Cooper Flagg is, by most standards, the best player in all of college basketball. The Duke Blue Devils have been almost impossible to beat, and his talent and physical traits are just mesmerizing.



So far, he’s averaged 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on almost 37% from beyond the arc. That’s why he’s projected to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft.



Nevertheless, Illinois coach Brad Underwood believes he could end up being a legend if he decided to return to college, just like Caitlin Clark was forced to do at Iowa because of the WNBA Draft’s eligibility rules.



<h2>College coach says Cooper Flagg could be the Caitlin Clark of male college basketball</h2>



“If he stayed in school, he would be the face of college basketball and elevate basketball to the levels Caitlin Clark did on the female side” Underwood said.



<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_20250221_BUS_340982_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_16b36f13.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</figcaption></figure>



This speaks volumes about Clark’s massive impact on the game. It might be the first time someone has claimed that a male hooper could end up being the next big thing by comparing him to his female counterpart.


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Even so, regardless of what Cooper said about wanting to be back next season, the chances of him forgoing the NBA Draft and staying for another year seem quite slim.

NCAAB News: Coach makes bold Caitlin Clark-Cooper Flagg comparison

NCAAB News: Coach makes bold Caitlin Clark-Cooper Flagg comparison - Bolavip US

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We don’t see many high-ranked prospects return to college after their freshman years. The one-and-done approach is usually the way to go for players who seem <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>-bound.



However, even though he’s projected to be the first-overall pick, Duke star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>recently told The Athletic that he would love to return to college next year.



Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll do it, especially being the top dog in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>right now. But if he were to do so, Aaditya Krishnamurthy of Fadeaway World reports that he would be delaying a potential $400 million payout.



<h2>Staying in college could delay Cooper Flagg’s massive payday</h2>



“A standard NBA rookie deal lasts four years, with the players then having the choice to become restricted free agents. Should Cooper Flagg declare himself for the 2025 NBA Draft, his second contract will start from the 2029-30 NBA season,” wrote Krishnamurthy. “And if Flagg lives up to the hype, he could earn a huge contract extension.”



<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_20250220_BUS_340983_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_0f54fe01.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>



He then went on to detail the potential financial implications that could come with him getting a maximum contract extension. That means he could be pulling the brakes on a $400 million payday:



“The current NBA rules allow for players to sign a rookie scale extension, with the maximum going up to 30% of a team’s salary cap. According to Front Office Sports’ calculations, taking into consideration the annual 10% increase in the NBA’s salary cap, Flagg’s maximum rookie scale extension could be worth $398.5 million over five years, paying him about $80 million a season,” he added.


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Of course, there are a lot of ‘ifs.’ First, Flagg would have to return to college, which seems incredibly unlikely. Then, he would have to play well enough and stay healthy to get that kind of deal.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg could give up $400 million to stay at Duke

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg could give up $400 million to stay at Duke - Bolavip US

The Cooper Flagg show has been must-watch television this season. Even non-<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>fans know everything about the Maine native and future NBA star.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flagg</a> answered the call on Monday night against the Virginia Cavaliers, helping his team hold down one of the best offensive teams in the conference with another strong outing.



The forward finished the game with 17 points, 14 boards, a couple of assists, two steals, and two blocks. That was enough to keep writing even more history with the Blue Devils.



<h2>Cooper Flagg makes more history at Duke</h2>



“Flagg has now achieved something no ACC player has this century – 500 points, 100 assists, and 30 blocks in a single season,” reported Matthew Brzezinski of Hardwood Heroics.



<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_20250219_BUS_339142_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_c42be9c0.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>



The Blue Devils have bounced back in a big way after their heartbreaking loss to the Clemson Tigers, logging easy wins against lesser competition by an average of 25 points.


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All eyes will be set on Flagg as the team enters the most crucial stretch of the season. And with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> just around the corner, the fans better enjoy it while it lasts.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg breaks 25-year-old record

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg breaks 25-year-old record - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils are one of the teams to beat in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. That’s usually the case, and that hasn’t changed one bit during the 2024-25 campaign either.



According to the AP rankings, they’re currently the third-best team in the nation. As such, they’re more than expected to be a part of the upcoming NCAA Tournament.



With that in mind, renowned NCAA analyst John Fanta shared his thoughts on March Madness, raving about the Blue Devils and how <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> will be the most talked-about player in the nation. 



<h2>John Fanta says Cooper Flagg makes Duke a must-watch team</h2>



“This group is so driven and fundamentally sound,” Fanta said. “I think it will be fascinating to continue to follow their road map to a title.”



<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_20250219_BUS_339171_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_2ac38891.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>



The Blue Devils have been a solid team on both ends of the floor this season. Nevertheless, Fanta believes that Cooper Flagg’s presence alone will be enough to draw millions of eyeballs:



“Cooper Flagg is going to generate the highest amount of buzz, television ratings-wise, eyeballs-wise,” Fanta said. “People want to see if the No. 1 pick in the draft with this young Duke head coach with the brand that is Duke, a brand that casual fans love to hate, if they can rise above all and get the championship.“


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Of course, first, Jon Scheyer’s team needs to make sure to take care of business and go far in the tournament in the first place. But judging by the way they’re playing, it’s safe to assume that they will be there.

NCAAB News: Analyst reveals why Duke is the nation’s must-watch team right now

NCAAB News: Analyst reveals why Duke is the nation's must-watch team right now - Bolavip US

Not so long ago,<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball </a>players stayed on campus for years. They learned the fundamentals of the game, worked on their craft, and got smarter and stronger before turning pro.



Now, that’s the opposite. They all want to be one-and-done, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>teams rarely take a look at older prospects because they might be closer to being finished products.



Nevertheless, with the NIL era allowing players to make money, some might choose to stay put for a little longer. As unlikely as that might sound, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>recently claimed he wished he could stay there for longer.



<h2>Cooper Flagg says he wants to stay at Duke</h2>



“S—,” Cooper told The Athletic, “I want to come back next year.”



<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_20250218_BUS_339143_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_548b2f8c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315501" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



Needless to say, the chances of Flagg running it back with the Duke Blue Devils seem pretty close to zero, even if he doesn’t like the teams with the best chance to get him in the NBA Draft.


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He’s been penciled in as the first-overall pick for the past couple of years. Barring a major turn of events, he’s not going to be back, especially if he leads the team to a National Title.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg hints at staying in college

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg hints at staying in college - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils continue to roll. They’re the third-best team in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball,</a> according to the latest AP Poll, and they’re marching firm on their way to the NCAA Tourney.



Needless to say, people are quick to credit <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> for their success, and rightfully so, as the projected first-overall pick in the 2025<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> Draft has been spectacular.



Nevertheless, basketball is still a team sport, and the Blue Devils are far from a one-man show. That’s why it’s so unfortunate to hear that Maliq Brown might be in for a long absence.



<h2>Maliq Brown could be out for a while, says Jon Scheyer</h2>



“He was playing such a great game too,” Scheyer said. “We got to get the rest of his image, X-rays, MRIs today and we’ll know more moving forward. It’s something where you’re not gonna know. It takes some to see how it heals and recovers. So I probably won’t even know anything this week.”



<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_20250218_BUS_339170_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_d6e3b1e6.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>



Of course, the team has more than enough talent and resources to get by even when one of their soldiers is out with an ailment, but this is far from an ideal situation.


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The Blue Devils are striving to win the National Championship, and while there’s still plenty of basketball left to be played this season, they want to stay healthy to take care of business down the stretch.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer has bad injury news for Duke fans

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer has bad injury news for Duke fans - Bolavip US

Throughout the course of their history, the Duke Blue Devils have had their fair share of superstars. They’ve had some of the best players to ever lace them up in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



That’s why it wasn’t much of a surprise to see them land <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, who had been penciled in as the best recruit in his class long before he was even old enough to go to prom.



That sentiment hasn’t changed during his first — and most likely only — season in college. If anything, he continues to be the leading candidate to win the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, which is given to the best player in the nation.



<h2>Cooper Flagg leads race for Wooden Award</h2>



“Duke’s Cooper Flagg continues to be the odds-on-favorite to win the John R. Wooden Award this season with Auburn’s Johni Broome right behind him but it appears to be a two-man race at this point with Purdue’s Braden Smith, Alabama’s Mark Sears. Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner and Memphis’ PJ Haggerty trailing,” reported Arash Markazi of The Sporting Tribune.



<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_20250212_BUS_333926_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_75a5dc02.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315501" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103758/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils</figcaption></figure>



The Blue Devils star is also the odds-on favorite to be the first-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and that has been the case long before he made his debut at Duke.


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So far, the Montverde Academy product has posted impressive averages of 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on almost 48% from the floor, and he’s leading his team in all major stats.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg continues to lead the race for prestigious award

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg continues to lead the race for prestigious award - Bolavip US

Long before he announced his commitment to play for the Duke Blue Devils, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>was already the most talked-about player in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> scene.



That hasn’t changed during his first — and most likely only — season at Durham. However, as good as he’s been, he struggled mightily in the loss to the Clemson Tigers.



Flagg finished the game with 18 points on 35% from the floor, and he had a crucial turnover down the stretch. When asked the secret to stop him, however, coach Brad Brownell admitted that they didn’t do anything.



<h2>Clemson coach says Clemson didn’t do anything special to stop Cooper Flagg</h2>



“We didn’t do anything nobody else hasn’t done before,” Brownell told ESPN after the win. “The second half,” the coach continued, “that’s about as good as we can play.”



<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_20250211_BUS_333901_Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576_3dfe9ff7.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>



Sometimes, there’s no right answer. You can have a perfect game and still struggle to contain a player of Flagg’s talent, and that’s what sets him apart from other players.


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More often than not, you can do anything but play the best brand of basketball you can play and hope that the other player has an off night. It certainly worked for Clemson.

NCAAB News: Clemson coach reveals how to stop Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Clemson coach reveals how to stop Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

Even the best players on Earth have bad games every now and then. We saw prime <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> getting clamped and completely outplayed by Jason Terry during the NBA Finals.



However, great talent also comes with sky-high expectations. That’s why players like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>are often put on blast when they fail to put up heroics or play up to their usual standards.



Unfortunately for him, that was the case after a crucial turnover cost his team a win over Clemson. Following the loss, ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla questioned his status as the top dog in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.



<h2>ESPN analyst questions Cooper Flagg’s draft stock</h2>



“The fact that Cooper Flagg is slipping on wet floors will dramatically affect his draft status. Very unfortunate,“ he said.



<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_20250211_BUS_333900_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_7060e74a.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 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a dunk </figcaption></figure>



Flagg was held to six points for most of the game, but he finished the matchup with 18 points on 35% shooting. That was far from his usual efficiency, which is close to 48% from the floor.


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Even so, all players are entitled to a bad game. If anything, it’ll be interesting to see how he manages to bounce back from this and show his resiliency and mental toughness.

NCAAB News: ESPN analyst rips Cooper Flagg after loss to Clemson

NCAAB News: ESPN analyst rips Cooper Flagg after loss to Clemson - Bolavip US

Once again, the Duke Blue Devils are one of the best teams in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. Unsurprisingly, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> has gotten most of the praise and the credit.



Nevertheless, coach Jon Scheyer is well aware of the fact that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. As much as Flagg deserves recognition, he also wants people to talk about Maliq Brown.



The junior transfer was at his best when the Blue Devils squared off against Syracuse, his former team. That’s why coach Seyer gave him his flowers for setting the tone.



<h2>Jon Scheyer credits Maliq Brown for his aggressiveness</h2>



“Maliq has changed our team dramatically,” the coach said. “Maliq is the ultimate teammate. He’s incredibly unselfish. He’s been everything we could ask for and more. He’s a menace on the defensive end. His passing, his energy, you know, he led us in rebounding tonight.”



<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_20250206_BUS_329702_jonscheyerjpg_242310155-1024x631_20777b58.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>



Browns was unfazed by the boos and jeers from his former fans. While his six points and eight rebounds might not pop out on the stat sheet, his impact went beyond numbers.



His defense was instrumental in smothering his former team, helping Duke run away with an easy 83-54 win. They’re the second-best team in the nation right now, and with this kind of synergy, it’s hard to envision anybody beating them.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals Duke’s secret weapon, and it’s not Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals Duke's secret weapon, and it's not Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

All games count in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball.</a> Nevertheless, one would be naive to believe that rivalry games don’t mean more, which is why the winning team often looks to make a statement.



That was the case with the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday. They clearly wanted it more, and they outhustled their lifelong rivals, the UNC Tar Heels, on both ends of the floor.



The Blue Devils led by as many as 32 points at some point in the second half. When asked about the reason for their success, Jon Scheyer talked about their hustle on defense.



<h2>Duke coach credits deflections for dominance over UNC</h2>



“Oh, by the way, it was our high in deflections. We talked about that and now we gotta break it again. … Twenty-three, I think. One of you guys are gonna watch the film and see it was 16 or 17. I was told 23,” Scheyer said.



<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_20250204_BUS_328166_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_c3c5428e.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 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a dunk </figcaption></figure>



The Tar Heels turned the ball over 14 times, and those led to 19 Blue Devils points. Duke also logged ten steals, smothering the opposition throughout the length of the court.


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The Blue Devils look like an unstoppable force right now, and even though Auburn still has the best record in the nation, they might actually be the team to beat right now.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals key point to beat the Tar Heels

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer reveals key point to beat the Tar Heels - Bolavip US

It’s safe to say that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg </a>didn’t disappoint in his first — and most likely only — rivalry game vs. the UNC Tar Heels. Like the rest of John Scheyer’s team, he answered the call.



The Blue Devils dominated their hated rivals with an 87-70 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, the game was never close, and it was way more lopsided than the final score.



That’s why Flagg couldn’t be more satisfied with his team’s effort in the win. When asked about the keys behind their success, he talked about his team’s ability to make the most of their length to make deflections.



<h2>Cooper Flagg credits deflections for route over UNC</h2>



“I thought our length kind of discouraged them, throwing a bunch of passes, getting a lot of deflections,” said Flagg. “I think we had the most deflections we’ve had all season, so that was huge for us.”



<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_20250203_BUS_327378_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_ea5cd1ec.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>Cooper Flagg</figcaption></figure>



The Blue Devils jumped to a 40-13 lead in the first half, and the lead was as big as 32 at some point in the second half. They finished the game with ten steals and scored 19 points off 14 UNC turnovers.


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Flagg was nothing short of spectacular again, cementing his case as a future<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NBA</a> superstar with 21 points, eight boards, seven assists, and three steals in this triumph.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg explains how Duke dominated UNC

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg explains how Duke dominated UNC - Bolavip US

Even though the Duke Blue Devils have been nothing short of unstoppable this season, they’re still not considered to be the best team in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketbal</a>l right now.



That’s, of course, at least according to the latest edition of the AP Rankings. Despite their route of the UNC Tar Heels in a rivalry game, they still didn’t get much love.



With the Auburn Tigers still dominating their rivals like no one else in the league, Jon Scheyer’s team only managed to hold onto the No. 2 spot despite their huge win.



<h2>Duke fails to get top spot in AP rankings</h2>



“Duke held at No. 2 in this week’s poll, still behind top-ranked Auburn. The Tigers, now at 20-1, beat both LSU and Ole Miss this past week. Alabama, Tennessee and Houston then rounded out the top five,” wrote Ryan Young of Yahoo Sports.



<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_20250203_BUS_327379_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_54c0812c.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>



Even so, Young admitted that the Blue Devils are looking like an unstoppable unit right now. With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> playing this way, they’re one of the teams to beat in the nation.



“The Blue Devils are absolutely cruising through the ACC, and nobody seems able to stop them. They’ve now won 15 straight, and have won each of their conference games by an average of nearly 20 points. Even in their closer matchups — like their win over NC State on Monday, which was close until the end — they’ve consistently been able to pull away down the stretch,” Young added.


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There’s still plenty of basketball to be played, and it will all depend on what they’re able to do — or not — in the NCAA tourney. For now, regardless of what the rankings say, they might be the best in the nation.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg’s Duke fails to get boost in AP rankings

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg's Duke fails to get boost in AP rankings - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils rode <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg’s </a>hot hand again in a 63-56 win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. He scored 24 with seven rebounds and six assists, and he played all but one minute.



However, as impressive as he was on offense, his defense turned even more heads. With Jon Scheyer going from man-to-man to zone, a first in Flagg’s career, he still dominated and even had a couple of blocks.



That’s why Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes had no choice but to tip his hat to Flagg, who, on top of playing lockdown defense, scored three times in a row against a helpless Demon Deacons’ defense.



<h2>Wake Forest coach says Cooper Flagg is ‘generational’</h2>



“Generational,” Forbes said of Flagg. “I’ll give you an example – their leading scorer last year was the first pick in the second round. This guy will be the first pick in the first round. Big difference.“



<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_20250131_BUS_324936_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_801eaaf3.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>Cooper Flagg</figcaption></figure>



“He’s a tough guy to guard. He’s got all the tools. The great thing about him… is his unselfishness. That he really wants other people to succeed,” the coach continued.


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Flagg’s well-rounded game still has him atop most mock drafts. And in today’s offense-centric <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA,</a> it’s refreshing to see someone taking pride in their defense for a change.

NCAAB News: Rival coach explains why Cooper Flagg is a ‘generational’ talent

NCAAB News: Rival coach explains why Cooper Flagg is a 'generational' talent - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg’s </a>masterpiece vs. NC State was one for the ages. Duke and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> beat writers have already written and talked a lot about it, but there’s one aspect that has gone overlooked.



Flagg was mostly quiet for the first half before absolutely taking over in the final segment of the game. And while he’s already admitted that coach Jon Scheyer called him soft, he hadn’t dug deep into those remarks.



Now, the projected first-overall pick in the upcoming edition of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> Draft has admitted that that’s been an issue for him. That’s why he knows he needs to be more aggressive. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg says he needs to toughen up</h2>



“It’s not a choice anymore; I have to be aggressive,” Flagg said. “What coach has told me, is that’s going to create for everyone else. In the first half, I felt that a little more — just being passive and playing soft. I can’t create for anyone else that way. I can’t get anyone else open if I’m playing soft. For me, it’s no longer a choice of whether I want to be aggressive or not. I have to be aggressive at all times.”



<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_20250130_BUS_324857_Cooper-Flagg-Duke-1024x576_66a9d262.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 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a dunk </figcaption></figure>



Even so, as harsh as his coach was, it’s not like he didn’t know he could take it. If anything, Coach Scheyer gives him credit for being able to bounce back and dominate:



“In that timeout, I challenged him because his game is not just about scoring but his game is about impacting winning in every facet. He knew it. Credit him for responding,” Scheyer said.


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Flagg’s relentless approach and determination to get better might be just what sets him apart from the rest of the pack when NBA teams are on the clock in the Draft.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg knows he needs to be better at one thing

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg knows he needs to be better at one thing - Bolavip US

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