One of the most anticipated prospects in recent memory has wrapped up his brief but electric college career. Cooper Flagg’s freshman campaign at Duke came to a stunning end with the Blue Devils falling 70–67 to Houston in the Final Four. A NBA general manager spoke about Flagg performance and makes a comparison with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scottie-pippen">Scottie Pippen</a>.



Now, all eyes turn to Flagg’s professional future. The 18-year-old phenom is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and is already seen by many as a future franchise cornerstone. However, not everyone in the league is sold on his ceiling as a No. 1 option.



In a recent interview with The Athletic, an anonymous Eastern Conference general manager offered a tempered take—comparing Flagg to Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, but with a caveat. 



“I say Scottie because he could have been a No. 1 guy—and was after MJ left [Chicago]—but he became by far the best No. 2,” the executive said. “I think Cooper will be a hell of a No. 2, but he might need a top-10 [player] running mate with him. He can obviously prove me wrong, but I don’t see him as a No. 1 guy on a championship team in his career.”



<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_20250408_BUS_372162_Cooper-Flagg-8-1024x576_65c68f28.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361062" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>



While the comparison is flattering on paper, it also sets a remarkably high bar. Pippen is often regarded as the greatest second option in NBA history. His accolades include six championships, 10 All-Defensive Team selections, seven All-NBA nods, seven All-Star appearances, and a spot on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a>’s 75th Anniversary Team.


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<h2>Pippen by the numbers</h2>



Over 17 NBA seasons, Pippen averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Renowned for his defensive prowess, he was also an elite playmaker and a reliable scorer, especially in transition and on the wing.



<h2>Flagg’s dominant NCAA run</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Flagg</a> made a strong case for himself during Duke’s NCAA Tournament run, averaging 21.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field and a blistering 50% from three-point range.



Over the full season, the freshman sensation posted 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, leading Duke to a 35–4 record. His versatility and poise at both ends of the floor made him arguably the most impactful player in the country.



Flagg capped off the year by winning the Associated Press Player of the Year award, becoming the youngest player ever to receive the honor. He’s just the fourth freshman to earn the title, joining an exclusive club that includes Kevin Durant (2007), Anthony Davis (2012), and Zion Williamson (2019).

NBA GM makes bold comparison between Cooper Flagg and Scottie Pippen

Cooper Flagg makes strong statement on missing Duke’s final shot vs Houston

Duke HC Jon Scheyer offers strong 5-word self-criticism after Final Four loss to Houston

NBA GM makes bold comparison between Cooper Flagg and Scottie Pippen - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Many times, when all eyes are focused on a player or a team, if the outcome isn’t what was expected, it can turn out to be counterproductive. This is what happened last night with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a>, who, after missing the shot that could have given the Duke Blue Devils a victory over the Houston Cougars, couldn’t hide his frustration with the result.


 


Flagg once again delivered a stellar performance for his team. Consistently leading in the stats, the star of Jon Scheyer’s squad could have sealed the Duke Blue Devils’ spot in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">NCAA</a> Tournament final, but the final play didn’t go as expected, and it was the Cougars who will face the Gators to decide the new champion.



Once the game ended, the Newport native spoke in the press conference about the key play that could have changed the final outcome for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Blue Devils</a> in this thrilling March Madness.



“It’s the play Coach drew up,” Flagg said after the game. “Took it into the paint. Thought I got my feet set, rose up. Left it short, obviously. A shot I’m willing to live with in the scenario.”



<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_20250406_BUS_371010_Cooper-Flagg-11-1024x576_9d0f7cd7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-371018" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06102223/Cooper-Flagg-11.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>J’Wan Roberts #13 of the Houston Cougars defends the shot attempt of Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the Final Four game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Jon Scheyer’s strong self-criticism</h2>



In losses, there are often those who take responsibility for the game’s outcome. In this case, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/duke-hc-jon-scheyer-offers-strong-5-word-self-criticism-after-final-four-loss-to-houston">Duke coach Jon Scheyer offered a strong 5-word self-criticism</a> after the Final Four loss to Houston.


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The consistent play of his team couldn’t be sustained, and consecutive turnovers gave the Cougars the opportunity to take the lead toward the end of the game. This is where Scheyer realized he didn’t reach his players in the right way to close out the game.


 


“I didn’t help them enough,” the head coach said. After the painful defeat, Duke was left without the chance to reach the March Madness final, something that many had taken for granted at the start of the season.


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The greatest March Madness coaches of all time: Who built the best dynasties?

Top seeds making history: Reaching the final four and winning the NCAA tournament

Cooper Flagg makes strong statement on missing Duke's final shot vs Houston - Bolavip US

The dream of becoming the new <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">NCAA</a> champions finally came to an end for the Duke Blue Devils. The defeat at the hands of the Houston Cougars left Jon Scheyer‘s squad empty-handed, and it was the head coach himself who took full responsibility after the game.


 


Perhaps the final score of 70-67 doesn’t fully reflect the flow of the game, where <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a>‘s team was slightly better than their opponents in several stretches. However, key mistakes from Duke led to a 25-9 run for the Cougars, who took full advantage of the situation.



Scheyer didn’t hide his frustration after his team’s elimination from this March Madness and, in a press conversation, delivered a strong five-word self-criticism: “I didn’t help them enough,” the head coach said.



Could more have been contributed from the sideline in moments of struggle? Perhaps. In any case, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Duke</a> showed it was up to the task despite the defeat, handling the situation with professionalism and already thinking about what’s next.



<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_20250406_BUS_370988_Duke-Blue-Devils-1-1024x576_169c6cdb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Duke Blue Devils" class="wp-image-370998" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06091938/Duke-Blue-Devils-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils talks with the team against the Houston Cougars during the second half in the Final Four game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



“This is part of it. You’ve got handle the wins, and you’ve got to handle the losses too,” Jon Scheyer also added.


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<h2>The disappointment with the final result</h2>



Losses are always painful, even more so when the outcome was favorable for much of the game. This was one of the main reasons why coach Jon Scheyer ended up disappointed with how the game against the Cougars unfolded.



“It’s been a special ride that ended in a heartbreaking way. Frankly, the game, we did what we wanted to do. I thought our guys followed the game plan, controlled the game, we had the lead for 35 minutes,” Scheyer said to the press. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s incredibly disappointing. There’s a lot of pain that comes with this.


 


“That’s what the tournament is all about. You’re an inch away from the national championship game,” he finally concluded.


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March Madness 2025: Ranking all 68 teams in the NCAA tournament

Duke HC Jon Scheyer offers strong 5-word self-criticism after Final Four loss to Houston - Bolavip US

We’re living in the era of unicorns, at least with what pertains to basketball. It’s all about positionless basketball and big players who can put the ball on the floor and knock down threes.



That’s why <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> is such a unique and promising prospect. He’s a forward trapped in the body of a big man, much like elite scorers with a long wingspan like Kevin Durant.



Over the past year, he’s drawn comparisons to Andrei Kirilenko and Kevin Garnett. Nevertheless, an unnamed Western Conference executive believes he’s more similar to Jayson Tatum.



<h2>Executive compares Cooper Flagg to Jayson Tatum</h2>



“Both of them at Duke presented really positively as guys that were going to have a couple of off-ramps to be super successful,” the exec told ESPN. “We’re seeing that with Flagg recently, he’s had poor shooting nights like against [Alabama in the Elite Eight], and still was super impactful [toward] winning. … People questioned both of their shots, which turned out to be a silly concern, probably. They both have really good feel offensively in a way that’s just uncommon for their size and usage.”



<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_20250404_BUS_369459_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_5a354972.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315502" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103805/Cooper-Flagg-Duke.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2</figcaption></figure>



Of course, they’re both from the same program, so they should be very proud of this comp. Then again, as great a player as Tatum is, he’s not the same type of player Flagg is.


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Flagg actually has a higher upside as a defender, and while Tatum is a superstar, the Maine native has the potential to be one of the greatest players to ever lace them up.


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Cooper Flagg draws comparison to another Duke and NBA superstar

Cooper Flagg draws comparison to another Duke and NBA superstar - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils are the best team in the nation right now. They’re the No. 1 seed for a reason, and they’ve crushed their way to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.



Nonetheless, they’re not undefeated, and anything can happen in a win-or-go-home situation, which is why some are worried about their lack of experience at this stage.



Even so, as much as he acknowledges that they’ve been in some close games and have failed to execute at times,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cooper Flagg </a>believes that has only helped them build some character.



<h2>Cooper Flagg is unbothered by the skepticism</h2>



“I think what I would say is that we had some early close games,” Flagg said. “We’ve had some moments that we’ve been in throughout this year that I think we’ve kind of taken and learned from. And some were losses, I think all three of them. We had some good late-game situations that we definitely watched a lot of film on and learned from. I think just by executing and taking what we learned from those games.”



<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_20250327_BUS_365126_Cooper-Flagg-5-1024x576_e2055438.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-357345" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



Flagg has been nothing short of spectacular this season, and he’s taken his game up a notch in the tournament. Despite being a freshman, he’s clearly not afraid of big moments.


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Also, he knows this will be his only shot to win a National Championship before declaring for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft, so there’s clearly plenty of additional motivation right there. 


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Cooper Flagg sends a blunt message to Duke doubters

Cooper Flagg sends a blunt message to Duke doubters - Bolavip US

Young forward <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> hadn’t played a single minute of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, and people were already talking about him being the first overall pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft.



Fast forward to today, and that narrative hasn’t changed one bit. He’s averaged 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game for the season, leading his team in all major categories.



That’s why it’s not a surprise to see the Duke Blue Devils star being a finalist for the 2025 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year. As reported by Kevin Barbo of Athlon Sports, winning the award would make him a part of a very exclusive club.



<h2>Cooper Flagg can join a very exclusive club</h2>



“If Flagg were to win the award, he’d become just the fourth men’s basketball player to win the award as a freshman, joining Kevin Durant (2007), Anthony Davis (2012) and Zion Williamson (2019),” wrote Borba. “Counting the women’s side, he would also become the fifth freshman to ever win the award, as UConn’s Paige Bueckers won the award for her stellar 2021 season.”



<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_20250326_BUS_363398_Cooper-Flagg-9-1024x576_1d7819b5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361730" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/23103007/Cooper-Flagg-9.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils </figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, that’s a very elite group of players to be a part of. And if that’s a predictor for success in the pros, then Flagg is going to be an NBA star in no time at all.


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Of course, he needs to win the award first, but judging by the way he’s played this season and his unmatched popularity, it would be very difficult to bet against him right now.

Cooper Flagg can make NCAAB history with 2025 Naismith Trophy nomination

Cooper Flagg can make NCAAB history with 2025 Naismith Trophy nomination - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils got by just fine in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg’s</a> brief absence. He sustained an ankle injury that raised plenty of concerns, but he has shown no signs of slowing down because of that.



Then, in his team’s second-round NCAA Tournament win over Baylor, he was inadvertently poked in the eye. He held his fiance and was bleeding and had a swollen face.



That’s why some people were worried about him ahead of his team’s Sweet 16 clash with Arizona. Flagg, however, was completely unbothered by the poked eye, and he’s going to be fully available. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg shuts down injury concerns ahead of Sweet 16 clash</h2>



“Yeah, I’m all good. My eye feels pretty good right now,” Flagg said after the game. He finished the game with 18 points, nine boards, six assists, and one block in 29 minutes, so he wasn’t limited by it at all. 



<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_20250325_BUS_363399_Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576_a884ce05.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361059" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22073843/Cooper-Flagg-7.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



The projected first-overall pick of the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft has been efficient since he returned from his ankle injury. He’s exceeded all expectations so far, and he’s going to continue to be crucial to his team’s aspirations.


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Flagg was recently named a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year award, and given the way he’s played, it’s very hard to envision anybody else beating him for that distinction.

March Madness: Cooper Flagg gets brutally honest on his eye injury ahead of Duke’s Sweet 16 matchup with Arizona

March Madness: Cooper Flagg gets brutally honest on his eye injury ahead of Duke's Sweet 16 matchup with Arizona - Bolavip US

Undoubtedly, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a>’s presence in College Basketball has skyrocketed this season, thanks to his exceptional skills on the court. His decision to join the Duke Blue Devils had one key factor behind it, a standout figure who distinguished from the rest of the programs to secure the NCAA jewel.


 


The figure in question is the team’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, who managed to stand out above the rest when it came to convincing Flagg to join the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Blue Devils</a> for this season.



In a recent conversation with the media, Flagg finally revealed the main reason behind his decision to start his college career at Duke, rather than at other programs that were also trying to recruit him.



“He comes from not telling me what I want to hear,” Flagg said, per Josh Graham vis his official X account (Formerly Twitter) @JoshGrahamShow. “Some of the things that I was looking for in a coach that wasn’t just going to tell me what I wanted to hear,” he also added.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">“He comes from not telling me what I want to hear.” Cooper Flagg spoke about what separated Jon Scheyer from the other coaches who recruited him. <a href="https://t.co/yALjPK24uq">pic.twitter.com/yALjPK24uq</a>— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshGrahamShow/status/1903533897637355701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



“…My parents and my AAU coach they definitely wouldn’t let me get too full of myself. I think that’s what I look for in a coach. Tough love and honesty. I think it just comes from that,” Flagg continued. “He watched a lot of my games, and we would talk after some of them. Telling me what he (Scheyer) saw, rather than what I wanted to hear.”


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<h2>Duke, the team to beat</h2>



After their dominant win in the March Madness debut against Mount St. Mary’s, the Blue Devils have undoubtedly become the team to beat. With Cooper Flagg’s return to the court, Jon Scheyer’s squad is emerging as one of the serious title contenders.



Following an excellent regular-season campaign, Duke doesn’t want to leave anything to chance in these stages and aims to dethrone the UConn Huskies to become the new champions of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">College Basketball</a>.


 


It will be a matter of seeing how far Scheyer and his players will go, as they didn’t make it this far to be mere supporting actors; they want to be the new main characters in this story.

Cooper Flagg reveals the main reason he joined the Duke Blue Devils

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg reveals the main reason he joined the Duke Blue Devils - Bolavip US

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg reveals the main reason he joined the Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils‘ debut in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">NCAA</a> Tournament was not only rewarding, as Jon Scheyer’s squad secured a victory over Mount St. Mary’s, but it also marked the return of their star, Cooper Flagg, to the court after just over a week.


 


Much has been said in recent days about the potential presence of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Flagg</a> in Duke’s debut in this prestigious tournament, and fortunately for them, not only did the star return, but he did so in the best possible way—showing no signs of discomfort in the ankle that had been troubling him.



“I think what I would say is I’ve done a great job with the medical staff preparing and just being ready,” Flagg stated to the press once the game concluded. “So I already felt completely 100% and confident going into tonight’s game.”



The Maine native finished his game with stats worthy of one of the league’s best players: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and a pair of blocked shots, after playing 22 minutes.



<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_20250322_BUS_361053_Cooper-Flagg-8-1024x576_03953bbb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-361062" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075243/Cooper-Flagg-8.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles the ball during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Scheyer’s reflection after Flagg’s return</h2>



After the game, where the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Blue Devils</a> ultimately defeated their opponent with a final score of 93-49, Jon Scheyer took the time to speak with the press and share his thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s return to the court.


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“I’ve been on many sides of this in my playing days, coaching days—you don’t take any game for granted. I think it’s very easy to say, yeah, [Flagg] should just rest. Well, you want to have your best team, and you’re not promised the next game,” Scheyer said. 



“I didn’t think he looked like it, but you have some natural rust. Just the game experience, I think, is really important to understand what the tournament is like,” he also added.


 


Additionally, he praised the team effort that led to a solid victory in their debut: “It was a workmanlike performance by our team. Really good to get our feet wet and understand what the tournament was all about.”



<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_20250322_BUS_361053_Jon-Scheyer-1-1024x576_64d7a7ca.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jon Scheyer Duke Blue Devils HC" class="wp-image-361065" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/22075923/Jon-Scheyer-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach John Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers at Lenovo Center on March 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s next for the Blue Devils?</h2>



After a commanding victory over Mount St. Mary’s in their March Madness debut, Jon Scheyer’s squad will now face none other than Baylor. The game will be held once again at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg makes major admission after win vs Mount St. Mary’s in NCAA Tournament debut

Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg makes major admission after win vs Mount St. Mary's in NCAA Tournament debut - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils are gearing up to take on the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers in the first round of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a>. Barring a historic upset, Duke, the No. 1 seed in the East Region, should advance to the second round and make a deep run. However, the bigger concern lies in Cooper Flagg’s ankle injury, which sidelined him for the ACC Tournament semifinal and championship game.



As the biggest tournament in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a> approaches, the Blue Devils are hoping their star player can be back available and fully healthy during the competition.



Regardless, it may be wise for head coach Jon Scheyer to preserve <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Flagg</a> during the early games—though he’d be taking a risk, it’s a relatively mild one. However, Flagg is eager to be on the court with his teammates as they embark on a challenging run through the East Region.



Ahead of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Duke</a>‘s first test against what should be a very favorable opponent on paper, Cooper Flagg was asked about his health status, leading to a two-word response about his feelings going into the game.



<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_20250320_BUS_360120_Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1024x576_448cab56.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jon Scheyer Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-356591" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/16114914/Cooper-Flagg-Jon-Scheyer.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils speaks with Cooper Flagg #2 during the second half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 01, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>



“Pain-free,” Cooper Flagg stated about his ankle injury, as reported by ESPN’s David Hale. Following Flagg’s statement it is believed he will be fully healthy and will participate during the Blue Devils matchup with the Mountaineers.


 

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<h2>Odds are in Duke’s favor</h2>



Whether Flagg is healthy enough to play against Mount St. Mary’s or not, many believe Scheyer should keep the star out of harm’s way and allow him to continue his recovery. After all, Duke is expected to handle the No. 16 seed comfortably, with or without Flagg.



If the Blue Devils were to lose to the Mountaineers, the school in Durham would join an exclusive—and infamous—club, becoming just the third program ever to fall as a No. 1 seed to a No. 16 seed in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> Tournament.



<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_20250320_BUS_360120_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_e59992d2.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 </figcaption></figure>



<h3>Historic upsets</h3>



In 2018, the No. 16 UMBC Retrievers handed the Virginia Cavaliers the most humiliating defeat in program history, knocking them out of the NCAA Tournament in the first round. 


 

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Just five years later, the last-seeded FDU Knights pulled off another historic upset by toppling the No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers. Before this year’s tournament began, No. 1 seeds held a dominant 154-2 record against No. 16 seeds.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg delivers 2-word injury update ahead of Duke’s March Madness debut

Blue Devils icon Jay Bilas makes strong statement about Cooper Flagg ahead of NCAA Tournament

Cooper Flagg draws comparison to NBA Hall of Famer

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg delivers 2-word injury update ahead of Duke's March Madness debut - Bolavip US

Cooper Flagg delivers 2-word injury update ahead of Duke's March Madness debut

The NCAA Tournament is officially underway, and the craziness has only begun with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/march-madness">March Madness</a>. While announcing his 64-team bracket, Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley dropped a shocking prediction involving Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils. 



Barkley has played for many teams in the league, though he is mostly recognized for his great years with the Suns, where he won the MVP award in 1995 and led Phoenix to an NBA Finals appearance. However, in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">college basketball</a>, there is only one place he calls home: Auburn.



The former star has been closely following the season as it unfolded, and Bruce Pearl’s program was selected as the No. 1 seed in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ncaa">NCAA</a> Tournament’s South Region. While he roots for the Tigers through thick and thin, Barkley doesn’t envision the school winning the national championship. However, he did predict that they would make it to the Final Four.



One of the biggest storylines in college basketball revolves around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a> and the Blue Devils from Durham. As Flagg continues to recover from his ankle injury, hoping to return to the court for Duke’s first-round game on March 21, Barkley made a bold prediction about the school’s fate during March Madness.



<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_20250320_BUS_360027_Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1024x576_2c28d9f1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="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" class="wp-image-355012" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/13163041/Cooper-Flagg-2-of-the-Duke-Blue-Devils-looks-on-during-the-first-half-against-the-Arizona-Wildcats.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>



According to Barkley’s March Madness bracket, Flagg’s Duke will fall to No. 4 Arizona during the Sweet Sixteen stage. No. 1 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Duke</a> is the biggest favorite to win the NCAA Tournament, so a loss in the third round would be a devastating blow for Jon Scheyer’s team and the program in Durham.


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<h2>Other predictions</h2>



Barkley is well aware of the frenzy that takes over of college basketball during March Madness, where anything can happen. Therefore, the legendary <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a>‘ player, issued a series of surprising predictions.



For example, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/charles-barkley">Barkley</a> stated No. 11 in the Midwest region, Xavier, will take down Illinois and Kentucky, the sixth and third seed, respectively, in a Cinderella run to the Sweet Sixteen.



<h2>Barkley’s Final Four</h2>



According to his predicted bracket, Auburn, Florida, Gonzaga, and Arizona will make the Final Four. However, Barkley didn’t let his love for Auburn blind his judgment and stated that the Florida Gators will eliminate the Tigers in the NCAA Tournament semifinal.



<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_20250320_BUS_360027_CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-1024x576_6b21517b.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="CBS commentator Charles Barkley looks on during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal between the Auburn Tigers and the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota." class="wp-image-345534" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/27184711/CBS-commentator-Charles-Barkley-looks-on-during-the-2019-NCAA-Final-Four-semifinal-between-the-Aubur.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>CBS commentator Charles Barkley looks on during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal between the Auburn Tigers and the Virginia Cavaliers at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. </figcaption></figure>



No. 8 Gonzaga will take down Arizona in the other semifinal matchup, en route to a National Championship Game between the Bulldogs and Gators. Ultimately, according to ‘Chuck,’ the champagne bottles will pop in Gainesville, as the Gators crown themselves champions in his prediction.

Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley makes surprising March Madness prediction about Cooper Flagg’s Duke

Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley makes surprising March Madness prediction about Cooper Flagg's Duke - Bolavip US

Suns legend Charles Barkley reveals surprising March Madness prediction for Flagg's Duke

The Duke Blue Devils are the best team in the nation right now. That’s not much of a surprise, considering that they also have the best player in all of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>.



Even if he doesn’t play another minute for Jon Scheyer’s team, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> has already established himself as the consensus first-overall pick in the 2025<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> Draft.



His size and ability to score at all three levels of the court make him a deadly matchup. However, per Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, his defensive prowess and passing skills remind him of Kevin Garnett.



<h2>Expert compares Cooper Flagg to Kevin Garnett</h2>



“This would be a Kevin Garnett-type impact player, although there are some differences stylistically, with Flagg displaying more traditional wing creation skill. Like Garnett, though, Flagg mixes power forward size with ball-handling and passing. He has also been a highly efficient post scorer at Duke, as well as an encouraging mid-range shooter,“ Wasserman wrote. 



<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_20250320_BUS_359113_garnett-1-1024x576_2f281e61.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-355755" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/14175606/garnett-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Garnett #21 of the Minnesota Timberwolves </figcaption></figure>



Judging by what Garnett was able to accomplish in his career, this is definitely a flattering comparison. And while Flagg isn’t as outspoken, vocal, and trash-talking as the Minnesota Timberwolves legend, the resemblance in their games is evident.


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Garnett was one of the most dominant two-way players in the league in his prime. And if Flagg manages to be two-thirds of the driving force he was, whoever takes him will be in for a treat.

Cooper Flagg draws comparison to NBA Hall of Famer - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils — and the entire<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> scene — are keeping close tabs on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>. He’s still not cleared to play in the NCAA Tournament, although he intends to do so.



Needless to say, that puts a lot of pressure on the top seed. They need their best player, who’s also the projected first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to be on the court.



However, even if he plays, Tim Donnelly believes Jon Scheyer has bigger things to be worried about right now, as the team’s sky-high expectations could come back to hurt him.



<h2>Expectations might hurt Jon Scheyer, says analyst</h2>



“This is his third season and he had not been a head coach anywhere else … he’s still learning and Scheyer has to deal with a legendary like blue blood problem, a legendary Duke problem,” Donelly said. “But the challenge is this, the target is on your back you are the favorites , expectations are the highest for you.”



<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_20250319_BUS_359132_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_19678878.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216615" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/jonscheyerjpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jon Scheyer head coach of Duke</figcaption></figure>



In two seasons since he took over the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, he’s led the Blue Devils to a No. 5 and No. 4 seed. This time, however, they’re the odds-on favorites to win the whole thing.


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He already had some big shoes to fill after replacing Coach K. Now, with all that comes with being Duke’s coach and the No. 1 seed, he will have to prove that he’s up to the task.

March Madness: Analyst reveals the biggest issue with Duke, and it’s not Cooper Flagg’s injury

March Madness: Analyst reveals the biggest issue with Duke, and it's not Cooper Flagg's injury - Bolavip US

There’s no doubt that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg">Cooper Flagg</a> has become one of the standout players of the current College Basketball season. With the NCAA Tournament just around the corner, the Duke Blue Devils star received strong backing from a program legend, Jay Bilas.


 


In a recent appearance on an episode of the Rich Eisen Show, the current ESPN NBA analyst and former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/duke">Blue Devils</a> legend revealed that Flagg will undoubtedly mark a turning point in the program, even comparing him to Grant Hill.



“I think he’s the best and most complete freshman Duke has ever had. He’ll be the #1 pick. He’s special and he’s got an aptitude for the game that you don’t see very often. His competitive character is a lot like Christian Laettner frankly. He processes the game on a different level than most players,” Bilas started.



“He’s super skilled, super athletic, long, he’s got all the measurable, but it’s the head and heart that sets him apart. I think Grant Hill is the best player Duke has ever had, and that’s saying something. It’s hard to sometimes measure because these one and done guys don’t stay very long, but as a freshman, Duke has not had anybody this good.”



<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_20250318_BUS_358064_Jay-Bilas-1024x576_46857300.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jay Bilas" class="wp-image-358113" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/18121128/Jay-Bilas.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas stands on the court before calling the Continental Tire Challenge between the Duke Blue Devils and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at T-Mobile Arena on November 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Blue Devils defeated the Bulldogs 84-81.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Eyes on what’s ahead</h2>



After winning the ACC Championship, everything now comes down to what lies ahead for the Duke Blue Devils. The question remains, though: Will Cooper Flagg be available for the start of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball">NCAA</a> Tournament?


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The star of Jon Scheyer’s team missed the last few games due to an ankle injury, but the coach is confident he’ll be able to count on him for the upcoming debut.



Throughout the season, Flagg has stood out with his numbers, positioning himself as one of the best of the year: he is averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He also is shooting 48.8% from the field, including 36.8% from beyond the arc.


 


<h2>Is his injury serious?</h2>



An ankle injury can be a major headache, especially for basketball players due to their physical build. Although Cooper Flagg missed the last two games for his team,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball/blue-devils-hc-jon-scheyer-provides-encouraging-injury-update-on-cooper-flagg-ahead-of-ncaa-tournament"> the HC Jon Sheyer remains optimistic about being able to count on him.</a>



“From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead,” Scheyer said to ESPN’s Rece Davis on Sunday. “I want to get Coop back as quickly as we can, and he wants to do the same.”

Blue Devils icon Jay Bilas makes strong statement about Cooper Flagg ahead of NCAA Tournament - Bolavip US

Throughout the course of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> history, we’ve seen multiple teams enter the NCAA Tournament with high hopes and expectations just to fall flat on their feet shortly after.



That’s why the Duke Blue Devils can’t afford to take their foot off the gas at this point in the season, not even if they look like a much better team than most of their opposition.



March Madness is all about upsets and dream-like scenarios. With that in mind, Rob Dauster of The Athletic warned Jon Scheyer’s team ahead of the start of the tournament.



<h2>Youth can hurt Duke’s title run, says expert</h2>



“Inexperience is a valid concern. Their two nonconference losses were due to a lack of execution down the stretch, with Flagg’s late turnover against Kentucky and a string of poor possessions late against Kansas. As good as Duke is, it will have to win games in crunch time. Can the Blue Devils do it?” wrote Dauster.



<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_20250317_BUS_357504_Cooper-Flagg-5-1024x576_582fa4b7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-357345" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/17123556/Cooper-Flagg-5.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



The Blue Devils have been a top-two team for most of the campaign, and having the best player in the nation in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> obviously puts them ahead of most teams.

Analyst explains why Cooper Flagg, Duke might struggle in March Madness

Analyst explains why Cooper Flagg, Duke might struggle in March Madness - Bolavip US

Latest news from Cooper Flagg. Find out about all the news related to Cooper Flagg on bolavip.com/en

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