The final minute of Cooper Flagg’s game against Kentucky on Tuesday will be one to forget. Flagg coughed up the ball twice and missed a box out. But we shouldn’t focus too much on these moments, as the freshman phenom played like the top pick in the draft on the whole.
In Duke’s loss to Kentucky, Flagg put up 26 points (9/19, 56% true shooting), 12 rebounds, two assists, three turnovers and two blocks. His on-court performance reflected his stat sheet stuffing, as Flagg had his prints all over every facet of the basketball game.
Cooper Flagg’s Offense Was Strong Overall
But Flagg’s unfortunate ending does reflect some of the concerns surrounding his offensive projection. His handle is a work in progress, as Flagg’s ball control and poise with the ball aren’t always consistent. He played a bit too fast at the end, unable to maintain his dribble against pressure.
This will be a learning moment for the ultra-competitive Flagg. These reps as Duke’s late-game closer will prepare him for these situations in the future. It’s also fair to criticize Jon Scheyer’s plan, seemingly asking Flagg to win the game by himself.
Flagg’s handling flashes throughout the game inspire additional confidence, as he created buckets off the dribble for himself and others all night. On multiple possessions, Flagg won with leverage, dipping below defenders and controlling his dribble to score in the mid-range and the paint.
despite the mishaps at the end of the game, i thought cooper flagg’s handle and on ball creation looked quite good against kentucky
plenty of fluid, controlled drives, looking smoother and smoother by the game with the ball pic.twitter.com/YVgSsFQ8qJ
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) November 14, 2024
Before his final minute, Flagg created ample chances down the stretch. When the game slows down, Flagg can throw his shoulder into defenders and carve out space to finish through contact. This ability to win with size and strength will keep Flagg’s impact floor high as a scorer even as the perimeter toolbox develops.
Cooper Flagg is more than a scorer
His playmaking will also contribute to that floor, as Flagg’s elite feel and processing speed pop immediately. When he’s on the ball, Flagg can counter his scoring punch with savvy pick-and-roll playmaking. But his freelance passing is just as impressive, moving the ball as a connector without commanding usage.
This will allow Flagg to play next to other stars at the NBA level. His presence as a scorer forces teams to double and trap, opening up easy looks for Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach and the rest of the team. His jumpers aren’t falling yet, but Flagg has shot confidently on high volume with some off-dribble and movement shots baked in. Given his track record of shooting success, the shot should level out as the season goes on.
On the defensive end, it was business as usual for Flagg. He’s the best defensive prospect I’ve ever scouted in high school/AAU, dominating offenses with his legendary movement, explosion and instincts as a help-side defender.
His defense was stellar in the clutch, forcing a turnover late defending the post. Flagg can play any defensive role, from defending the point of attack as a primary to filling in at center when Duke asks him to.
Flagg’s defense has been well-documented for years at this point. His offensive success early in his college career will lock him in as the eventual top pick in 2025.
