Cooper Flagg entered Duke as one of the most intriguing recruits in recent memory. So far, he has lived up to the hype.
Flagg is averaging 19.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for the Blue Devils. You can just tell the moment is too big for the talented forward from Newport, Maine. Although we’re still several months away from the NBA Draft, he’s expected to be the No. 1 overall pick.
Prior to this Saturday’s game between Duke and North Carolina, ESPN’s Jay Bilas offered his thoughts on Flagg. Let’s just say he’s a big fan of the five-star freshman.
During an appearance on “Pardon The Interruption,” Bilas referred to Flagg as the “best full package of a freshman” Duke has ever had.
“He’s the best full package of a freshman I’ve seen here at Duke in the 40-plus years I’ve been associated with this program,” Bilas said, via On3.
Bilas acknowledged that Flagg isn’t guaranteed to have success in the NBA. However, he loves the freshman phenom’s competitive spirit. He said that reminds him of Duke legend Christian Laettner.
“He’s got the same kind of competitive nature that Laettner had. And to me, that’s saying something. Laettner was the most competitive person I think that’s played in this program, I believe. I think Cooper Flagg, at least to this point as a freshman, is equal in that department. Whether he’ll be equal as a player, he won’t be here long enough to match his four-year record. But he’s the real deal.”
That’s incredibly high praise from Bilas, who played and coached at Duke. He won’t make this bold of a statement if he doesn’t absolutely mean it.
Flagg will try to lead Duke to a victory over UNC this evening. It wouldn’t surprise us at all if he rises to the occasion during this rivalry game.
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