Will Cooper Flagg Play His 1st Game With Duke in 2023? All You Need to Know about 16YO Baller’s Much Awaited Debut

The Duke University made a giant stride for the 2024-25 season when they recruited the country’s top prospect Cooper Flagg. Regarded as one of the best emerging players, Flagg’s commitment gives the Duke an option to build their team for the next season. But the only question remains, will he debut as Duke anytime soon?

The Duke Blue Devils are better suited to Flagg’s game as he chose them over the reigning champions – the University of Connecticut. It only took Flagg to visit the college twice before committing to them. But how does Flagg blend in with the team?

How is Cooper Flagg’s game?

Flagg’s role transitioned from being a shooter to a playmaker this season with the Montverde Academy. He shot only 26% as three-pointers in his prep school and 37% over 22 games in E16. Flagg is known for his athleticism and being a crafty facilitator. He is often compared to the former Golden State Warriors shooting guard Mike Dunleavy and the Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Paul George. 

As a playmaker, Flagg doesn’t keep the ball much with him. He performs well as an assist maker and by spotting the open man. He blends well as a quick touch passer when needed, and also is quite a jumper to watch. The most interesting thing about him is that he is as much unselfish as he is a competitor. This will benefit the Duke during his season.  

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Flagg is considered a competitor to Bronny James. He is an astute offensive player and versatile enough to be a defender. Thus, he can play any role the situation demands. But how does he blend with the Duke?

How’s Flagg’s game suited for the Blue Devils?

Critics credit the former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski aka Coach K for presenting positionless basketball in the college circuit. This strategy gave Duke more rounded players who relied on their instincts and produced unparalleled results. Whether it was Christian Laettner in the early 90s displaying his exceptional three-pointers or Shane Battier who guarded all positions. One of the prominent players for the Duke was Zion Williamson who played at any position he wanted. Positionless basketball thus gave players more opportunities and built a brilliant defensive team. Flagg looks to be the next versatile player for Duke and he is a perfect match to their tactics.

Considering that their current head coach Jon Scheyer used to ply his trade under Coach K as an assistant once opens a lot of doors for Flagg. The 16-year-old can move around the court whether it is near the rim or using his three-pointers. He can be an individualistic entity and use his full skill set for the best of the team.

Flagg’s inclusion gives Scheyer an anchor around which he can make a formidable team. The Maine-born is already considered one of the most talented players to ever come out of school. Scheyer’s team already has top recruits namely – Isaiah Evans, Kon Knueppel, and Darren Harris. While Evans is a small forward, Knueppel is a shooting guard. Meanwhile, Harris just like Knueppel is known for his shooting abilities.

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However, there are four players for the Duke who are projected to be picked by the 2024 NBA draft. Who will Cooper team up with? Other athletes namely V.J. Edgecombe and Pat Ngongba had visited the Duke campus, and they might end up signing with the Durham team. With his recruitment, the Blue Devils will be a force to reckon with in the 2024-25 NCAA season and it might be possible that they clinch the silverware soon.