Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
Is Cooper Flagg the best freshman in college basketball? Future No. 1 NBA Draft pick? Flagg might just be both.
In Duke’s 86-78 victory over Notre Dame, the freshman phenom scored 42 points, setting a new ACC freshman record.
He surpassed Zion Williamson’s 35-point Duke freshman mark from 2019 and became the first Blue Devil to score 40+ since JJ Redick in 2006.
Flagg also broke the ACC freshman record, topping Boston College’s Olivier Hanlan, who scored 41 against Georgia Tech in 2013. Tyler Hansbrough and Harrison Barnes are the only other North Carolina players to hit 40+ in the 21st century.
In the opening three-pointer, Flagg looked unstoppable. He shot 11-of-14 from the field, combining spot-up threes, mid-post jumpers, and aggressive drives.
One highlight featured a one-handed right-hand slam just outside the restricted area off a pass from Sion James, igniting Cameron Indoor with a roar.
Flagg’s versatile game demonstrates he can score from anywhere, dominate physically, and lead a team as a freshman phenom.
Scoring wasn’t the only thing Flagg displayed. The freshman finished with seven assists and six rebounds alongside his 42 points.
Many of his assists went to Duke big man Khaman Maluach, highlighting his court vision and ability to involve teammates.
Flagg truly did it all, proving he’s more than a scorer—he’s a versatile playmaker who can control the game in multiple ways.
Flagg reached the historic 42-point mark with his second free throw with 4.9 seconds left in the game.
The “Cameron Crazies” erupted as he exited, celebrating their standout freshman’s record-breaking performance.
With the victory, the Blue Devils improved to 14-2 overall as ACC conference play intensifies, positioning Duke as a serious contender this season.
“I was just out there playing,” Flagg said as he sat at his locker afterward, surrounded by reporters. “When I’m in the game, I don’t really know what’s going on. I’m just playing locked in.”
NBA, get ready. The “Menace From Maine” is coming. It’s time to gear up for the “Maine Event.”
Yep, we have one too
