Feb 8, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) listens to Duke Blue Devils Head Coach Jon Scheyer during the second half at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network via magn Images Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

ESPN Star Makes Bold Statement About Duke Superstar Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 10:39 PM ET

Cooper Flagg continues to make a strong case for being the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft this summer.

The Duke superstar is averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks per contest while shooting 48.6% from the field and 36.6% from the three-point range in his first 26 games.

Via ESPN on January 11: "COOPER FLAGG 40-PIECE ‼️

He sets the ACC men's basketball single-game scoring record by a freshman in the win over Notre Dame "

COOPER FLAGG 40-PIECE ‼️

He sets the ACC men's basketball single-game scoring record by a freshman in the win over Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/y8LmCslwt3
— ESPN (@espn) January 11, 2025

Over the weekend, ESPN star (and former Duke player) Jay Bilas spoke about Flagg.

Bilas: "I don't think a freshman wall is even a consideration with Cooper Flagg... The guy's averaged 23 a game in ACC play. He's been killing it. He's leading them in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and block shots. No Duke player has ever done that. Not even a guard. He's the real deal."

I don't even think a freshman wall is in consideration for Cooper Flagg... pic.twitter.com/o5A90MtKQR
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) February 17, 2025

In addition to Flagg playing well, he has helped the team get off to an incredible start.

They most recently beat Virginia by a score of 80-62.

With the win, Duke improved to 23-3 in 26 games, which has them as the top team in the ACC.

Via Frankie Vision (on Monday): "Cooper Flagg in 30 mins vs Virginia tonight..

17 PTS (8-17 FG)
14 REBS
2 AST
2 STLS
2 BLKS

So when I put this mock out, I just put Coop at #1 lock right and work my way down from there right?"

Cooper Flagg in 30 mins vs Virginia tonight..

17 PTS (8-17 FG)
14 REBS
2 AST
2 STLS
2 BLKS

So when I put this mock out, I just put Coop at #1 lock right and work my way down from there right? pic.twitter.com/XuFhjibkxr
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) February 18, 2025