The top-seeded Duke Blue Devils are preparing for a Final Four clash against No. 1 Houston in San Antonio. This marks their first Final Four appearance since Jon Scheyer took over as head coach, and the Blue Devils have faced minimal challenges on their way there.
Throughout the NCAA Tournament, the only close game was their Sweet 16 victory over No. 4 Arizona, which ended 100-93. All their other wins have been by double digits, including a dominant 20-point win over No. 2 Alabama in the Elite Eight. Freshman Cooper Flagg, a likely top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has proven he can shine on the biggest stage.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer spoke with Scott Van Pelt about freshman standout Cooper Flagg. “I think he’s always looked like the number one pick in the draft, even early in the season,” Scheyer shared.
“I’m not sure I prepared him well enough for some of the moments he’d face.” Scheyer went on to praise Flagg’s versatility, saying, “He has such a killer instinct, and part of his brilliance is that he can win a game through scoring, rebounding, steals, blocks—whatever it takes. He always finds a way to make those key plays to help us win.”
Flagg sustained an ankle injury during the ACC Tournament opener, forcing him to miss the remainder of the conference tournament. However, Duke fans got a sigh of relief as Flagg was able to return for the first round of March Madness, and he has been stellar ever since. Here are his impressive stat lines through the first four games of the tournament:
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1st Round vs. Mount St. Mary’s: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks (22 minutes)
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2nd Round vs. Baylor: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block
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Sweet 16 vs. Arizona: 30 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks
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Elite Eight vs. Alabama: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
There’s little doubt Flagg will be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, unless he decides to stay another year in college. The real question now is whether Flagg and the Blue Devils can continue their dominant run and secure a national title.