Is the moment perfect for the Duke Blue Devils to succeed? Yes, is the response. The reason is because, with an 11-game winning streak and a current 15-2 (7-0 in ACC Play) record, freshman standout Cooper Flagg has transformed this Duke squad into a legitimate championship threat.
Not only has Flagg been Duke’s bright spot, but the starters have been assisting him in being as effective as possible when the offense is operating at full capacity. Flagg is averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
One thing about this Duke squad is that they have a lot of depth coming off the bench, and players like Isaiah Evans, Mason Gillis, and Maliq Brown are making significant contributions that are helping the club advance.
Duke faced Kansas, Kentucky, Arizona, and Auburn in their opening games of the season, which were challenging. They won two of the four games and lost two, but they were also fierce opponents, which motivated this team.
These games gave this young Duke squad a sense of how the remainder of the season will unfold, that nothing will be taken lightly, and that they will give it their all in terms of ACC competition going ahead. Hopefully, they can build on this early success and push into March Madness to have a strong chance at a National Championship.
ESPN will broadcast Duke vs. Boston College on Saturday at 8:00 in Conte Forum.Duke should win this weekend, but don’t underestimate these clubs’ ability to defeat the top team.
Mike Krzyzewski, a legend in Duke basketball, gives Cooper Flagg his full support.
Cooper Flagg, a freshman at Duke, is making an impression against some of the top collegiate players in the country after spending the summer scrimmagiMike Krzyzewsking against—and wowing—some of the world’s top basketball players.
Whether it’s his highlight-reel poster dunk or his amazing ability to fill the stat sheet everyday, the 18-year-old Flagg has swiftly established himself as a must-watch television star.
During an episode of his show Basketball & Beyond With Coach K, Mike Krzyzewski, a five-time national champion, proclaimed Flagg the “best player in the country.” Flagg has also drawn the notice of a Blue Devils legend.
In addition to his outstanding offensive versatility and passing prowess, Krzyzewski was especially pleased by Flagg’s competitiveness and ability as a teammate.
Krzyzewski remarked, “He’s such a great teammate,” “He is seen on the bench… For his teammates, he is happy. He’s only eighteen, too. He is aware of all of this. With his group, he is happy. He isn’t happy with the rival. He is a fierce competitor. He is the nation’s best player.
There isn’t really anyone playing better than Flagg this season, with the exception of Johni Broome, a forward for Auburn. The Newport, Maine native is averaging 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists through 17 games. On the defensive end, he is also averaging more than one steal and one block per game.
Flagg also had the finest performance of his early college basketball career, scoring 42 points in a victory over Notre Dame this past week, setting the ACC’s single-game scoring record for a rookie.
The Duke sensation has already impressed Krzyzewski, who spent his basketball coaching career surrounded by many outstanding players.
On Saturday night, Flagg will have his New England homecoming against Boston College, the No. 3-ranked Blue Devils’ next opponent.
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