Duke Freshman Phenom Cooper Flagg's 42 breaks ACC freshman record to lead Duke over Notre Dame

Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Best freshman in college basketball? Check. The future No.1 NBA Draft Pick? Check. Best player in the country? After today’s performance, these titles seem fitting. Duke freshman phenomenon Cooper Flagg just shattered the ACC Duke freshman scoring record with 42 points at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Duke’s 86-78 victory over Notre Dame.

His record surpasses past Duke stalwart Zion Williamson (35, 2019, against Syracuse) while becoming the first Blue Devil to score 40+ in a game since JJ Redick scored 40 in 2006. They’re the only Blue Devils to score 40 or more this century. Flagg’s record is not just a Duke ACC freshman record but an ACC freshman record, surpassing former Boston College's Olivier Hanlan’s 41 against Georgia Tech in the 2013 ACC tournament. The other two from North Carolina are Tyler Hansbrough (40) in February 2006 vs Georgia Tech and Harrison Barnes (40) in the 2011 ACC Tournament against Clemson.

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The freshman phenom seemingly couldn’t miss on the court, starting with a three from the left wing with no hesitation for his first game points en route to an efficient 11-of-14 from the field. Flagg showed the entire repertoire of his arsenal, from operating in the mid-post for a faceup jumper, hitting corner spot-up threes, or attacking the basket with a purpose. No play was more captivating than the emphatic one-handed right-hand slam just outside the restricted area off a pass from Sion James as he let off an infectious roar through Cameron Indoor.

Scoring wasn’t the only thing he displayed as Flagg, a virtuoso of versatility, showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with, finishing with seven assists and six boards to go with his 42. Many of his assists going to Duke big man Khaman Maluach. He truly did it all. 

Flagg would hit the historic 42-point mark off his second free throw with 4.9 seconds left in the game. The “Cameron Crazies” erupted as he exited, cheering on their fabulous freshman. The Blue Devils improve to 14-2 overall as conference play gets into full swing.

"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 “Wave The Flagg.”