The Illinois coach could not have been more kind to Duke’s rookie standout.
The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils solidified their status as a national title contender with a 110-67 thrashing of the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, in a marquee late-season non-conference game that captivated college basketball fans nationwide.
The 43-point setback for Illinois was the most lopsided in school history, leaving Illini coach Brad Underwood with little choice but to lavish accolades on Duke standout Cooper Flagg, who scored 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes of play.
“I hope he stays in school,” Underwood remarked after the game. “I mean, if I were the NCAA or the ACC, I’d work out a NIL deal to keep that guy in school because he represents everything that’s good about our game. Somebody told a tale about it. I hope he stays. Man, he would be fantastic. He could definitely earn more here than in the NBA. He also has incredibly wonderful people around him, which helps.”
Underwood may be correct, depending on the NIL agreement and Flagg’s potential earnings on a rookie contract in the NBA. In the short run, Flagg may make more money in NIL than on a rookie contract at the next level. But, in the long run, there’s little doubt that Flagg will earn more money as a professional.
So, why continue in school? Underwood added a nice quote to his recent admiration for Flagg.
“He’s 18. “He’s only 18 years old,” Underwood continued. “Go have fun. Chase a girl. I mean, simply enjoy the chance. I understand the whole issue. That’s set in stone; he’ll be who he is. And I’m just chatting randomly. I don’t know the kid or his family. But, dammit it, guy. “I’m excited about college basketball.”
Duke improved to 24-3 overall and 15-1 in the ACC. The Blue Devils are in contention for the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament next month.
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