With Freshman Phenom Cooper Flagg, Duke Is An NCAA Tournament Favorite
The Duke Blue Devils have long been a powerhouse in college basketball, and with the arrival of freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, they are once again making waves as a legitimate contender for the NCAA Tournament. The 6’8″ forward, widely regarded as one of the best high school prospects in recent memory, has quickly become the focal point of Duke’s 2024 season. His combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ has propelled the Blue Devils into the conversation as one of the top teams in the country.
Flagg, a native of Maine, was the consensus No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class. His accolades are remarkable for a player of his age: he was named the 2024 Gatorade National Player of the Year, earned MVP honors at the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit, and led Team USA to gold at the FIBA U19 World Cup. But it’s not just his accolades that have impressed scouts and fans alike—his game is as polished as it is versatile.
Offensively, Flagg is a dynamic force. He has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, whether it’s driving to the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, or hitting threes with consistency. His smooth shooting stroke, combined with his length, makes him a tough matchup for opposing defenders. His basketball IQ allows him to make quick reads, creating scoring opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates as well.
Defensively, Flagg is a menace. Standing 6’8″ with an impressive wingspan, he is capable of guarding multiple positions. He’s known for his shot-blocking ability, his quick hands, and his tenacity on the glass. Flagg’s presence on both ends of the floor has already transformed Duke into one of the most well-rounded teams in the country, and his ability to lock down opposing players makes him an invaluable asset.
For Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, Flagg’s arrival is the missing piece to a team that already had the talent to contend for a national title. The Blue Devils have a solid mix of veterans and talented underclassmen, but Flagg’s star power is undeniable. Alongside returning players like Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, who have the experience to complement Flagg’s dynamic style, Duke looks poised to make a deep run in March Madness.
The team’s success isn’t just a result of Flagg’s individual brilliance. His unselfish play and leadership have set the tone for the entire roster. The Blue Devils have excelled in their early-season games, showing a high level of chemistry and execution on both ends of the court. While Duke’s strength has always been its recruiting and development, Flagg has taken them to another level, giving them a player who can take over games and elevate the play of everyone around him.
As the season progresses, Duke’s NCAA Tournament prospects continue to rise. With Flagg in the fold, the Blue Devils are primed to make a deep run in the tournament, if not secure the program’s sixth national championship. His arrival has reinvigorated the storied program, and his performance has solidified Duke as a favorite to cut down the nets in April. If Flagg continues his stellar play, this could be the year that Coach K’s successor, Jon Scheyer, leads Duke to its next title—one that could very well be built around the freshman sensation, Cooper Flagg.
