The college basketball world is stunned after Duke University lost in Saturday’s Final Four round of the men’s NCAA Tournament to the University of Houston. Duke led 67-61 with 1:14 left in the second half, but it gave up the final nine points of the game, and it will have to watch Monday’s national championship game on television.
Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils star who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in this June’s NBA draft, had 27 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals on Saturday. Even though he didn’t come through in crunch time, he has established the fact that he’s a unique talent and has lots of potential at the next level.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick, who is a proud Duke product, said that the 6-foot-9 forward is already a school legend.
Via Lakers Nation:
“I think he’s already cemented himself as a Duke legend. I really mean that. I think just in terms of his impact on winning on both ends of the floor. It’s hard for me to think of another freshman who has done that. I played with a guy my sophomore year, Luol Deng, who was our best player on a Final Four team and I think Cooper’s season has surpassed Luol’s and Luol made two All-Star games and had a terrific NBA career. I think the biggest thing that stands out is, he’s talented, but he plays so hard. He’s a rare breed. I’d put all my chips on him.”
Flagg is a very versatile player who excels on both ends of the floor. He can not only score, but he’s also a very gifted passer, as well as a stellar defender. Some have compared him to Scottie Pippen, the former Chicago Bulls star and Hall of Famer who won six NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan.
Redick took a lot of abuse during his years at Duke, and there is no doubt that many basketball fans are happy that the Blue Devils choked on Saturday. But happier days could be ahead for Flagg as he starts to prepare for what could be an outstanding NBA career.
