Player evaluations after Duke’s resounding victory against UNC: RJ Davis vanishes and Cooper Flagg blows up.

Player Evaluations: RJ Davis Fails, Cooper Flagg Explodes in Duke’s Decisive Victory Over UNC

The Duke Blue Devils defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels, their fiercest rivals, 87-70 on February 1, 2025. Individual efforts were what made the difference that night, not just the team’s dominant defence or their outstanding attacking play.

Cooper Flagg, a freshman star, made his collegiate basketball debut with a spectacular performance, but veteran RJ Davis fell short of expectations. Here, we analyse the standout performances of the main players in this crucial ACC game.

Cooper Flagg: An Emerging Star Cooper Flagg, Duke’s freshman sensation, was really outstanding during this game.

The 6-foot-8 forward almost achieved a triple-double with a burst of 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Flagg’s effect on both ends of the floor was indisputable, although his stat line only partially reflects this.

Flagg’s scoring was a well-balanced combination of perimeter skill and inside strength. He scored easily in the paint early on by dominating inside with his length and quickness. His three-point shooting, however, proved equally effective as the game progressed, as he made a few long shots to keep the defence honest.

However, Flagg’s playmaking was arguably the most remarkable feature of his game. With seven assists, the rookie showed off his remarkable court vision, frequently threading the needle with accurate passes that set up teammates for simple baskets.