Duke’s Cooper Flagg made a lasting memory in the NBA showcase at Madison Square Garden, electrifying the crowd with his dynamic performance. Just a minute into the second half of a game that had already tilted heavily in Duke’s favor, the Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis turned the ball over. This misstep allowed Flagg to glide effortlessly across midcourt, where he seized the moment. With a powerful leap, he executed a thunderous slam dunk that ignited the arena, pushing the Blue Devils’ lead to 19 points before many fans had even returned from their halftime snacks.
That highlight was just the beginning. Flagg followed up with another spectacular two-handed dunk and a tough layup that showcased his strength, flexing in front of Duke’s most passionate supporters. This was precisely the kind of spectacle that fans anticipated when the game was scheduled six months prior. Flagg, heralded as one of the most promising high school talents in years, was creating unforgettable moments in the iconic venue, aiming to lead his team to its first national championship since 2015 while solidifying his status as a likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
What was initially billed as a competitive matchup quickly became a showcase of Duke’s dominance. The Blue Devils cruised to a 110-67 victory, revealing the stark talent gap between the two teams. Flagg contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, helping his team secure its fourth consecutive win. Duke’s impressive record of 20 victories in the last 21 games served as a powerful reminder that Flagg is just one of many elite prospects on head coach Jon Scheyer’s roster, which is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation.
“Whew, yeah,” remarked Illinois head coach Brad Underwood during his postgame press conference. “Duke’s good.”
This statement highlighted the expectations surrounding the game, especially after Scheyer secured the nation’s top recruiting class, which included several notable transfers. The event, known as the “SentinelOne Classic,” was added to the college basketball schedule relatively late, with the announcement made on August 14, 2024. Both coaches recognized the NBA-level talent on their teams, featuring a handful of potential first-round picks for the upcoming draft.
For Underwood, who expressed a desire to play at Madison Square Garden annually, this matchup provided an exceptional platform for Jakucionis, a true freshman from Lithuania who previously played for FC Barcelona. Scouts have been tracking Jakucionis for years, and he has already made significant contributions to the Illinois team, setting a freshman record with ten games of 20-plus points. He is also projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming draft, potentially landing in the top five selections.
“When you’re talking about a big-time, nationally televised game in Madison Square Garden,” an NBA executive told FOX Sports earlier in the week, “you always want to see how they compete. Players develop reputations based on their performances on the big stage, and this game is no exception.”
The atmosphere was electric as a sellout crowd of 19,812 filled Madison Square Garden. Fans from both schools arrived in Manhattan, creating a vibrant scene reminiscent of March Madness. Many attendees had spent the day enjoying Broadway shows, adding to the excitement before tip-off. Duke supporters have affectionately dubbed The Garden “Cameron North,” and chants of “Cooooooooooooooop” echoed as Flagg was introduced.
Duke’s strategy was clear from the start, as they quickly established their dominance with a barrage of three-pointers. Illinois struggled, missing their first 16 attempts from beyond the arc and finishing with only two successful shots out of 26 tries. Despite Flagg facing early foul trouble, Duke still managed to score 54 points in the first half, leaving Illinois struggling to keep pace. Jakucionis, while showing flashes of talent, finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, but could not find his rhythm early in the game.
As the second half progressed, Flagg’s prowess became even more apparent. His ability to lead fast breaks and finish through contact highlighted his exceptional skill set for a player of his size, listed at 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds. He confidently drained a three-pointer and assisted on an alley-oop, further showcasing his potential as a future star.
The final applause for Flagg and his teammates came with 6:35 left on the clock, as Duke’s lead ballooned to 37 points. With the victory secured, Scheyer could rest his starters, preparing them for an upcoming game against Miami. As the Blue Devils continue their strong season, they face just four remaining games, none against ranked opponents, raising questions about how they will fare in the postseason.
On this grand stage, everything unfolded as anticipated. “Just a good, old-fashioned butt kicking,” Underwood concluded. “Give them all the credit.”
