The Duke Blue Devils added another feather to their cap on March 3, 2025, with a dominating 93-60 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This win marked what is likely the final home game for the sensational freshman Cooper Flagg, who is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Flagg showcased his immense talent throughout the game, finishing with 28 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals, earning him accolades as one of the leading candidates for the National Player of the Year award.
Duke's social media echoed the sentiment of fans, proclaiming Flagg as the "BEST PLAYER IN AMERICA" after his stellar performance on the court. The 18-year-old standout has been averaging 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game this season, firmly establishing himself as one of college basketball’s premier players.
Flagg's contribution was pivotal to the Blue Devils’ 27th victory of the season. He not only led the scoring but also demonstrated his all-around playmaking ability. Following Flagg was Kon Knueppel with 17 points, and Khaman Maluach led on the boards with 14 rebounds. The team will carry this momentum forward, preparing for their upcoming clash with the North Carolina Tar Heels on March 8, 2025.
This upcoming match is significant; Flagg previously scored 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists against UNC, enhancing the anticipation for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. The Blue Devils are positioned for substantial success as they navigate toward the NCAA Tournament due to this latest victory, improving their record to 27-3.
For the local fans, Flagg continues to draw attention as not only the state's pride but also as the consensus favorite for the No. 1 pick. Reports have suggested he expressed interest in returning for another year at Duke after being caught up in fanfare when they chanted “One more year” as he exited the court during the Wake Forest game.
Despite Flagg’s comments about enjoying his freshman year, it’s important to balance this with the lucrative opportunities afforded by potentially entering the professional ranks. With endorsements from Gatorade and New Balance, his On3 NIL Valuation has soared to $4.8 million—making him the highest-valued athlete among men’s college basketball players. While he may desire another year at Duke, the financial incentive of the NBA draft looms large.
Flipping the script to game dynamics, Flagg not only had impressive stats, but he also inflicted pressure on the Demon Deacons' defense with his aggressive style of play. The Blue Devils maintained dominance throughout, leading comfortably without ever relinquishing control. This was particularly exemplified late in the game when Flagg scored emphatically after recovering the ball and charging down the court, leaving defenders trailing behind, culminating with a powerful two-handed dunk.
Cooper Flagg’s accolades are mounting as he prepares for the final stretch of his college career. With solid performances sealing his status, the upcoming game against North Carolina carries not just rivalry stakes, but also the storytelling of Flagg's ascendance onto the national stage. He continues to flirt with triple-doubles, demonstrating his versatility and readiness for the next phase of his career.
Fans are now left to ponder whether this was the last glimpse of Flagg at Cameron Indoor Stadium, as he aims to solidify his legacy before stepping onto the professional stage.