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3w ago

Duke's Cooper Flagg Prepares for Final Four After Historic Freshman Season

Flagg, named AP Player of the Year, leads Duke against Houston's top-ranked defense in a bid for the NCAA title.

Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a play during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old Duke freshman, was named the AP Men's College Basketball Player of the Year, becoming only the fourth freshman in history to receive the honor.
  • Flagg has averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this season, solidifying his status as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
  • Duke's freshman-heavy roster, featuring Flagg and fellow projected lottery picks Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, has propelled the team to a 35-3 record and the Final Four.
  • Houston's defense, led by Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Joseph Tugler, aims to disrupt Flagg's impact in Saturday's semifinal matchup.
  • This marks Duke's 18th Final Four appearance, with head coach Jon Scheyer seeking the program's sixth national championship.