Trent Noah Running It Back: Sophomore Season Set to Spark Growth for Kentucky Star

Trent Noah’s choice to return to Kentucky for his sophomore year is a major plus for head coach Mark Pope as he continues to shape a competitive roster for the 2024–25 season. After a solid freshman campaign, the Eastern Kentucky native’s return provides much-needed depth and stability in the backcourt.

A Glimpse of What’s to Come
During his first year in Lexington, Noah averaged 2.7 points in 11.1 minutes per game, shooting 45.1% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Though his three-point shot lacked consistency, he showed real flashes of promise—most notably in a standout performance against Tennessee, where he dropped 11 points and hit three of four shots from deep. Beyond scoring, he contributed as a smart passer and reliable rebounder.

Offseason Focus: Strength and Skill
Mark Pope has expressed confidence in Noah’s upside, emphasizing the importance of physical development. He’s hoping Noah can add 15–20 pounds over the next couple of years, which would enhance his ability to compete at a higher level. Strength training and improved shooting consistency will be key focuses as he prepares for year two.

Boosting the Wildcats’ Roster
Noah’s return adds another piece to Kentucky’s increasingly intriguing roster. He joins fellow freshman returnee Collin Chandler, with big man Brandon Garrison also back in the fold. Otega Oweh is testing the NBA Draft waters while maintaining his eligibility, and Travis Perry’s decision remains the final piece of the puzzle. With experience and youth blending together, Pope’s squad is beginning to look like a serious contender.

A Breakout Year on the Horizon?
Expectations are rising for Noah, who’s likely to see a larger role this upcoming season. With growth on both ends of the floor and more minutes on the court, he could be primed for a breakout campaign. Whether spacing the floor as a shooter or providing reliable defense and hustle, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

Final Thoughts
Trent Noah’s decision to run it back with the Wildcats is a win all around—for Pope, for the program, and for Big Blue Nation. His development could be a key storyline next season, and fans in Eastern Kentucky can take pride in seeing one of their own continuing the climb in Lexington. The “Mountain Mamba” is just getting started.

Kentucky Wildcats Eyeing Star Prospect — Son of NBA Champion Could Be

Kentucky Reportedly Reignites Interest in Transfer Guard Andrej Stojakovic

Following Lamar Wilkerson’s commitment to Indiana, speculation grew around whether Kentucky would seek another perimeter scorer to round out its deepening roster. That answer might now be emerging — and it involves a familiar face. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Cal guard Andrej Stojakovic has re-entered the transfer portal with a “do not contact” tag, often signaling that a destination is already in mind. Among the interested programs? Reportedly, the Kentucky Wildcats.

A Rekindled Connection

This is Stojakovic’s second time hitting the portal. After starting his college career at Stanford, the 6-foot-7 guard transferred to Cal, bypassing offers from several powerhouse programs, including Kentucky and North Carolina. Though he ultimately opted to stay in-state, Kentucky’s earlier pursuit apparently left a lasting impression. With Mark Pope now shaping his first full roster in Lexington, a second run at Stojakovic could be in the works.

Strong Sophomore Showing

During his lone season at Cal, Stojakovic showcased his scoring ability, averaging 17.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across 29 appearances. He shot 42.7% from the floor and 31.8% from three, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention and votes for Most Improved Player.

He delivered several standout performances, including a 30-point outburst at Clemson and a 37-point gem against Stanford in the ACC Tournament, where he hit four threes and shot nearly 60% from the field. Though his outside shooting is still developing, his ability to score inside the arc and create his own offense makes him an intriguing target.

Why He Fits Kentucky’s Plans

Stojakovic checks multiple boxes for Kentucky — size, versatility, and offensive upside. He’s especially effective in the mid-range and as a slasher, and his experience leading a rebuilding Cal squad mirrors that of Pitt transfer Jaland Lowe, who also joins the Wildcats this offseason.

With a more defined role and deeper supporting cast, Stojakovic could refine his efficiency and elevate his game in a system that doesn’t require him to be the primary offensive engine.

What’s Next?

While Stojakovic hasn’t declared for the NBA Draft, projections place him in the second round. Many expect he’ll return to college for another year, and Kentucky could be the ideal stage for him to further develop and raise his draft stock. If mutual interest becomes commitment, he could become a key late addition to a Wildcats team with major March aspirations.

Mark Pope of Kentucky Received Disappointing News Following the NCAA Tournament

Mark Pope took a major step forward in his coaching career for the 2024–25 college basketball season when he assumed the head coaching job at Kentucky, one of the sport’s most prestigious programs. He succeeded legendary coach John Calipari and made the move after a successful five-year run at BYU.

In his first season leading his alma mater, Pope guided the Wildcats to a 24-12 record and a Sweet 16 appearance — a strong start to his tenure in Lexington.

Now, as he navigates his first full offseason, key roster decisions will play a pivotal role in determining the team’s outlook for the 2025–26 campaign. Unfortunately for Pope and Big Blue Nation, he was recently dealt a setback.

Guard Otega Oweh announced via Instagram that he has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility. In a message to fans, Oweh said, “To the best fans in the nation, Big Blue Nation — playing the game I love with your support has been a dream come true. I’m taking the next step and have declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, while maintaining my NCAA eligibility. God bless, Double O.”

Oweh spent just one season with Kentucky after transferring from Oklahoma, where he played two seasons and averaged 11.4 points in his sophomore year. With the Wildcats, he made a significant impact, averaging 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Kentucky also lost veteran guard Kerr Kriisa to the transfer portal this offseason. Kriisa, who played his final college season at Cincinnati, is moving on after stops at Arizona and West Virginia.

On the plus side, Pope has made several strong additions through the transfer portal, bringing in Alabama forward Mouhamed Dioubate, Pittsburgh point guard Jaland Lowe, Arizona State big man Jayden Quaintance, and Tulane guard/wing Kam Williams to help reload the roster.

Kentucky is reportedly involved in a five-star transfer.

Could Jamir Watkins Be the Final Addition to Kentucky’s 2025-26 Roster?

After missing out on Sam Houston State sharpshooter Lamar Wilkerson—who committed to Indiana—Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats are still looking to secure one final piece to round out their 2025-26 squad. That need becomes even more pressing if Otega Oweh stays in the NBA Draft.

A new name to watch? Florida State wing Jamir Watkins, who emerged as a potential target on Wednesday. According to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68, Louisville, Kentucky, and Illinois are among the schools in the mix for the versatile grad transfer.

The 6-foot-7, 210-pound Watkins is a high-level portal option, currently ranked as the No. 6 overall transfer and No. 2 small forward, just behind St. John’s star RJ Luis Jr. He has also declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

A Trenton, New Jersey native, Watkins began his college career at VCU. He averaged 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds during the 2020–21 COVID-shortened season, redshirted in 2021–22 due to a knee injury, and then bounced back to post 9.5 points, 5.4 boards, and 1.5 assists per game in 2022–23.

Watkins transferred to Florida State ahead of the 2023–24 season, where he had a breakout year under former Kentucky assistant Leonard Hamilton. In his first season with the Seminoles, he put up 15.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting nearly 46% from the field and 34% from deep, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors.

This past season, he took another leap, averaging 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals, with shooting splits of 42.7% from the field and 32.1% from three. He was named to the All-ACC Second Team and scored over 20 points in 12 games, including a 30-point outburst vs. Rice, 26 vs. UNC, and 21 at Duke. He also notched a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the ACC Tournament against Syracuse.

With just one year of eligibility remaining, Watkins is looking for a final landing spot to elevate his draft stock—and Kentucky could be that place.

The Wildcats have already signed four portal additions this offseason:

Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) – PG

Kam Williams (Tulane) – SG/SF

Mouhamed Dioubate (Alabama) – PF

Jayden Quaintance (Arizona State) – C

Adding Watkins would provide scoring, experience, and lineup flexibility—possibly completing the roster puzzle in Lexington.

Kentucky Wildcats Make Contact with Cade Tyson, a Transfer from UNC

Kentucky Reignites Interest in Cade Tyson as Roster Reshaping Continues

As the Kentucky Wildcats continue to retool their roster under new leadership, they’ve reportedly reconnected with a familiar name. Per On3’s Jamie Shaw, Kentucky has reached out to Cade Tyson, a 6-foot-7 wing who recently entered the transfer portal following a short and turbulent stint with the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Tyson is drawing attention from several notable programs, including Iowa, Ohio State, Purdue, Clemson, Oklahoma, and BYU. However, Kentucky’s renewed interest is particularly intriguing, as the Wildcats previously recruited the North Carolina native during the 2023 transfer cycle.

Kentucky’s Angle: Strategic Depth or Hidden Gem?
Kentucky’s outreach suggests they’re keeping their options open as they round out their roster. While Tyson may not be a top-tier target at this stage, he could bring valuable veteran depth and outside shooting — especially if other high-profile transfer opportunities fall through.

For Tyson, this next move could be pivotal in reviving his college career. With one year of eligibility left, he’ll be looking to finish strong at a program that can help him recapture the trajectory he once enjoyed as one of the top mid-major standouts in the country.

Struggles at UNC After Mid-Major Stardom
Tyson never quite found his footing at North Carolina. Amid a deep and competitive rotation, he averaged only 7.9 minutes per game over 31 appearances, producing 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds per outing. His shooting also took a hit, dropping to 29.2% from three — a significant dip from his previous numbers at Belmont. Still, his size and proven ability as a shooter continue to make him an appealing prospect.

From Belmont Breakout to Power Five Setback
Tyson began his college career at Belmont, where he quickly emerged as an elite scorer at the mid-major level. As a freshman in 2022–23, he earned Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year honors with averages of 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 49% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc.

He elevated his game further as a sophomore, averaging 16.2 points and nearly six boards while shooting a blistering 46.5% from three — ranking among the top marks in the country. His breakout seasons earned him Second-Team All-MVC recognition and made him a hot commodity in last year’s transfer portal.

While he ultimately chose to return home and join the Tar Heels, the opportunity at North Carolina didn’t pan out as expected. Now, as he re-enters the portal, Kentucky appears ready to make another push — potentially offering Tyson a chance to finish his career with the impact he originally set out to make.

Kentucky makes touch with the transfer from North Carolina Tyson Cade

A New Player to Watch

As Kentucky looks to round out its backcourt with one final addition, a familiar name has resurfaced on their radar.

Per On3’s Jamie Shaw, the Wildcats have reached out to former North Carolina guard Cade Tyson. Other programs showing interest include BYU, Ohio State, Purdue, Clemson, and Iowa.

Tyson may ring a bell for Kentucky fans—he was recruited by the Wildcats during the 2024 transfer portal cycle after an impressive two-year run at Belmont. Originally an unranked recruit in the 2022 class, the North Carolina native quickly established himself as a top mid-major performer.

Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 200 pounds, Tyson earned Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 2022-23 after averaging 13.6 points on 49% shooting (41.7% from three) and 4.6 rebounds per game.

He elevated his game as a sophomore, putting up 16.2 points on 49.3% shooting (46.5% from deep on 5.5 attempts), along with 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest.

Things didn’t go as planned at UNC, where he saw just 7.9 minutes per game and averaged 2.6 points (40% FG, 29.2% from three) and 1.1 rebounds.

Despite the struggles in Chapel Hill, Tyson could potentially serve as a solid role player—similar to Ansley Almonor—if he’s open to that kind of spot. Still, Kentucky would likely need to strike out on several other targets before seriously considering this option.

The linked UNC basketball transfer target has decided to commit elsewhere.

UNC Basketball Misses Out on Kanon Catchings, Who Commits to Georgia

What once seemed like a strong fit between UNC basketball and BYU transfer Kanon Catchings has now come to an unexpected end.

After entering the transfer portal, Catchings quickly drew attention from Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis and his staff, even making a visit to Chapel Hill. Many believed UNC had the inside track to land the former four-star forward.

However, on Sunday night, On3’s Joe Tipton reported that Catchings has committed to Georgia instead, choosing the Bulldogs over other top contenders.

The 6-foot-9, 190-pound forward was ranked No. 41 in the 2024 class by 247Sports Composite when he came out of Overtime Elite. His connection to UNC seemed promising — his aunt, WNBA legend Tamika Catchings, was once represented by current Tar Heels GM Jim Tanner, which many thought could play a role in his decision.

In his freshman season at BYU, Catchings averaged 7.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

Despite missing out on Catchings, UNC remains in good shape in the transfer market, having secured commitments from Alabama’s Jarin Stevenson, Colorado State’s Kyan Evans, Arizona’s Henri Veesaar, and West Virginia’s Jonathan Powell.

A Duke basketball veteran believes that a 5-star is attempting to “leverage” UNC through the Ball Durham transfer portal.

The former Duke star was left shocked by a major transfer portal move on Monday afternoon.

In today’s era of frequent college basketball transfers, surprises are rare—but a former Duke basketball icon was caught off guard by the unexpected decision of North Carolina’s 5-star guard, Ian Jackson.

Jackson officially entered the transfer portal, ending his tenure with the Tar Heels after just one season. He posted averages of 11.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.6 steals per game, shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc.

Initially projected as a one-and-done talent and a McDonald’s All-American, Jackson’s path to the NBA hasn’t materialized as expected, and now he’s seeking a fresh start for his sophomore year. Schools like St. John’s, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Georgia have already expressed interest.

Jay Williams, a Duke legend and current ESPN analyst, was baffled by the move. He suggested on X (formerly Twitter) that the transfer might be a strategy to increase his NIL value:
“This could just be a play to negotiate a higher salary & leverage the marketplace… it has to be. UNC can’t let him get away.”

But UNC has, in fact, let him walk. Head coach Hubert Davis is now under pressure to revamp the program following a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit in the Round of 64, despite winning their First Four matchup.

Had North Carolina not squeaked into March Madness this season—against many predictions—it would have marked their second absence in four years under Davis. Critics have suggested Jackson was underutilized, largely relegated to playing off the ball while RJ Davis finished his final season. Now, with both Jackson and fellow standout Elliot Cadeau entering the portal, UNC is left reeling and in search of a reset.

Duke receives important news soon following Florida.-The Houston National Championship

The 2025 NCAA men’s basketball championship came down to the wire in San Antonio, with top-seeded Florida narrowly defeating No. 1 Houston, 65–63, in a dramatic finish at the Alamodome on Monday night

Florida clinched its third national title thanks to a costly blunder by Houston in the closing seconds. With under 10 seconds left, Cougars forward Emanuel Sharp had a clean look at a potential game-winning three-pointer. But he hesitated, lost control of the ball, and time expired — handing the Gators the win.

Houston’s late-game breakdown mirrored the collapse it forced on Duke and star freshman Cooper Flagg in their Final Four clash just days earlier.

After fans recovered from the stunning conclusion, Duke received promising news for next season. FanDuel Sportsbook has listed the Blue Devils as early favorites (+1000) to win the 2026 national title, with the Final Four set to be played in Indianapolis.

Houston follows closely behind at +1200, while Florida sits further back at +2500, despite winning this year’s title.

It’s uncertain whether these odds account for NBA Draft declarations. Flagg is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, and Duke head coach Jon Scheyer could also lose fellow freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach — both lottery prospects.

Still, the Blue Devils are set to reload with a strong incoming class, featuring four top-25 recruits, including Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the twin sons of former Duke standout Carlos Boozer.

While Scheyer would no doubt trade places with Florida’s Todd Golden to have lifted the trophy this season, Duke fans can at least take solace in Houston’s heartbreak and the bright potential of what’s ahead for 2025–2026.

Jon Scheyer Sweeps Coaching Awards in Historic Milestone Season

Breaking: Duke’s Cooper Flagg Makes History as ACC Rookie and Player of the Year

DURHAM, N.C. — In a remarkable feat, Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has been named both the ACC Rookie of the Year and the ACC Player of the Year—an extraordinary double honor that places him in elite company.

The 6-foot-9 forward from Maine has dazzled college basketball fans all season with his elite skillset, athleticism, and high basketball IQ, becoming a driving force behind Duke’s success under head coach Jon Scheyer. A projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg’s dominance in the ACC has been unmatched.

Flagg averaged 19.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game while showcasing two-way excellence. Offensively, he proved to be a versatile scorer and unselfish playmaker. Defensively, he anchored Duke with his shot-blocking and ability to guard across positions.

More than just numbers, Flagg’s poise and leadership in high-pressure moments helped Duke secure a top seed for the NCAA Tournament. His maturity and relentless work ethic earned praise from coaches and media alike, with Coach Scheyer calling him “a leader and a transformational player.”

Flagg becomes the first freshman in ACC history to claim both major individual honors in the same season, setting a new precedent for excellence. As Duke enters March Madness, all eyes remain on the freshman star whose impact continues to grow.

Duke is the early favorite to win the 2026 NCAA title.

Despite Flagg’s Expected Departure, Duke Opens as 2026 Title Favorite

Even with superstar freshman and national player of the year Cooper Flagg likely headed to the NBA, sportsbooks still consider Duke the frontrunner to win the 2026 NCAA championship.

The Blue Devils finished the 2024–25 season with an impressive 35–4 record, falling just short of the title game after a heartbreaking 70–67 loss to Houston in the Final Four. Still, betting markets remain bullish on Duke’s future.

As of Monday, BetRivers, FanDuel, and DraftKings all listed Duke as the early favorite to win next year’s championship at +1000 odds.

Houston and Florida Among Top Contenders

Houston, which fell to Florida 65–63 in the national championship game, sits just behind Duke in the odds. The Cougars were posted at +1200 by DraftKings and FanDuel, and +1300 by BetRivers. Meanwhile, national champion Florida came in at +2500 across all three platforms, likely due to the departure of All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr., who is entering the NBA Draft.

Several other programs are expected to contend for the 2026 crown. DraftKings lists UConn at +1400, BYU at +1600, St. John’s and Purdue at +1800, and Kansas, Arkansas, and Kentucky at +2000.

FanDuel shows Louisville and Purdue at +1400, Kansas and BYU at +1600, with UConn, Alabama, Arkansas, and Auburn each at +1800.

At BetRivers, Arkansas, Louisville, Purdue, and BYU are tied at +1400, followed by UConn (+1700), and Alabama, Kentucky, and Auburn all at +1800.

BYU’s Rising Stock

BYU’s strong odds are fueled by their blockbuster signing of AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class. The 6-foot-9 phenom chose the Cougars over blue bloods like Kansas, North Carolina, and Alabama back in December.

As offseason movement begins and rosters take shape, expect these odds to continue evolving—but for now, Duke remains the team to beat, even without Flagg.

“Teen Spirit, Grown Game: Cooper Flagg Named AP Player of the Year After Historic Freshman Season”

“I’m definitely getting one too,” Flagg said with a smile, showing that despite everything, he’s still very much a teenager at heart.

But while he may still be a kid off the court, his play has been anything but youthful. From the moment of his college debut, the 18-year-old has played with a maturity far beyond his years—scoring, rebounding, facilitating, and defending at an elite level. He embraced the enormous expectations that came with being the likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and quickly became the engine behind Duke’s title push, leading with intensity and poise.

That dominance is why Flagg was named the Associated Press Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year on Friday—just the fourth freshman to ever receive the honor in its 64-year history.

The 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, edged out Auburn standout Johni Broome in what was essentially a two-man race. Both were unanimous first-team AP All-Americans and the only players to receive votes for the award, but Flagg earned a commanding 41 of 61 votes from AP Top 25 media panel members.

He joins an elite group of freshman winners: Duke’s Zion Williamson (2019), Kentucky’s Anthony Davis (2012), and Texas’ Kevin Durant (2007)—all of whom went on to be top-two picks in the NBA Draft. Flagg also becomes the eighth Duke player to win the award, the most of any program.

Around 15 friends and family traveled to San Antonio to support Flagg during his press conference. His Duke teammates and coaches were there too, with head coach Jon Scheyer beaming proudly and teammates cheering from the back row.

“He plays with incredible intensity, he’s selfless, and he’s clearly gifted,” Scheyer said after Duke’s final home game. “He’s a special player, and an even better teammate.”

Following what is probably the last game with Duke, Jon Scheyer gives Cooper Flagg a clear message.

The Duke Blue Devils capped off a strong season with a Final Four appearance, but it ended in heartbreak Saturday night as they surrendered a 14-point second-half lead to the Houston Cougars, losing 70-67 despite controlling much of the game.

The loss likely signals the end of Cooper Flagg’s college career following a standout freshman season. The projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Flagg said Friday that being selected by any NBA team would be a dream come true. “It would be a blessing for me to get drafted by any team in the NBA,” Flagg said. “That’s been a dream of mine for a long time.”

Though he hasn’t made an official announcement, Flagg’s departure seems imminent, especially with Duke’s season ending just hours before. On Sunday morning, he received the prestigious Naismith Trophy for National Player of the Year — further cementing his legacy.

At the ceremony, head coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg’s incredible freshman year and the impact he’s had on the program. “We didn’t get much sleep last night, but I don’t want that to take away from what Cooper accomplished this season,” Scheyer said. “He’s been a joy to coach — historic on the court and a phenomenal teammate. Last night, he put us on his back with 27 points. We came up just short, but I couldn’t be prouder.”

Flagg led Duke across the board this season — topping the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and minutes. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field, 38.5% from three, and 84% from the free-throw line.

Though Flagg once hinted he might return for another year, that now appears unlikely. Scheyer reinforced that belief on March 31 during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, saying, “I think it’s time for him to chase the next dream — being the No. 1 pick and beginning his NBA career.”

BLAME GAME: Is Cooper Flagg Unjustly Held Responsible for Duke’s Difficult Loss?

Is Cooper Flagg Being Unfairly Blamed for Duke’s Final Four Loss?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Following Duke’s heartbreaking 76-70 loss to Houston in the Final Four, questions are swirling about what went wrong — and many of them are aimed squarely at Cooper Flagg. The freshman phenom, once touted as the driving force behind Duke’s championship hopes, is now under intense scrutiny after a late-game performance that didn’t live up to expectations.

A Disappointing Finish for Flagg

Flagg, who has been central to Duke’s offense throughout the tournament, finished the game with 12 points. However, his struggles in the final minutes — including missed shots and turnovers — have led to criticism from fans and media alike. As the face of the program and a projected NBA lottery pick, Flagg was expected to deliver in crunch time, and when he didn’t, some began to pin the loss on him.

One fan vented on social media, “Flagg didn’t play like the superstar we were promised. He disappeared when it mattered most.”

But It Wasn’t Just Flagg

Despite the criticism, Duke’s defeat wasn’t solely on Flagg. The Blue Devils as a whole faltered down the stretch. Their offense stalled, the defense couldn’t stop Houston’s momentum, and key players like fellow freshman Jayson Adams also struggled to produce. The loss was the result of a total team breakdown, not one player’s performance.

Head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized that after the game: “This wasn’t just on Cooper. We all failed to execute. It’s a tough one, but we’ll grow from it.”

Mounting Pressure on a Young Star

Flagg entered college basketball under a massive spotlight, with comparisons to past Duke greats and NBA legends. At just 18, he was expected to carry a storied program on his back. That pressure was bound to weigh heavily, especially in high-stakes moments like the Final Four.

Some, like former Blue Devil and NBA analyst Grant Hill, believe the criticism is unfair. “He’s still a freshman,” Hill said. “It’s not right to place the blame entirely on him. The whole team struggled.”

Looking Ahead

While the loss was undoubtedly painful, it’s far from the end of the road for Flagg. He remains one of the top talents in college basketball and is still projected to be a high pick in the NBA Draft. Teammates like Tyrese Proctor have voiced their support, insisting that Flagg is still their leader.

“We’re behind Cooper 100 percent,” Proctor said. “This one game doesn’t define what he’s done this season.”

As the dust settles and Duke begins to regroup, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg’s story is just beginning. His response to adversity will shape not only the remainder of his college career but also how he’s remembered long term — not a single tough night in March.