It did not even take Cooper Flagg a college debut to get his name up the NBA draft prospects. USA Basketball Select Team, nods from the league greats, and leading his school to a title on a perfect record already had his name listed. But becoming near undisputed no.1? Flagg had Duke to make his runway. About 20 games in, he may have some competition. But the freshman’s case has been so strong, an analyst’s belief could have him erasing any doubts about continuing with the Blue Devils.

Averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, the 5-star recruit is leading Duke in almost every other category; becoming one of the only players to do so. His ability to affect the game in so many different areas then has him poised to win the National Player of the Year race. But Johni Broome isn’t making it easy.

On NBC Sports’ show Bet the Edge, show hosts Jay Croucher, Drew Dinsick, and Vaughn Dalzell talked about the odds for the NPOY race, after monitoring the betting trends. “The price is only going in one direction, on Johni Broome who is plus 100 after being plus 175 last week. Cooper Flagg, at one point, was -700, -275 last week, now he’s -160,” Croucher reported.

A good post player and versatile Big Man, the Auburn star is averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Add the Tigers dominating the national charts 24-4 and odds are fluctuating in favor of Broome. But that is not shaking up Dalzell’s belief about Flagg still leading the race. He remains so stern, he could drive the crowd to shift focus.

“I think that this is becoming a point where we have to seriously consider putting a larger amount of money on Copper Flagg,” Dalzell, who has been a contributor for numberFire, FantasyPros and Bet The Prop adds. Moreover, could the young talent favoring college basketball over NBA add to the influence?

Cooper Flagg had only recently caused a stir with his hints at continuing with the Blue Devils rather than announcing for the draft. “S***, I want to come back next year,” he had told The Athletic. Following the same, Front Office Sports calculated how Flagg could be delaying his $398.5 million over five years payday that could come with his rookie contract extension. Well, Dalzell’s words at least seem to be of reassurance if he decides to forego the deal; or not.

“I still think Cooper Flagg is a steal. And if this continues to drop, I’m gonna put two or three units on this guy because I don’t understand it,” he concludes.

Cooper Flagg has ushered in new faces to the stadiums with his star power and talent. People love to see him play, and we can all see why. The rise in popularity that the NCAA is experiencing after his first season was insane. It reminded fans of a certain WNBA rookie in a similar boat.

Cooper Flagg, the male-equivalent of Caitlin Clark?

With rumors lingering of Cooper Flagg deciding to stay in Duke, a rival ACC college coach decided to share an interesting comparison for the Blue Devils forward. Illinois coach Brad Underwood, in an online interview with Outkick, dropped a surprising revelation.

“If he stayed in school, he would be the face of college basketball and elevate basketball to the levels Caitlin Clark did on the female side,” Underwood said. The Fighting Illini coach admitted that he wasn’t personally close with the NBA prospect, but was a well-wisher from afar.

Coach Underwood talked about how players need to be in the right headspace to transition from college to professional locker rooms, before praising Flagg’s mentality. “But I love his mojo, I love his swag… he just carries himself in a way that exudes confidence and that I think he’s really talented.”

It remains to be seen whether Flagg will spend enough time in college to take up a Caitlin Clark-type role for the NCAA tournament. For now, the most likely scenario is for him to enter the NBA draft. Cooper Flagg is all set to be the first overall pick. If he continues to play well, the college freshman might rise to immediate NBA fame.