Since the Duke Blue Devils started the season 3-2, they have been red-hot. They are currently on an 16-game winning streak. The main reason behind their huge success is a freshman stunner, guard Cooper Flagg.
And the Blue Devil faithful have noticed. Famously, the best coach in Duke history gushed about the freshman phenom, dropping a bold take to college basketball analyst Andy Katz.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski Calls Cooper Flagg the Best Player in the Country
Flagg’s Record-Breaking Performance
Cooper Flagg scored 42 points against Notre Dame, setting a new conference and school single-game scoring record for freshmen. Flagg achieved this feat with just 14 shots from the field, making this record even more impressive.
Since then, Flagg has continued his torrid pace and incredible play, averaging 19.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field.
Bold Praise for Flagg
The freshman’s record-breaking performances, selflessness, and work ethic have been celebrated throughout the season, but the most notable praise came from legendary former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
In a recent interview with SiriusXM’s “College Sports” podcast, Coach Krzyzewski boldly declared Flagg the best freshman player in the country.
“I think he’s the best player in the country” 👀
Coach K had a chat with @TheAndyKatz on Cooper Flagg and more 🎙️
Check out the full interview in the @BleacherReport app 📲 pic.twitter.com/AKlzRmayJ2
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 22, 2025
Krzyzewski underlined Flagg’s competitiveness and versatility by praising his ability in the low post and his selflessness on the court, which allows him to move around the court and lift the entire team.
Cooper Flagg — The Statsman
Flagg leads the Blue Devils in every statistical bracket. In addition to his offensive prowess, Flagg has shown to be a defensive mismatch, averaging 1.3 blocks and 1.5 steals per game this season, all while averaging nearly 32 minutes per game.
While many are expecting the phenom to go “one and done” by declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, he is still making his mark on the college level as one of the top contenders for this year’s John R. Wooden Award, which is awarded to the nation’s best player.
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Coach K’s endorsement might be spot on — despite Flagg’s decision to leave or stay after the season, Flagg is one of the best players this season and might be rewriting an already full Duke Basketball history book.
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