In Auburn basketball’s best season ever, Johni Broome is doing it all. The guy is leading the Tigers in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game. Most of his numbers are SEC-best. And let’s not forget that he has managed all this while missing three games due to injury. So, he makes up a pretty strong case for National Player of the Year. But guess what? Cooper Flagg is proving time and again why he’s still the basketball world’s favorite.

A few days ago, against Virginia, the freshman pulled off yet another ridiculous feat. He became just the fourth player ever to win ACC Rookie of the Week ten times in a single season, tying a record set by some absolute legends—Kenny Anderson (Georgia Tech, 1990), Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina, 2006), and Jabari Parker (Duke, 2014).

And if you need even more proof that Flagg is a generational talent, UCLA coach Mick Cronin had some bold praise. “He’s the best player in the country. I know Johni Broome may win Player of the Year and he’s a great player, but look, Cooper Flagg is generational,” Cronin said and he didn’t stop there. 

“The competitiveness to block a shot, the fire and then the character, the makeup. In case you talk about basketball skills, this kid’s got the makeup on as far as his drive, the off the court…..the mental. I mean, he’s a perennial All-Star in the NBA for many years.” That’s a heavy stamp of approval from a national coach, and honestly hard to argue. 

The Duke’s superstar is already the projected No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA Draft and he keeps proving why. In the game against Virginia, he didn’t just grab one milestone, he secured two. Along with his historic season among ACC freshmen, Flagg has now locked in one of the best single seasons in conference history. He’s the first ACC player in the last 25 years to put up 500 points, 100 assists, and 30 blocks in a regular season. And he’s done it in just 26 career games.

No one else has pulled that off in the last quarter-century! 

Offensively, the baller is stuffing the stat sheet like crazy. 49% from the field, 37% from deep, and making it all look effortless. Defensively, he’s the best prospect we’ve seen in years. And beyond the stats, his maturity is next level. This past summer, he ran with USA Basketball’s Select Team ahead of the Paris Olympics. The hype was at an all-time high, but he handled it like a pro. And the NBA took notice.

An NBA scout told FOX Sports, “He’s a lock to be an elite No. 2 option in the NBA with upside for him to be a No. 1. With Cooper, it feels like a guarantee that he will contribute to a winning team.” Translation- whichever team lands the No. 1 pick this year is getting an absolute stud. And now he’s proving every day why he’s the real deal. But is he even planning to turn pro?  Or will his love for Duke cause chaos in the big boys’ league? We’ll have to see that.

Meanwhile, amidst all the pro talks, don’t forget that the National Player of the Year race is still a two-man showdown. 

The battle for Player of the Year: Johni Broome vs. Cooper Flagg

Auburn’s Johni Broome and Duke’s Cooper Flagg are leaving the competition in the dust. And While both are dominating forces, they’re making their mark in distinctly different ways. Broome, a fifth-year senior, is a double-double machine. He’s averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. 

He’s sixth in the nation in rebounds per game and has been the anchor for Auburn’s best season in history. His post-scoring is elite, especially with that deadly left hook. Plus, he’s a solid passer for a big man, which makes double-teaming him a risky move. Sure, he’s not a great three-point shooter, but he’s capable enough to keep defenders honest. 

Then there’s Flagg. The 6’9” freshman is leading Duke in every major statistical category, averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, four assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He’s a true three-level scorer, and his offensive game has only gotten better as the season has gone on. But his real calling card is his Defense. The 18-year-old’s defensive versatility is off the charts. He can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and protect the rim. 

Right now, the odds favor the Duke star. According to ESPNBET, he’s -170 to win the award, while Broome sits at +120. Cooper Flagg overtook Broome as the favorite earlier this season after Broome missed time with a severe ankle sprain.

But if Broome had stayed healthy all year, would things be different? Could he have been the one leading the conversation right now? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, this year is surely the most competitive NCAA tournament in recent college basketball history.