In the world of college basketball, few players generate the level of excitement and expectation that Cooper Flagg has sparked. The Maine event at Duke is still a major topic of debate among fans and analysts regarding the Naismith Player of the Year conversations.

The 6’9” freshman guard became a household name even before stepping onto Duke University’s iconic hardwood, thanks to his jaw-dropping talent, relentless work ethic, and undeniable basketball IQ. At just 17, Flagg became the youngest player chosen for the USA Select team that was tasked to train with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team as they prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympic games.

But right now, Cooper’s insane stat line—42 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists—is making all the waves. On his way to breaking the ACC freshman single-game record of 41 points held by Olivier Hanlan, the Duke Blue Devils convincingly beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 86-78. His monstrous performances throughout his freshman year have made him the critics’ favorite for the first pick in the NBA draft.

The hosts of the To the Baha podcast have been raving about Flagg’s performance. They’ve declared him the best player in college basketball right now. Jay Jack in the podcast has nothing but good things to say about Flagg’s historic performances, where he almost broke the 40-year record of Most points scored by a Duke player held by Danny Ferry.

Talking about Cooper Flagg’s performance against Notre Dame, Jack says, “It’s the most points scored by a Duke player since JJ Reddick in 2006, it’s the second most points scored since Danny Ferry had 58 back in 1988. We are talking about almost a 40-year record that this guy is in the conversation with!”

Theo Pinson couldn’t hide his amazement at just how ridiculously efficient Cooper Flagg was, especially as a freshman. “The efficiency he played at is the most impressive thing out of that! 42? Cool, yeah. We seen a lot of people get 40. 14 shots, Ray?” Pinson asked, clearly in disbelief.

And for good reason—Flagg’s 11-14 shooting night against Notre Dame, paired with 16 made free throws, wasn’t just efficient; it was downright scary. No wonder Pinson and Ray had nothing but praise for the McD’s All-American. When a player hoops like that, what else can you do but marvel?

But all things said and done, the experts still don’t think Duke is the favorite to win the NCAA tournament.

Despite Cooper Flagg’s heroics, Duke still faces doubts

Speaking on the podcast, Jay said, “I think only time can tell, I would be willing to say they’ll be in final four.” He continues, “They just have so much talent, they’ve got a big(at every single position), they’ve got Cooper, they’ve got point guard play, they’ve got shooters.”

Despite the high praise, Jay notes that the Blue Devils are still a very young team and a lot will depend on how the freshmen play under pressure. “They have got everything you need to make a long run, time will tell with the freshmen when it comes to the tournament, like how they really deal with that talent-wise, there’s not many teams as talent as this Duke team.”

While Duke will be one of the favorites to win the NCAA tournament this season, the Maine event is also in the race for another award this season, the Naismith College Player of the Year award. While his team might not be the outright favorite to win the thing, he is definitely the critics’ favorite to win the NPOY now!

The Blue Devils travel to Chestnut Hill, MA to face their next opponent, the Boston College Eagles. The ESPN match predictor predicts a 97.1% chance for Duke to win the game and solidify their lead in the ACC.

Flagg is determined to keep his momentum going as he strengthens his case for the NPOY honors while aiming to lead his team to an NCAA championship. The competition is heating up, and the NPOY race promises to be a nail-biter until the very end. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on Cooper Flagg, the Duke Blue Devils, and his thrilling journey to the top!