Cooper Flagg Leads Duke to Final Four, Drawing NBA Comparisons

Cooper Flagg has propelled the Duke Blue Devils into the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, further solidifying his status as a projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. In a recent victory over Alabama, Flagg contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, while fellow freshmen lottery picks also made significant contributions. NBA coach George Karl compared Flagg to a more offensively skilled Scottie Pippen, highlighting his versatility and defensive prowess. Analysts are praising Flagg as potentially the best freshman in Duke's history, with Jay Williams calling him 'the most complete freshman ever at Duke.' With his current tournament averages of 20.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, Flagg is drawing attention not only for his skills but also for how he elevates his teammates' performances. As Duke continues its championship run, other players like Khaman Maluach are also gaining traction in NBA Draft discussions, showcasing the team's depth.