With rookie star Cooper Flagg leading the way on both ends of the court, the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils are winning and are considered the greatest team in the nation
Playing against the Boston College Eagles in front of several family members from his native state of Maine, Flagg recently completed an incredible performance that felt like a homecoming.
With an 88-63 victory, Duke improved to 16-2 on the season and extended their winning streak to 12 games. Flagg finished with four assists, two steals, two blocks, five rebounds, and 28 points.
Flagg was selected ACC Rookie of the Week for the third straight week after his dominating performance against Boston College and his continued outstanding play throughout the week, which included a particularly impressive performance against the Miami Hurricanes.
Flagg has given the Blue Devils his all this season. The anticipated first-round choice in the June NBA draft leads Duke in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and minutes played, despite the team’s strong and skilled roster.
In addition to shooting 48.8% from the field and 34.8% from three-point range, Flagg is averaging 19.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks a game.
Following the triumph over Boston College, Flagg talked about how much it meant to him that so many people travelled from Duke to support him, along with his family, in what will be the closest game of the season to his hometown of Newport, Maine.
“It’s huge, the level of support, just to get to see them show up and support me means a lot to me.” “Flagg said.” “It simply boosts my confidence.” Being from Maine, it’s simple to doubt your abilities or to believe that you are incapable of achieving your goals.
I simply want to continue demonstrating that where you’re from doesn’t actually matter. You can achieve anything as long as you remain dedicated and persistent.
Duke basketball, the presumptive number one seed in the NCAA Tournament, is treading carefully.
Duke basketball is on track for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but even one misstep could jeopardize its position
The Blue Devils, now 12-2 overall and 4-0 in the ACC following an 89-62 win over SMU on Saturday, remain ranked No. 4 in the latest AP Poll. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi also projects Duke as a No. 1 seed in his Bracketology, alongside Auburn, Tennessee, and Iowa State—the same top four teams in the AP rankings for three consecutive weeks.
Duke’s case for a No. 1 seed is strong. The team is 4-2 in Quadrant 1 games and has not lost outside that category. Additionally, Duke ranks No. 2 overall at KenPom, boasting the ninth-best offensive efficiency and the third-best defensive efficiency. Only Iowa State shares the distinction of being in the top 10 in both categories.
However, the Blue Devils face a unique challenge. While their dominance warrants their spot on the top seed line, the competition in the ACC pales in comparison to other powerhouse conferences like the SEC and Big 12. These leagues, which are projected to send more teams to the NCAA Tournament, provide more Quadrant 1 opportunities, allowing teams to absorb losses without significant damage to their seeding.
In contrast, Duke’s ACC competition is weaker. The next highest ACC team in Lunardi’s predictions is Pittsburgh as a No. 6 seed, with Clemson as a No. 7 and SMU and North Carolina barely making the field. Meanwhile, the SEC is projected to send 12 teams, the Big Ten 11, and the Big 12 eight. This disparity leaves Duke with only four remaining Quadrant 1 games on its schedule, while 10 of its final 17 matchups are against Quadrant 3 or 4 opponents.
A single slip-up against a lower-tier ACC team could knock Duke off the No. 1 seed line, possibly even jeopardizing a No. 2 seed if multiple losses occur. While the Blue Devils have cruised through the ACC thus far, winning by an average margin of 21.8 points, the margin for error is razor-thin.
To secure a No. 1 seed, Duke likely needs to finish no worse than 18-2 in ACC play and win the conference tournament. While this is achievable given their current form, the team must maintain its focus and consistency to navigate the tightrope of their remaining schedule and maintain their place atop the NCAA Tournament projections.
Duke basketball freshman’s brother receives first offer and starts D1 journey.
Family legacies are common in the world of collegiate basketball, and the most recent tale comes from the family of a freshman phenom at Duke
With his first D1 basketball offer this week, the younger brother of Duke Basketball’s budding star has formally started his own Division I adventure. For the young talent, who has long been motivated by his sibling’s accomplishments, this milestone is the beginning of what may be a bright career.
The Offer That Sets Everything in Motion
The younger brother’s potential on the court is acknowledged by [School Name] through the offer. Even though he doesn’t now have the same level of national recognition as his older sibling, he has demonstrated a wide range of skills and a high basketball IQ in high school contests. His leadership abilities, which are similar to those of his older brother, defensive instincts, and ability to score at all three levels have impressed scouts.
A Household of Hoopers
It’s obvious that basketball runs in the family. In his debut season, the Duke freshman has already made an impression, garnering recognition for his elegance, court vision, and game-changing talent. His younger brother has trained with him for many hours, using his success as a model and source of inspiration. The two have a strong relationship, and the Duke freshman frequently acts as a mentor and role model.
The younger brother’s initial offer reflects the family’s unwavering devotion to the sport as well as his diligence and hard work. Without a question, his upbringing in a competitive atmosphere has honed his abilities and equipped him for the demands of playing collegiately
What Comes Next?
Even while the initial offer is a big step, the younger brother’s journey is probably only getting started. More schools are anticipated to notice his skills as he develops and becomes more well-known. The course of his recruiting will be greatly influenced by how well he does in the forthcoming competitions and during his high school career.
The family is enjoying the occasion for the time being. “The journey starts now—can’t wait to see what’s next for you!” the Duke freshman said on social media, expressing his joy and pleasure in his younger brother’s accomplishment.
One thing is certain as the younger brother enters Division I basketball for the first time: the basketball heritage of the family is just getting started. He has the ability to follow in his sibling’s footsteps and establish himself at the greatest level if he works hard and is determined.
The top-ranked Duke basketball target falls out of the #1 slot.
All three of the recipients of the 2026 Duke basketball offer are still in the top 10.
Brandon McCoy Jr., a 6-foot-4, 170-pound junior guard, was ranked first overall in the 2026 class by On3 and the 247Sports 2026 Composite when he visited the Duke basketball team in early November from St. John Bosco High School (Calif.).
In the composite standings, he remains at the top.
However, McCoy dropped two spots to No. 3 in the On3 rankings this week, so that might soon change. Tyran Stokes, a five-star forward from Notre Dame High School (Calif.), rose to the top, while Christian Collins, a teammate from St. John Bosco, vaulted to No. 2.
To be fair to Brandon McCoy Jr., who has been sidelined for more than a month due to injury, he was offered by Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer in July and has since drawn Blue Devil coaches to his school.
Scheyer and his team are still in the running for the other two high school juniors who received offers from Durham: Jordan Smith Jr., a five-star guard from Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.), and Miikka Muurinen, a five-star forward from Compass Prep (Ariz.).
Muurinen is ranked seventh in the cycle based on the most recent On3 report. Additionally, Smith is ranked No. 8 overall and visited the Blue Devils the same weekend as McCoy.
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