Duke freshman sensation Cooper Flagg was named the Associated Press Player of the Year on Friday. He won the award over Auburn Tigers Forward Johni Broome. Flagg averages 18.9 points per game along with 7.5 rebounds this year. He has raised his level in the 2025 NCAA Tournament averaging 19.5 points and 7.8 rebounds. Flagg had one of his best games of the season against Arizona in a Sweet 16 win over the Arizona Wildcats. Flagg’s 30 points helped Duke keep dancing. After defeating Alabama in the Elite 8, the Blue Devils are Final Four bound.
Flagg is only the fourth freshman to win this prestigious award. He joined former Duke player Zion Williamson, Kentucky’s Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant on that list. Will Flagg be able to cap off a freshman season for the ages with a National Championship?
Duke’s Path To a National Title
The Blue Devils are in a great spot to win their sixth championship in program history. They will face fellow No. 1 seed Houston Cougars to advance to the National Championship Game. Flagg will have his work cut out for him scoring against a great Cougars defense. The unit surrenders the fewest points per game in the nation and leads the nation in opposing field goal percentage. Houston’s defense is also 15th in the country in opposing three-point percentage.
Their defense will key on Flagg as the player they must stop on Saturday night. As the newly crowned player of the year Flagg will be expected to succeed against a top-flight defense. In what could be his final collegiate game, Flagg must showcase his skillset once more in front of a national audience.
Final Thoughts
Flagg’s career at Duke is expected to have, at most, two games left. He should declare for the 2025 NBA Draft soon after his freshman campaign season comes to a close. If the freshman decides to come to the NBA, he will go No. 1 overall. Flagg has the chance to guide a historic program to a championship. All eyes will be on him as he tries to get the job done.
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