Duke phenom Cooper Flagg made his long-awaited college launching Monday night as the No. 7 Blue Devils lasted longer than Maine 96-62 to open the 2024-25 season. Flagg ended up with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 helps in 30 minutes before having a look at with 3:28 staying while fighting cramps.
The Maine local didn’t get his very first basket from the flooring up until 6:25 stayed in the very first half. His command for the video game was on display screen early as Flagg helped on 2 of Duke’s very first 3 pails. With fellow freshman Kon Knueppel on fire with 13 points in the very first 7 minutes, Flagg handled a complimentary function for much of the very first half.
Flagg’s capability to affect the video game without the ball in his hands is part of the appeal that makes him the predicted No. 1 general choice in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 17-year old is considered as a multi-faceted offending center and flexible protector since of his mix of size and athleticism at 6-9 and 205 pounds.
Satisfying the buzz and expectations will be a high job for a young gamer. Flagg is thought to be the unusual skill capable of satisfying the excessive used “generational” label. We’ll be tracking his development here all season long. Here’s more on his very first video game as heaven Devils began 1-0.
You got ta see this
With Duke leading simply 35-27 and under 4 minutes staying in the very first half, Flagg used a glance of the highlight-reel ability that assisted make him the No. 1 general possibility in the Class of 2024. Running on the extreme right, Flagg beat a Maine protector off the dribble, struck the paint and after that blew up for a vicious right-handed dunk. The play fired up the Cameron Crazies and provided a look of the electrical capacity that Flagg brings.
Secret stat
Flagg made 6 of 6 complimentary tosses, which was a terrific indication thinking about just how much time he’s most likely to invest at the charity stripe this season.
Offering a grade
Flagg looked comfy and in command, even throughout a sluggish offending start. Heaven Devils were +27 with him on the flooring, and he passed the eye test in his very first video game versus a Division I challenger after a number of exhibits versus lower-tier enemies. Flagg hardly ever required searches offense, however he did end up simply 6 of 15 shooting. Flagg’s 0 for 4 mark from beyond the arc was the greatest drag on his grade. In general, however, it was a great start. Grade: B+
Up next
Duke goes back to action Friday at 6 p.m. ET when heaven Devils welcome Army to Cameron Indoor Stadium. It will be the last tune-up before a Nov. 12 face-off vs. Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic.
Early flash from Flagg in preseason blowout
Flagg had a good and-one surface in the very first minute of Duke’s 103-47 exhibit beatdown of Arizona State.
