave <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>as the first-overall pick.



Recently, some stated that players like Dylan Harper could challenge that spot. However, college hoops analyst Rob Dauster argued that the only player who could seriously challenge him hasn’t even made his collegiate debut yet.



<h2>Only AJ Dybantsa could challenge Cooper Flagg as the top pick, says expert </h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“If I’m picking, it’s Cooper (Flagg), it is what it is. If AJ Dybantsa was in this draft class, it would be a different conversation. Those guys are a lot closer,” Dauster said on DTF.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241218_BUS_295984_AJ-Dybantsa-1-1024x576_5511dd98.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-290603" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11075957/AJ-Dybantsa-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>FINAL USA v Italy FIBA U17, U 17 Basketball World Cup 2024 AJ Dybantsa (7) United States beat Italy 129-88 for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2024 title and the country s seventh straight undefeated run to the trophy. The Americans have been breaking records all tournament. Turkey Copyright:</figcaption></figure>



Dauster also tipped his hat to Dylan Harper, praising the Rutgers star as a potential superstar, even though he’s not as highly touted as a prospect as Cooper Flagg:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“But, Dylan’s going to be an All-Star caliber player for a long time. The crazy thing about him is he makes the difficult look really easy and that’s kind of where his intrigue is. I think he’s super talented. He’s a top-five pick,” Dauste said.</blockquote>


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Needless to say, this only adds more hype to Dybantsa’s highly-anticipated season with BYU next year, and it’ll be interesting to see who has the better career once it’s all said and done.

NCAAB News: NBA scout makes shocking statement about AJ Dybantsa and Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: NBA scout makes shocking statement about AJ Dybantsa and Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

For years, Cooper Flagg has been penciled in as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Ever since he was at Montverde Academy, his combination of size and skill made him a young man to keep an eye on.



Now, with the Duke Blue Devils, he’s been the most talked-about player in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>even before the start of the season, and that’s not going to change any time soon.



With that in mind, ESPN polled some experts and decision-makers league-wide, hoping to get an actual comparison to former or current NBA players. Unsurprisingly, the answers didn’t disappoint.



<h2>NBA executives compare Cooper Flagg to former stars</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I kind of like the Grant Hill comp,” an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN. “Grant, I don’t think was a great shooter to start. Could get to his 12-15 footer, play downhill, could finish well. I like the frame. Cooper is maybe a little bigger. [Hill] had a path to being impactful offensively in situations that didn’t require creating space/shotmaking. Grant, maybe a better raw athlete.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241217_BUS_294789_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_8ff466e2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-278552" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center on November 22, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona. </figcaption></figure>



Hill was an elite offensive talent and perennial triple-double threat before injuries got the best of him. Another executive, however, compared him to an elite 3-and-D forward, Andrei Kirilenko, just better:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Two years ago, the shot blocking made me think of Kirilenko. Now that I’ve watched him more under the microscope, no way,” one Western Conference executive said. “[Flagg] is comfortable initiating offense when he needs to. Kirilenko didn’t have that. [Also], he has all the tools to be a great defender, but who is a great 6-9, 215-pound, great defensive forward right now at the NBA level? Is Flagg destined to be on All-Defensive teams?”</blockquote>


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Of course, we’ve seen these comparisons be way off in the past, and Flagg is his own player. Still, this helps the fans know what to expect if they haven’t seen him play in college.

NCAAB News: Scouts reveal Cooper Flagg's actual NBA comparison

NCAAB News: Scouts reveal Cooper Flagg's actual NBA comparison - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg hasn’t played a single minute of NBA basketball, yet fans have been urging their teams to tank to get him for months now. He’s the projected first-overall pick in the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft.



Flagg went viral online multiple times while in college, and the fans raved about him when they saw him hold his own vs. NBA superstars in a scrimmage against Team USA last offseason.



Still, the Duke star is a young player, and as such, there are some things to polish in his game. With that in mind, ESPN reached out to some executives to discuss them.



<h2>NBA executives debate Cooper Flagg’s limitations</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It looks like [Duke head coach Jon] Scheyer has been intentionally putting him in situations where it’s, ‘OK, go, get a basket,’” one Western Conference executive said. “It doesn’t look like the primary creation is there for him quite yet. There’s a hope that he can be a go-to guy on offense. It seems like he’s got the vision and passing, but the individual scoring stuff has to get better.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241217_BUS_295060_cooper-flagg-2-1024x576_f9935a96.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="cooper flagg" class="wp-image-279653" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/cooper-flagg-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils prepares to take the floor during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium </figcaption></figure>



However, even if that’s not what some fans of tanking teams wanted to hear, other decision-makers are more optimistic, seeing him as a dominant scorer right out of the gate:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Maybe you hope that, but it’s more realistic that he’s a 20-point-per-game scorer minimum,” another scout chimed in. “He’s going to really impact the game and fill the stat sheet regardless.”</blockquote>


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At the end of the day, there will most likely be ups and downs. As talented as he is, it’s never easy to make the transition to the pros, and there will most definitely be some growing pains along the way.

NCAAB News: NBA scouts raise serious concern about Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: NBA scouts raise serious concern about Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-wizards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a> currently have the worst record in the entire Association. They’ve won just three of their first 22 games this season, and it doesn’t seem like they’re going to win many more.



The new NBA Draft Lottery odds don’t necessarily ensure that the team with the worst record will get the first-overall pick. However, it’s hard to envision a world in which the Wizards don’t have a top-three selection.



With that in mind, Wizards analyst John Canady of Wizs of Awe broke down the top two prospects in college basketball, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> and Ace Bailey, and explained why Bailey is a better choice at the top.



<h2>Wizards insider breaks down Ace Bailey’s edge over Cooper Flagg</h2>



In his latest column, he cited Bailey’s ability to make tough shots, his poise in big moments, and his willingness to play for a rebuilding program as the three reasons to choose him instead of Flagg:



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241212_BUS_291578_Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576_6af9bccd.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287062" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) crashes the boards on a free throw attempt during the NCAA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Greg Atkins CSM</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“One of the top skillsets of Bailey’s is his ability to take and make every shot on the court, even big ones. The 6-foot-10 forward has great size, and his footwork to pair with it make him a nightmare to defend. He can get to any spot on the court at will, and his ability to knock down shots, even in tight coverage will bode well for his success at the next level,” he started.“Bailey has been in multiple tight games through his first eight starts during his freshman season, and he’s continued to stack solid performances in each. The versatile wing is patient and even when the momentum seems to be going against him, Bailey can focus on slowing things down and making the right play over and over again in the clutch,” Canady continued.“The 18-year-old was recruited heavily as the No. 2 player in the nation out of high school. Bailey had the opportunity to play anywhere in the country with teams like Auburn, Kansas and Kentucky heavily pursuing him. However, the talented player chose to choose arguably committ to the one school not many considered had a realistic chance to land him in Rutgers,“ he concluded.</blockquote>


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At the end of the day, you cannot go wrong either way. They’re the two best prospects in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> for a reason, and they should both find plenty of success in the pros.

NCAAB News: Wizards insider show 3 reasons why Ace Bailey is better than Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Wizards insider show 3 reasons why Ace Bailey is better than Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

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