The Big Lead

Cooper Flagg takes another giant step towards being top pick in the NBA Draft

The Duke Blue Devils star is just two wins away from culminating a legendary season.

By Matt Reed

Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) drives to the basket against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Mar 29, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) drives to the basket against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears (1) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images / Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
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Cooper Flagg is trying to cap off one of the greatest freshman seasons in college basketball history, and as the Duke Blue Devils prepare for the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament this weekend he can check off another box from his impressive rookie campaign.

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On Friday, Flagg was named the AP National Player of the Year after averaging 18.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and with Duke on the brink of another national championship it's easy to see why he's considered a lock to be the number one pick in this year's NBA Draft.

Flagg is now the eighth member of the Blue Devils to win AP National Player of the Year, joining the likes of Christian Laettner, Elton Brand, JJ Redick and Zion Williamson.

Throughout this year's NCAA Tournament, Flagg has scored 78 points in four games for Duke, and if he and his teammates can get a win over Houston on Saturday night it will set up the next major focal point of his young career; a national championship game.

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