Cooper Flagg has stormed onto the Duke, impressing fans and critics with his freshman talent. At just 18, he’s already stacking up awards and rewriting record books. But how does he measure up against the Blue Devils’ legendary greats? Let’s dive in and see where this rising star fits among Duke’s top 10 all-time players.
How Does Cooper Flagg Rank in the List of Duke’s Top 10 All-Time Greats?
Cooper Flagg’s debut season at Duke has been nothing short of impressive. He’s averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks is very promising for a young talent like him. Shooting 48.3% from the field and 37.4% from three, Flagg has exceeded expectations.
Another one for Coop‼️‼️‼️‼️
🏆 NABC National Player of the Year
💪 @Cooper_Flagg pic.twitter.com/B6P2Tt0X8s
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 1, 2025
His 42-point outburst against Notre Dame set an ACC freshman record. In the Sweet 16 against Arizona, he dropped 30 points, snagged six rebounds, and dished seven assists. The National Association of Basketball Coaches named him Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, a feat only Zion Williamson has matched at Duke.
With numbers like these, Flagg’s case is strong, but he’s just getting started.
Here’s how he ranks in the list of Duke’s all-time greats.
1) Grant Hill
Years: 1990-1994
Grant Hill was a do-it-all dynamo for Duke. He powered the Blue Devils to back-to-back national titles in 1991 and 1992. His elite defense and scoring earned him ACC Player of the Year and All-American nods. Hill’s legacy as a versatile star remains unmatched.
2) Christian Laettner
Years: 1988-1992
Christian Laettner might be Duke’s greatest ever. He led the team to four straight Final Fours and two championships. A clutch shooter and skilled big man, he joined the 1992 Olympic Dream Team. His trophy case is filled with accolades.
3) Kyrie Irving
Years: 2010-2011
Kyrie Irving’s Duke stint was short but sweet. In just 11 games, his dazzling handles and scoring left fans speechless. Injuries cut his time short, but his talent was undeniable. He became the NBA’s No. 1 pick for a reason.
4) J.J. Redick
Years: 2002-2006
J.J. Redick was a sharpshooting sensation. His unlimited range terrorized defenses for four years. He snagged the Wooden Award and multiple All-American honors. Redick’s shooting prowess still echoes at Duke.
5) Zion Williamson
Years: 2018-2019
Zion Williamson was a one-year wonder. His jaw-dropping dunks and raw power turned heads in the Cameron Indoor Stadium. He swept the Naismith Award and All-American honors. Williamson’s highlight reel is legendary.
6) Bobby Hurley
Years: 1989-1993
Bobby Hurley ran Duke’s offense like a maestro. He guided the team to two titles and three title games. His NCAA record for career assists still stands. Hurley’s leadership defined an era.
7) Shane Battier
Years: 1997-2001
Shane Battier was Duke’s glue guy. His defense and grit fueled three Final Fours and a 2001 championship. A two-time All-American, he also earned National Defensive Player of the Year. Battier’s heart was pure Blue Devil.
8) Jay Williams
Years: 1999-2002
Jay Williams is known for his toughness. He sparked Duke’s 2001 title run with his scoring and playmaking. A two-time All-American, he embodied Duke’s winning spirit. Williams was a backcourt force.
9) Cooper Flagg
Years: 2024-present
Cooper Flagg first gained attention at Nokomis Regional High before transferring to Montverde Academy, where he dominated high school basketball. As a senior, he secured multiple national Player of the Year awards, solidifying his status as an elite prospect. His achievements position him as a key figure in the future of Duke’s legacy.
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10) Jayson Tatum
Years: 2016-2017
Jayson Tatum shone brightly in his lone Duke season. His scoring and defense lifted the Blue Devils to an ACC Tournament crown. Named All-ACC First Team, he hinted at NBA stardom. Tatum’s potential was crystal clear.
Flagg’s freshman stats rival Zion’s, and his awards echo the elite. However, he’s still not in the top five yet, lacking the championships of Hill or Laettner. But his trajectory suggests he could climb fast.
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