Cooper Flagg Reminds ESPN Analyst of Travis Hunter: A Comparison of Elite Talents
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla has drawn an intriguing comparison between Duke basketball star Cooper Flagg and Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way sensation Travis Hunter. According to Fraschilla, both athletes showcase elite skills on both sides of their respective sports, making them rare talents in their fields.
*What Makes Cooper Flagg Special?*
Cooper Flagg’s impressive freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils earned him numerous accolades, including the AP National Player of the Year and CBS Sports Player of the Year awards. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three. Fraschilla noted Flagg’s exceptional ball skills for his size and his ability to dominate the game in multiple facets.
*Travis Hunter: A Two-Way Phenomenon*
Travis Hunter, on the other hand, is a standout football player who recently won the Heisman Trophy. As a two-way player for the Colorado Buffaloes, Hunter excelled on both offense and defense, showcasing his versatility and elite athleticism. He recorded 24 solo tackles, 11 defended passes, and four interceptions in the 2024 season, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in college football ¹ ².
*Key Similarities Between Flagg and Hunter*
Fraschilla’s comparison highlights the following similarities between Cooper Flagg and Travis Hunter ²:
– *Elite two-way skills*: Both athletes demonstrate exceptional abilities on both sides of their respective sports.
– *Size-to-skill ratio*: Flagg and Hunter possess elite ball skills relative to their size, allowing them to dominate their opponents.
– *Efficiency*: Both players have shown remarkable efficiency in their games, with Flagg shooting 44% from three in his last 27 games.
*What’s Next for Cooper Flagg?*
After declaring for the 2025 NBA draft, Flagg is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. ESPN’s latest mock draft has the Utah Jazz selecting Flagg first overall, where he could join fellow Duke product Kyle Filipowski in a promising frontcourt pairing. With his impressive skills and versatility, Flagg is poised to become a franchise-altering prospect in the NBA ³.
*Conclusion*
The comparison between Cooper Flagg and Travis Hunter underscores the exceptional talents of both athletes. While they compete in different sports, their elite two-way skills, size-to-skill ratio, and efficiency make them rare talents in their respective fields. As Flagg prepares for the NBA draft and Hunter readies himself for the NFL draft, their futures look bright, with both athletes poised to make significant impacts in their chosen sports.
