Ranking the Top Freshmen in College Basketball: Duke’s Cooper Flagg Earns Third Freshman of the Week Honor
Duke’s standout freshman Cooper Flagg put on a historic show in his team’s 86-78 win over Notre Dame, breaking the ACC freshman single-game scoring record with a career-best 42 points. This victory extended Duke’s winning streak to 10 games, with Flagg continuing his remarkable offensive stretch in 2025, scoring at least 19 points in his last four contests. His impressive week included double-doubles in wins over Pitt and SMU, capped by a performance against Notre Dame where he added seven assists and six rebounds to his 42 points.
In his first season, Flagg is rewriting records, leading Duke in every major statistical category—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His 42-point outing made him the first Blue Devil to reach 40 points in a game since JJ Redick achieved the feat in 2006 against Virginia.
Freshman of the Week: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Flagg earned his third Freshman of the Week award after his standout performance versus Notre Dame. He’s the first player to win the honor three times this season and is a leading candidate for Player of the Year, especially with Auburn’s Johni Broome sidelined due to injury. The projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft continues to showcase his scoring ability and defensive skills.
Previous Freshman of the Week Winners
- Nov. 12: Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
- Nov. 19: Joson Sanon, Arizona State
- Nov. 26: Labaron Philon, Alabama
- Dec. 3: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
- Dec. 10: Cooper Flagg, Duke
- Dec. 17: Liam McNeeley, UConn
- Dec. 24: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
- Jan. 1: Ian Jackson, North Carolina
- Jan. 8: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Frosh Watch: Ranking the Top 5 Freshmen
- Cooper Flagg | G/F | Duke
Stats: 19.1 PPG | 8.3 RPG | 3.9 APG
Flagg remains at No. 1 after his 42-point outburst against Notre Dame, including a career-best four 3-pointers. Duke has now started 6-0 in ACC play for the first time since 2007-08. - Dylan Harper | G | Rutgers
Stats: 20.1 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 4.4 APG
Despite being under the weather in a loss to Purdue, Harper bounced back with 18 points in a critical win over UCLA, helping end Rutgers’ three-game Big Ten losing streak. - Kasparas Jakučionis | G/F | Illinois
Stats: 16.4 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 5.4 APG
Jakučionis posted 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds in a win over Washington but missed subsequent games against Penn State and USC due to injury. - Ace Bailey | G/F | Rutgers
Stats: 18.9 PPG | 7.6 RPG | 1.1 SPG
Bailey notched his fifth double-double this season with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks in a win over UCLA. - Ian Jackson | G | North Carolina
Stats: 14.9 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 0.6 APG
Jackson has been a key contributor for North Carolina, averaging over 18 points during the Tar Heels’ three-game winning streak.
Flagg’s performances continue to distinguish him, solidifying his place as one of college basketball’s most electrifying freshmen.
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