The NCAA Tournament is in full swing! And as expected, the world is closely watching the Duke Blue Devils prodigy, Cooper Flagg. Flagg missed the ACC Tournament due to a sprained ankle. However, he is back for Duke’s opening-round matchup against Mount St. Mary’s. Flagg has clarified that he has dreamt of competing in March Madness. So, undoubtedly, he would not stay on the sidelines for this one!
Additionally, let’s not forget he is a top pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. The Duke vs. Mount St. Mary’s match showed the world why. Duke went on to win 93-49, and Flagg played a big role in this win. He finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in just 22 minutes. This performance has drawn some interesting comparisons with NBA legends!
What is Similar Between Cooper Flagg and Kawhi Leonard?
Flagg has brought in lofty comparisons from both ends of the court. However, one comparison has gotten the fandom’s attention. A Western Conference GM recently likened Flagg’s game to that of two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.
The GM even told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, “The best comp for Cooper Flagg, I’ve heard from our scouts is prime Kawhi Leonard.” So why Leonard? Leonard is known for his defense and then grew into one of the most complete players in the NBA. Like Leonard in his early years, Flagg’s defensive instincts have set him apart.
The GM added, “Kawhi’s D was ahead of his offense. He has many of the same manufactured qualities for handling and shooting. Think about his unwavering confidence and relentless work ethic combined with his physicality, IQ, and tools — that’s what helped him become an MVP candidate and the best player on a championship team.” The comparison says one thing, while the stats of the two seem to say something else!
Statistically, Flagg is ahead of Leonard at the same stage. As a freshman at Duke, Flagg already had multiple double-doubles and even a 42-point performance against Notre Dame. Meanwhile, during his sophomore season at San Diego State, Leonard averaged 15.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while leading his team to an NCAA Tournament run.
Additionally, Flagg’s offensive versatility is pretty great. He is able to score at all three levels, and his rebounding and shot-blocking mirror Leonard’s development into a two-way player. If Flagg continues his winning trajectory, he is bound to become the cornerstone of any team that drafts him.
KEEP READING: Cooper Flagg and His Grandmother Star in New Gatorade Commercial
While it is true that Flagg has a long way to go before reaching Leonard’s level, the foundation is there. Now, as he returns to March Madness and preps for the draft, this is only the beginning of the barrage of comparisons to come.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
