The 2025 NCAA Tournament has already proven to be historic for Duke University, as they’re on the brink of securing a spot in the national championship game. The Blue Devils, under the leadership of first-year head coach Jon Scheyer, are gearing up for their first Final Four appearance since 2022. While the entire team has been firing on all cylinders, one player has stolen the spotlight — freshman forward Cooper Flagg. Flagg’s impressive performances have not only propelled Duke through the tournament but also sent his NBA Draft stock soaring, positioning him as the potential No. 1 overall pick.
Throughout the tournament, Flagg has showcased a dazzling array of skills that have left fans and analysts alike in awe. Whether he can score in critical moments, grab key rebounds, make clutch assists, or provide dominant defensive plays, Flagg has proven he can impact the game in every possible way. His unique blend of athleticism, basketball IQ, and competitive drive makes him a future star at the next level, and he’s firmly on the radar of NBA scouts as the 2025 Draft approaches.
In an interview with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer spoke candidly about Flagg’s development and ability to shine on the big stage. “I think he’s always looked like the number one pick in the draft, even early in the year,” Scheyer said. “I don’t know if I prepared him well enough early in the season for some of the moments he’d be in.” The acknowledgment from Scheyer, a former NBA player himself, only solidifies the hype surrounding Flagg’s immense talent.
Flagg’s journey to becoming a household name this season hasn’t been without its challenges. The freshman forward suffered an ankle injury in the ACC Tournament opener, forcing him to miss the rest of the conference tournament. However, this setback was merely a temporary bump in the road. Flagg returned to the lineup for Duke’s opening game of the NCAA Tournament and has looked better than ever since. His resilience in overcoming adversity has been another testament to his character and readiness for the next level.
Duke’s tournament run has been nothing short of dominant, with most games being decided by double digits. The only nail-biter came in the Sweet 16 when Duke eked out a 100-93 victory over No. 4 Arizona. Every other game, including a commanding 20-point victory over No. 2 Alabama in the Elite Eight, has showcased just how unstoppable this Duke team is — largely due to Flagg’s performances.
Statistically, Flagg’s contributions have been off the charts. In his first four games of March Madness, he’s posted stellar numbers. Against Mount St. Mary’s in the first round, he put up 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in just 22 minutes. His versatility and ability to fill up the stat sheet were on full display in the second round against Baylor, where he registered 18 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and one block. The Sweet 16 was his most explosive outing, as he poured in 30 points, dished out seven assists, grabbed six rebounds, and blocked three shots against Arizona.
The Elite Eight was yet another showcase of his all-around game. Despite facing a tough Alabama team, Flagg still managed to contribute 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one block. These numbers are a microcosm of the kind of player Flagg has become — one who can change the course of a game in multiple ways. His ability to impact the game whether he’s scoring or facilitating is what makes him a complete player, and it’s a big reason why NBA scouts are enamored with him.
When asked about Flagg’s skillset, Scheyer couldn’t hide his admiration. “He has such a killer instinct, and part of his genius is the fact that he can win a game with scoring, rebounding, steals, blocks, you name it,” said Scheyer. “Whatever that game requires, he finds a way to come up with those plays to help us win.” Scheyer’s praise of Flagg highlights the one thing that makes the freshman so special: his ability to do whatever it takes to win.
As Flagg’s NBA Draft stock continues to rise, the attention surrounding his decision grows. While it’s almost certain he will be a top pick in the 2025 Draft, the only real question now is whether or not he’ll return to Duke for another year. Given his outstanding performances throughout March Madness and his readiness for the NBA, there’s a strong possibility Flagg will forgo his remaining eligibility and make the jump to professional basketball.
With the Final Four just around the corner, Flagg’s immediate future is focused on helping Duke capture a national title. But the spotlight on him will only grow with the NBA scouts watching his every move. The Blue Devils have the talent to win it all, and Flagg is undoubtedly one of the key players driving their championship aspirations.
For Duke, this is a moment of both excitement and urgency. The prospect of adding another national title to the school’s storied legacy is tantalizing, but the potential of having Flagg lead them to that goal is even more thrilling. His combination of skill, leadership, and determination has made him the centerpiece of the team’s success, and as the tournament progresses, he’ll only be more in the spotlight.
If Flagg continues to perform at the level he has throughout March Madness, there’s little doubt that he’ll be a household name by the time the 2025 NBA Draft rolls around. And as he prepares to take the next step in his career, whether with a national title or not, Flagg’s future in the NBA looks nothing short of bright.