The year 2025 will be that of Cooper Flagg ! The Duke resident had already distinguished himself a few days ago by slamming a huge “poster dunk” against Pittsburgh, starting the new year with two double-doubles. But it was nothing compared to the XXL performance he delivered last night against Notre Dame.
The very likely future number 1 of the 2025 Draft has indeed broken a record that will be difficult to dislodge, becoming the first “freshman” (first year) to score 42 points in the history of the legendary ACC! The show of strength was impressive, with two 3-point baskets to launch Duke on a 14-0 run in less than five minutes. The number 2 of the Blue Devils continued by showing off his versatility in attack but also his efficiency, finishing the match at 11/14 in shooting, including 4/6 at 3-points, all without neglecting the show at the image of his new tomar passed in the second half.
A performance that ranks high in the history books
Unleashed until the end, Cooper Flagg reached the 40-point mark on free throws to secure the victory with 40 seconds remaining (82-76), becoming the first Duke player to cross this mark in almost twenty years (JJ Redick in 2006)! Cheered by the crowd as he came out, the new NCAA phenomenon finally finished with 42 points, but also 6 rebounds and 7 assists, for an 86-78 success over Notre Dame, which pushed Duke to the end in notably returning to -4 after having conceded 18 points behind.
The native of Newport (Maine), thus dislodges Olivier Hanlan, who held the record among “freshmen”, with 41 points scored in 2013 with Boston College, ahead of Harrison Barnes and Tyler Hansbrough, both at 40 points. Still in the history department, he became the first Duke player to compile 40 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists since… Danny Ferry in 1988! The latter also holds the ultimate record in Duke history with 58 points.
After the match, Cooper Flagg looked back on his exploit with lucidity, two characteristics which are also his strength when he is on the pitch: imperturbable, as if programmed to hurt the opponent.
Simple and effective
“I was just there, playing. When I'm in my match, I don't really realize what's going on. I'm just focused on playing hard.” he declared before discussing his aggressiveness, a big strong point of the match which led him to a decisive 16/17 on the free throw line. “It's an important part of the game when you're able to get into the paint and cause fouls and I was able to get to that point quite early in the game, which allowed me to live in the paint tonight “.
With his offensive range and his talent, his calm also emerges from his performance. While he celebrated his 18th birthday a month ago, Cooper Flagg is at Duke to progress as much as possible before entering the NBA. And even if he didn't wait until yesterday to show what he was capable of, his performance is enough to promise him a great future.
“He’s just himself.”summed up his teammate Sion James. “ And that's what makes Cooper Flagg so magical, knowing how to stay himself. He doesn't force anything. He's just a basketball player, who takes things as they come. He saw something he liked, and 42 points later, here we are.”
The Flagg “hype” is only just beginning and could well take on a new dimension in the next matches, against Miami before a trip to the floor of… Boston College.
