Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg is one of the most clutch players in the country. For many, he is also the leading candidate for NCAA Player of the Year and the projected first overall pick, should he choose to declare, in the 2025 NBA draft. But how clutch is Flagg really? Let’s take a look.
What Does an Injured Cooper Flagg Mean for Duke?
For the 15th time in school history, Duke has earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. However, the biggest storyline revolving around the Blue Devils is the health and availability of star Cooper Flagg.
Flagg averaged splits of 18.9/7.5/4.1 (pts/reb/ast) while shooting 48.8% from the field. He also set the ACC single-game freshman scoring record, dropping 42 points in a victory over Notre Dame in January.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has been praising Flagg all season.
“I could go on all day about Cooper…How coachable he is… I challenged him because his game is not just about scoring. His game is about impacting winning in every facet,” the coach explained.
Flagg led a No. 1 ranked Duke team to a 31-3 overall record, finishing 19-1 in ACC conference play while capturing their record 23rd ACC tournament victory last week.
This was in large part due to Flagg’s “clutch gene.”
According to CBS Statistics, he has played in 29 “clutch minutes” this season. In those minutes, he’s scored 39 points on .667/.500/.840 (2P/3P/FT) shooting splits. Additionally, he averages 28.8 points per 40 in the second half of games this season on 54.9% from two and 44.0% from three.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg has played ~29 “clutch minutes” this season, scoring 39 points on .667/.500/.840 (2P/3P/FT) shooting splits in that time.
He averages 28.8 points per 40 in the second half of games this season on 54.9% from 2 and 44.0% from 3.
(Stats via @CBBAnalytics) pic.twitter.com/tFm7ZtrFc0
— Lukas Harkins (@hardwiredsports) March 17, 2025
Flagg’s presence will be much needed in March as he’s been dealing with an ankle injury. Coach Scheyer addressed the media regarding the potential National Player of the Year.
“From my perspective, it’s full steam ahead. I want to get Coop back as quickly as I can, and he wants to do the same…Our goal is for Friday. No question about that.”
Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer says it’s “full steam ahead” for Cooper Flagg and the goal is to have him play in the tournament on Friday 💪 pic.twitter.com/vIRGFzljRy
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 17, 2025
If Flagg can suit up and play, he has a chance of making history as the first freshman to win Player of the Year since fellow Blue Devil Zion Williamson in 2019.
KEEP READING: Cooper Flagg’s Mom Provides Update on Duke’s Freshman Phenom
All eyes will be on the health of Flagg’s ankle as Duke plays the winner of American and Mount St. Mary’s this Friday. In the meantime, don’t forget to set your brackets.
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