How Cooper Flagg played in Duke's tough loss to Kentucky
11/13/2024 10:48 AM
For 39 and a half minutes of Tuesday’s Duke-Kentucky matchup, Cooper Flagg showed why he’s the consensus No. 1 pick in next June’s NBA draft. The 17-year-old dominated the Wildcats to the tune of 26 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Then, his inexperience finally showed.
After Duke blew a nine-point lead, head coach Jon Scheyer put the ball in the freshman’s hands in the final minute with the game tied. Flagg turned the ball over on back-to-back possessions, sealing a 77-72 upset win for Kentucky.
“Coach trusted me to go and make a play,” Flagg said of the sequence.” I’m glad he had that trust in me to put the ball in my hands. I’m looking for it in that moment. It didn’t work out, but I’m still going to look for it no matter what.”
Cooper Flagg had his pocket picked by Otega Oweh which lead to go-ahead free throws for Kentucky…
He then stepped out of bounds with a chance to tie or take the lead on the following possession pic.twitter.com/Ucew1vs4Pg
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 13, 2024
While Flagg’s game-deciding turnovers will make headlines, his performance left many positives for NBA executives.
Cooper Flagg flashes No. 1 pick potential during marquee loss
The 6-foot-9 Duke forward showed why he is one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball. His defensive impact was on full display as he used his athleticism and seven-foot wingspan to overwhelm Kentucky while guarding across multiple positions.
Offensively, Flagg displayed a growing skillset that has left NBA scouts encouraged regarding his ceiling at the next level. The Maine native scored nine points in the final eight minutes as Scheyer leaned on him down the stretch. He attacked Kentucky’s defense from all three levels, finishing the game 9-of-19 from the field, 1-of-5 from three and 7-of-9 from the free-throw line.
Flagg flashed a smooth handle in isolation, often working to a mid-range jumper. While he only hit one, he looked comfortable shooting from three off the dribble and the catch. And he was willing to use his size to post-up or back defenders down off the dribble.
Cooper Flagg in last night's Duke loss vs. Kentucky:
26 points
12 rebounds
2 assists
9/19 FG
1/5 from three
7/9 FGHis back-to-back turnovers in the final minute will make headlines, but a very encouraging performance from the 17-year-old in his first marquee matchup. pic.twitter.com/1sX7U56ezr
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 13, 2024
The freshman also flashed some playmaking ability.
A couple of playmaking flashes from Cooper Flagg last night vs. Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/7ss5sGKQ0u
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 13, 2024
Flagg’s ascension has picked up steam over the last year and a half. He dominated Nike’s EYBL 16U circuit in the summer of 2023, averaging 26.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 blocks per game. He reclassified after the performance, skipping a year of high school to attend Duke and making the cutoff for the 2025 NBA draft by just 10 days.
This summer, he turned heads after being selected to the USA Basketball Select Team, who practiced against the USA’s Olympic squad ahead of the Paris games. The forward impressed during scrimmages against NBA superstars such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker and others.
A glimpse at Cooper Flagg against NBA All-Stars:
1st poss: Comfortably initiates and creates space against Jrue Holiday, gets a switch, and drains a hesi-pull 3 over Anthony Davis
2nd poss: Throws get-ahead pass, runs the floor, and finishes a putback over Bam Adebayo
He's 17. pic.twitter.com/Rv60apzkaw
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) July 9, 2024
Flagg will continue to generate buzz throughout this season as the top prize in next June’s loaded NBA draft. Front offices and fans will get their next glimpse at him when Duke hosts Wofford on Saturday.
The post How Cooper Flagg played in Duke’s tough loss to Kentucky appeared first on ClutchPoints.
