The No. 12 Duke Blue Devils faced their first real test of the season, suffering a tough, down-to-the-wire loss to the No. 9 Kentucky Wildcats. While true freshman Cooper Flagg did struggle with a couple of late turnovers that contributed to the defeat, he was undoubtedly the best player on the floor and showed exactly why he’s one of the most-hyped recruits in recent years.
Flagg finished the game with an impressive 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, demonstrating his all-around skills and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
So far this season, the 6-foot-8 forward has been dominant, averaging 16.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. His versatility and defensive prowess have made him a key asset for Duke.
Following his standout performances, Flagg was named the ACC Rookie of the Week, an award that he is likely to win many times throughout the season given his remarkable potential.
Flagg can do a little bit of everything. His biggest issues as of right now have been his shooting splits, particularly behind the 3-point line, as he is currently shooting a low 22.2% from beyond the arc and just 44.2% from the field.
It’s still early in the season, and as a freshman, Flagg has already made a significant impact. His development will be critical as Duke aims for an ACC championship and a potential deep tournament run.
The Blue Devils are led by Flagg and other freshman sensation Kon Knueppel, who will be the focal points for the team this season. Key returners Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor will also be vital for the team’s success if they want to make a Final Four run.
The ACC blue blood will have another test on Friday when they take on the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats, who are led by Caleb Love, a player the Blue Devils are very familiar with after the three years he spent with North Carolina.