National Reporter Ignores Zion Williamson for Cooper Flagg as He Claims Duke Star Is NBA Ready Already

Cooper Flagg and his Blue Devils are breaking records left, right, and center! After a commanding victory against Boston College, Duke remains undefeated in conference play. An eight-game winning streak is nothing to scoff at, and Flagg’s performance is already something to write home about. With 28 points on efficient shooting, he did his job well. However, analysts believe that Flagg’s main upside is not in his offense.

On the Kevin O’Connor show, college basketball analyst John Fanta discussed the potential first-overall pick’s talents. “He [Cooper Flagg] is going to be a slam dunk at the next level because he was playing like a pro in high school. He never waivers in his intensity, never… does not take a play off.” John Fanta, with all of his experience, doesn’t hold back when it comes to rating players. Many stars have flourished, and many busts have passed by in front of him.

What he has to say about Flagg, however, might shock you. “I have not seen a player possess the defensive traits like Flagg at the age of eighteen… If he does not block a shot, he alters it with his presence. He knows where to be at all time. He does not get lazy defending a screen. If you go at him? Good luck. I don’t think that is a good idea.”

The analyst, however, went even a step further. “He could fit right into an NBA game right now, defensively.” The statement is true. With Duke’s sheer dominance and regular offensive feats by Flagg, his defense doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Cooper Flagg is averaging eight rebounds and over a block and a steal per game.

Generational wings aren’t anything new for Duke, having had players like Jayson Tatum and Zion Williamson, but Cooper Flagg is. “I have never had a player that can score 42 points in a game like he did against Notre Dame and I’m still as entertained watching him defend as I am with him scoring.” This is a big statement, as Zion Williamson had one of the biggest college seasons of all time.

He was doing it all on the court, offensively and defensively. The former first overall pick averaged over 22 points, 9 rebounds, and nearly 2 steals and 2 blocks a game. Touted as the best prospect since LeBron, Zion’s collegiate career was nothing to scoff at. But Fanta might be thinking differently, considering how much he praised Flagg’s defensive ability and competitive spirit.

His energy on the court is truly invigorating. Flagg supports his teammates with rambunctious energy while remaining fierce with his matchups. This drew praise from Coach K as well on his show Basketball & Beyond with Coach K. “He’s joyful with his group, he’s not joyful with the opponent. He’s a h-ll of a competitor.” For Coach to say this? It’s a big deal.

Cooper Flagg is making a solid case for the first overall pick right now, but there’s a lot in store for Blue Devils fans this season before we think about the draft. His defensive abilities put him a rank above the rest, and his upside while on the court is tremendous. It remains to be seen how far Duke will go this year, but so far? The sky’s the limit.

Flagg’s comparisons know no bounds

Cooper Flagg has been compared to some of the greatest athletes in the world. While suiting up for Team USA Select before the Olympics, the LeBron comparisons were never-ending. Even the King complimented the young Blue Devils player. Recently, however, analysts have been digging up more and more players that they see parts of in Cooper Flagg.

On the Kevin O’Connor show, the host O’Connor and John Fanta discussed the six-foot-nine forward’s ceiling as a prospect. “The way his shot has improved, sometimes I’m like are there shades of Kawhi? Could there be?” Kevin O’Connor said, with John Fanta’s agreement.

“Competitive nature? There’s a Kevin Garnett there. But Cooper’s got a little bit more ‘silent assassin’ to him,” said Fanta, comparing him to the former DPOY. Even Anthony Davis was mentioned as a comparison, though he’s a bit more of a traditional center than Flagg.

The thing about Cooper Flagg is that he’s versatile. All his eggs aren’t in one basket, he can do a lot more than just score. His intangibles and his defense have nearly locked in his spot in the NBA draft, but there’s still a little push to be made. If he does end up maturing to be a Kawhi Leonard or a Kevin Garnett, it will be a sight to see. What do you think? Will he end up succeeding in the league? How far will Duke go? Only time will tell.