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



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



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



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



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



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



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


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

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

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

miniaturas

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



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



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



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



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



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



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


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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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


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

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

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

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a> just turned 18 years old, and he celebrated in the best possible way. He led the Duke Blue Devils to a road win over Georgia Tech, taking them down 82-56.



This was their second win in as many ACC matchups this season. The No. 5 team in the nation outscored their opposition 41-20 in the second half, with Flagg scoring 13 points in eleven shots.



The Blue Devils didn’t need Flagg to do a lot in a well-balanced offensive performance by the entire team. That’s why coach Jon Scheyer couldn’t have been happier.



<h2>Jon Scheyer raves about Duke’s offense</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I just thought the shot quality was a lot better, and it’s probably the best that we’ve flowed just going from defense to offense,” Scheyer told Caleb Dudley of The Chronicle. “I thought we did a really good job. We’re finding each other’s strengths and understanding just how to play together.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241223_BUS_299102_Jon-Scheyer-1024x576_2ed71ff0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287066" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151434/Jon-Scheyer.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during the second half of the game against the Seattle Redhawks at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina</figcaption></figure>



The ball rarely touched the floor during the win. They shared the wealth and got everybody involved, with the team even finishing the game with a whopping 20 assists:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Collectively, I thought a lot of different guys stepped up and it was a great effort, so proud of our team,” Scheyer said. “Twenty assists, second highest we’ve had all year, I think our offense is coming along.”</blockquote>


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The Blue Devils have now won ten of ten games, and they will look to keep their momentum going when they return to the court on New Year’s Eve to face Virginia Tech.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer makes strong comments after Duke's latest win

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer makes strong comments after Duke's latest win - Bolavip US

It’s safe to say that one cannot write <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball’s</a> history without talking about Duke. Likewise, it’s impossible to talk about Duke without talking about Mike Krzyzewski.



The legendary ‘Coach K’ has been retired for a while now, but he continues to be a pillar to the Blue Devil community, not to mention one of the most beloved coaches of all time.



Nevertheless, as charismatic and respected as he was, he believes someone else was actually the most popular figure in program history. In a recent appearance on “The Penny Hardaway Show,” the retired coach tipped his hat to Memphis assistant coach Nolan Smith.



<h2>Coach K says Nolan Smith was the ‘Mayor of Duke’</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He became really a spokesperson for our program, and really became the mayor of Duke. He says (he was the most) beloved player, basketball player has ever played here,” Krzyzewski said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241217_BUS_295055_Mike-Krzyzewski-1-1024x576_d8c6c002.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mike Krzyzewski" class="wp-image-288328" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>December 22, 2021: Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski points during the NCAA, College League, USA Basketball game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. CSM Durham USA – ZUMAc04_ 20211223_zaf_c04_066 </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Nolan Smith reveals how Coach K changed his life</h2>



Smith was a first-round draft pick, but injuries cut his career short. That’s when his former coach reached out to him and encouraged him to get into coaching. Now, he’s a rising star as an assistant coach, and he’ll likely get a chance to call the shots for his own program soon:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“K kind of grabbed me, pull me aside one day as I was laying on the training table. He’s like, ‘Hey, I know you’re still trying to figure out your rehab, but I have a spot for you if you want to start your next career. I always thought you would be a great coach.‘ So when Coach K tells you that that pretty much gave me the green light to start my next career, when he got it kind of gassed me up and said, ‘Okay, I can do this.’ I will do it, especially with you,” Smith said.</blockquote>


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Smith joined his coaching staff for six years, serving in multiple positions before he retired two years ago. Needless to say, that kind of experience prepared him for almost every challenge a young coach could come across.

NCAAB News: Coach K shockingly reveals the most beloved person in Duke history

NCAAB News: Coach K shockingly reveals the most beloved person in Duke history - Bolavip US

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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


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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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


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

NCAAB News: NBA scouts raise serious concern about Cooper Flagg

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

For most of their history, the Duke Blue Devils have hung their hats on having some of the best prospects in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>. This season isn’t the exception to that rule.



However, with that plethora of talent, some players often fall out of favor. That’s the case with freshman Isaiah Evans, who has been up and down and hasn’t started a single game all season.



Even so, Evans bounced back from a scoreless performance vs. Louisville to help his team secure a win with 14 points and three three-pointers vs. Incarnate Word on Tuesday. That’s why his coach, Jon Scheyer, wanted to show him some love and praised him for working hard to get back on track.



<h2>Jon Scheyer praises Isaiah Evans after bounce-back game</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I love just his work ethic has not changed one bit. His approach before the Auburn game was there, his approach after the Auburn game was there. I think it’s a natural thing,” the coach said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241211_BUS_290628_GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576_e987bf11.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils" class="wp-image-268979" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2128478712-Bolavip.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils watches from the bench in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“To have a letdown at some time, and to bounce back tonight, I think he showed a lot of maturity, and the reality is his approach has stayed the same. Isaiah, just having him on the floor at times, even if he’s not hitting, you know he has to be guarded because he’s such a weapon,” he added.</blockquote>



<h2>Scheyer doesn’t want Cooper Flagg to do it all</h2>



Of course, all eyes have been set on Cooper Flagg this season, as he’s firmly expected to be the first-overall pick in the upcoming edition of the NBA Draft. His coach, however, wants them to play as a team:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We put enough on him (Cooper Flagg) in the 37 minutes and it can’t just be him,” the coach said. “For me, coaching this team, I think maybe we got a little stagnant in the end of those games (losses). We have other really good players too.”</blockquote>


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At the end of the day, Duke might have more than just one NBA-caliber prospect, and the team needs to share the wealth to avoid becoming predictable and getting far in the tournament.

NCAAB News: John Scheyer praises Duke's secret weapon, and it's not Cooper Flagg

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

No one can even dare try and tell the story of<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> without Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski’s name being brought in over and over. For decades, he formed not only basketball players and future NBA stars, but also grown men.



Even though he’s no longer around the program, Coach K continues to be one of the most prominent figures in all of college hoops. As such, it only made sense that one of his former pupils, Shane Battier, shared his thoughts on him.



In the latest edition of the Glue Guys podcast, the former NBA champion talked to ex-Duke assistant coach Jay Bilas, chatting about what made Coach K so different from the rest.



<h2>Shane Battier discusses Coach K’s work ethic</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The time and the energy he spent on his team. Thinking about his team, thinking about every person on that team. He knew everybody intimately in the team because that’s all he thought about,” Battier said.</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241207_BUS_288321_Mike-Krzyzewski-1-1024x576_3a3bf2e0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mike Krzyzewski" class="wp-image-288328" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07153551/Mike-Krzyzewski-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>December 22, 2021: Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski points during the NCAA, College League, USA Basketball game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. CSM Durham USA – ZUMAc04_ 20211223_zaf_c04_066 </figcaption></figure>



“He didn’t have any hobbies. He had his little garden. But, aside from that, all he thought about was Duke basketball, his singular focus. That was a superpower and it was hard,” added Battier.



<h2>Jay Bilas gushed about Coach K</h2>



Of course, his impact on everybody he worked with went far beyond the basketball court. As Bilas pointed out, it was his human touch that made him such a great coach:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I don’t know how he made it to practice with all of the handwritten notes he was writing to people. He’s still writing handwritten notes and every year, we all get a handwritten birthday card from him,” Bilas said.“He drove us to be our best selves every time. And, he was relentless in that and never let you get away with anything of coasting or all that. He would call it out right away, and I have always appreciated that. I think our chief one in life is someone who will make us do what we can, and that was Coach K,” Bilas added. “He made us do what we could do every day, and he never took a day off that way.”</blockquote>


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Coach K won championships with both Battier (2001) and Bilas (1991, 1992), but that’s not what they remember the most about him. And after 42 years at the helm, he definitely earned the right to get some well-deserved rest.

NCAAB News: NBA Champion reveals what made Coach K the best

NCAAB News: NBA Champion reveals what made Coach K the best - Bolavip US

It’s not a secret that Cooper Flagg often gets most of the attention whenever the Duke Blue Devils play. Rightfully so, as he’s projected to be the first-overall pick in the NBA Draft and the next big thing in the league.



However, as great a player as he is, it takes a team effort to get the job done in college basketball. Fortunately for the Blue Devils, Duke had a key contributor in the perimeter to take down No. 2 Auburn.



Duke beat Auburn 84-78, and freshman guard Isaiah Evans had plenty to do with that, as he knocked down six of eight three-pointers, single-handedly doubling his teammates’ production from beyond the arc. When asked about that performance, he raved about his confidence. 



<h2>Isaiah Evans talked about his hot three-point shooting</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It was amazing,” Evans said. “Just being able to make the most out of my opportunity tonight shows the world what I can do, shows my coaches what I can do, gains confidence in my teammates.”“You just do it. At the end of the day, I came here for a difficult time,” he said. “I came here to put myself in an uncomfortable position, to get better and to learn, but most of all, I’mma always stay ready because I’m a basketball player. That’s my job, I feel like when I’m ever not ready that’s a problem and you know tonight, it just paid off.” </blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241207_BUS_288309_Isaiah-Evans1-1024x576_81ace88d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-288318" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/07151626/Isaiah-Evans1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>November 29, 2024: Seattle Redhawks guard Brayden Maldonado (0) looks to break pressure from Duke Blue Devils guard Isaiah Evans (3) during the NCAA, College League, USA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. CSM Durham </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Evans knows he’s different from Flagg</h2>



Evans, like the rest of the team, knows how much defensive and media attention their star teammate draws. That’s why he doesn’t mind getting chirpy and loud to make sure he’s also noticed: 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It’s a lot on his shoulders at the end of the day,” he said. “He has to stay laser-focused. That’s his game. I’m a guy, I’m gonna get rowdy, I’m gonna get the crowd into it, I hype myself up.”“He’s like straight line, get a stop, get a bucket and do it over again. I love playing with him, I love seeing him do his thing, attacking them paint hard, it’s just great seeing it,“ he added.</blockquote>


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The Blue Devils are more than just one player. Now, with them sitting on a 6-2 record, they will look to keep the ball rolling when they square off against Louisville on Sunday.

NCAAB News: Isaiah Evans makes bold comment about his confidence

NCAAB News: Isaiah Evans makes bold comment about his confidence - Bolavip US

Long before Cooper Flagg announced his commitment to Duke, the Montverde Academy product was already the most talked-about non-NBA player in the nation.



He’s not expected to be in college for more than a year, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have more than enough time to make an everlasting impact on the Blue Devils.



As a matter of fact, even though he hasn’t been in Durham for long, he’s already tied a record shared by two program legends: Zion Williamson and Shelden Williams. 



<h2>Cooper Flagg ties Duke Record</h2>



With his 22 points, eleven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks over the No. 2 Auburn Tigers on Wednesday, he had his second 20-point, ten-rebound, two-block outing as a Bluke Devils.



<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_20241207_BUS_288299_Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576_0b9aeced.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287062" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151108/Cooper-Flagg1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) crashes the boards on a free throw attempt during the NCAA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Greg Atkins CSM</figcaption></figure>



He had already done it in early November when he had 26 points, eleven boards, and two swats against Kentucky, joining Williams and Williamson as the only Blue Devils to log at least two games of that kind in the past 40 years. Needless to say, his coach had nothing but positive things to say about him.



<h2>Jon Scheyer praises Flagg’s work ethic </h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He’s always wanting to get better in every aspect of his game,” Jon Scheyer said. “I like the strength that he’s playing with. I’ve always felt like Cooper’s a one-time guy. He only needs to see something one time to get adjusted. I saw that with him with [Team] USA, and I saw that in high school when he had tough moments.”</blockquote>


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Duke’s schedule will get slightly easier up next, as they won’t face another ranked team until early January, opening up the door for Flagg to keep adding to this impressive tally.

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg ties epic Zion Williamson record at Duke

NCAAB News: Cooper Flagg ties epic Zion Williamson record at Duke - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils knew they needed to be almost perfect if they wanted to beat Auburn. That’s when Cooper Flagg, the hottest name in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, stepped up.



The combo forward out of Montverde Academy was in his bag all night long. He finished the game with 22 points (a game-high), adding 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.



Even though the Tigers tried to be physical with him and disrupt his rhythm, the Blue Devils still won 84-78. That’s why Auburn coach Bruce Pearl had no choice but to tip his hat to the projected No. 1 pick.



<h2>Auburn coach praises Cooper Flagg</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Cooper Flagg, I think this was one of his better games tonight,” Pearl said. “He didn’t have a turnover, so we didn’t bother him enough. He lived at the foul line. He gets a great whistle, he’s a great player. We’ve got good players too.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241205_BUS_287134_Cooper-Flagg-1-1024x576_aedf9c08.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287061" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) crashes the boards on a free throw attempt during the NCAA, College League, USA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Pearl lauds Johni Broome’s impact</h2>



All in all, the coach also wanted his best player to get his flowers. Even in the loss, star big man Johni Broome made a big impact, pacing his team with 20 points and 12 rebounds:



“One of the reasons our team has played so well this year is that Johni has been a tremendously consistent player,” Pearl said. “He’s clearly a Player of the Year candidate. If our team continues to win, he’s our best player. He’s been really, really consistent. And he’s able to do it on both ends, inside and out.”


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The Blue Devils will look to keep the momentum going, and with these kinds of performances, Flagg will continue to sit atop most mock drafts and rankings as the season progresses.

NCAAB News: Auburn coach gets honest on 'unbothered' Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Auburn coach gets honest on 'unbothered' Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

The Duke Blue Devils have the best player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> right now. Cooper Flagg has been deemed as the first-overall pick in the NBA Draft for years, and while he hasn’t been perfect in Durham, the potential is evident.



That showed up again in the win over Auburn. The talented forward showcased his entire repertoire, took over the game, and scored 22 points to hand the Tigers their first loss of the season.



Of course, everybody expects Duke to run most of their action through their coveted player. Nevertheless, coach Jon Scheyer doesn’t want him to do all the heavy lifting.



<h2>Jon Scheyer doesn’t want Cooper Flagg to win on his own</h2>



“We put enough on him (Cooper Flagg) in the 37 minutes and it can’t just be him,” the coach said. “For me, coaching this team, I think maybe we got a little stagnant in the end of those games (losses). We have other really good players too.”



<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_20241205_BUS_287077_Cooper-Flagg-1-1024x576_f36177af.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287061" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/05151100/Cooper-Flagg-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) crashes the boards on a free throw attempt during the NCAA, College League, USA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina</figcaption></figure>



<h2>He still wants Flagg to be a factor</h2>



Needless to say, that doesn’t mean they’re not going to make the most of his unique skills. Even if it’s as a decoy, Flagg will continue to be at the forefront of what they do: 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“You wanna get movement. But, look, at the end of the day you still want Cooper to touch it because Cooper’s gonna find the right guy,” Scheyer said. “We spend a lot of time on game situations, too. So, knowing what we’re gonna do where it’s not just calling something random. Being in those moments is helpful, but also getting some movement and then getting into our action and Cooper touching it. I think that’s the balance we have to strike.”</blockquote>


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The Blue Devils made a big statement in the win over the Tigers. Conference play will start soon, and it’ll be interesting to see how the projected No. 1 pick deals with the pressure.

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer makes worrisome admission about Cooper Flagg

NCAAB News: Jon Scheyer makes worrisome admission about Cooper Flagg - Bolavip US

The No. 9 Duke Blue Devils will look to make a statement on Wednesday night. Cooper Flagg and company will host the No. 2 Auburn Tigers in a high-flying matchup.



At the time of writing, the home team is favored by 3.5 points. The Blue Devils have gone 4-0 all-time vs. Auburn, but the Tigers figure to be in the best form right now, as they have yet to lose a game this season.



It’s never easy to predict the winner of a matchup between two top-10 teams. With that in mind, NCAA expert Brenden Marks of The Athletic dug deep into this exciting contest, sharing his thoughts on who might win the game and why.



<h2>Duke and Auburn: A clash of styles</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“This is strength vs. strength. Duke leads the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom, while Auburn is No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency,” wrote Marks. “Duke, which is one of the nation’s tallest teams and doesn’t have a rotation player under 6-foot-5, only allows 58.6 points per game, good for the ninth-fewest nationally. Auburn, meanwhile, averages 86.7 points per game, which ranks 21st nationally, and dropped 74 and 83 against the two other top-15 defenses it has faced so far.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241204_BUS_286186_Johni-Broome-1024x576_7e59c9f0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Johni Broome" class="wp-image-285798" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Johni-Broome.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>November 10, 2024, Cypress, Texas, USA: Auburn forward JOHNI BROOME (4) reacts after dunking the ball during Saturday s game, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Cypress USA</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Expert predicts Auburn to beat Duke</h2>



While he believes there’s a case to be made for Duke to protect their homecourt, he ultimately believes Auburn will take care of business. The game, however, will go down to the wire: 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The parallels are wild… so what will be the difference-maker in this big matchup? Could it be home-court advantage? Duke is playing inside Cameron Indoor Stadium with its favorable rims. Could be Auburn’s defense? The Tigers rank No. 1 in defensive assist rate and No. 5 in allowed 3-point rate. I lean the latter, but it’s close,” wrote Marks.</blockquote>


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Of course, this game looks like a toss-up, and it’s never wise to go against elite talents. Whatever the case, one thing is for sure: This will be a must-watch matchup.

NCAAB News: Experts have bold prediction about Auburn vs. Duke matchup

NCAAB News: Experts have bold prediction about Auburn vs. Duke matchup - Bolavip US

There were high hopes and expectations for the Duke Blue Devils entering this season. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cooper-flagg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cooper Flagg</a>, the undisputed No. 1 prospect in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, had all eyes on him long before he announced his commitment.



Then again, things haven’t been as smooth in Durham so far. Duke is 5-2 to start the season, including tough losses to No. 4 Kentucky and No. 1 Kansas. Moreover, Flagg had some miscues in crucial times in both of the losses.



Then again, the 17-year-old, who’s projected to be the first-overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, isn’t too bothered because of that. If anything, he knows it’s all a part of the learning process.



<h2>Cooper Flagg talks about Duke’s issues</h2>



“I think for us, it’s just about experience,” Flagg said. “We have some people, me included, that haven’t been in these types of situations before. So we’re just going to keep learning, keep doing our best. We trust each other, we trust the plays coach is calling. It just comes down to us executing and getting the shots that we want. And just comes with experience.”



<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_20241203_BUS_285150_Cooper-Flagg-1024x576_fff1cc84.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cooper Flagg" class="wp-image-284788" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/Cooper-Flagg.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>NCAA, College League, USA Basketball 2024: Seattle vs Duke NOV 29 November 29, 2024: Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) catches a lob during the NCAA Basketball game between the Seattle Redhawks and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. Greg Atkins CSM </figcaption></figure>



Duke veteran guard Tyrese Proctor had similar thoughts about this issue. As much as people will point the finger at the star, it takes a team effort to get the job done:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Everyone keeps talking about the turnovers and Cooper turning it over,” Proctor said. “I mean, it’s a sum of the whole game. We’re missing rebounds. We’re not getting back in D transition. That leads to turnovers that result in points. But, end of the game, we trust them to have the ball in their hands. We know they can make a play.”</blockquote>



<h2>Jon Scheyer wants Duke to play with toughness</h2>



The Blue Devils rallied late to get a 22-point win over Seattle on Friday night. Nevertheless, coach Jon Scheyer believes the game should’ve never been close to begin with:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I just thought we were really soft in the first half,” Scheyer said after the win. “They were more physical with us. That’s two games in a row. They came out more physical than us on defense. We were softer. I thought we were rushing shots. We had too many turnovers. We need to finish stronger, drive stronger, make extra passes.”</blockquote>


 

 


Duke will now square off with No. 2 Auburn on Wednesday night. The Tigers are undefeated after seven games, and with a physical specimen like Johni Broome anchoring the paint, the Blue Devils will need to be a little more physical than usual to make a statement.

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