Elite, fearless, generational: Cooper Flagg is poised to shine at Madison Square Garden. The iconic venue, adorned with images of legends like Muhammad Ali and Bruce Springsteen, sets the stage for a remarkable night. On Saturday, Flagg, projected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, leads his No. 3-ranked Duke Blue Devils into the SentinelOne Classic against Illinois at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
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Duke Blue Devils
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“I consider him a lock to be an elite No. 2 option in the NBA, with the potential to become a No. 1,” noted an NBA scout to FOX Sports. “With Cooper, it’s almost guaranteed that he will be an asset to any winning team in the NBA.”
Flagg’s evolution as a scorer and playmaker has been impressive, but his maturity and selflessness stand out even more. This past summer, he participated in a USA Basketball training camp as part of the Select Team ahead of the Paris Olympics, where he thrived under immense pressure.
“What he accomplished without ever playing a college or NBA game shows he has no fear,” said Select Team forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat. “His relentless spirit and natural will to win are evident. He doesn’t need the ball to impact the game; he simply finds a way to make things happen, and the ball finds him too. That instinct is something you can’t teach.”
Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, echoed Jaquez’s sentiments, highlighting Flagg’s leadership qualities and his knack for uplifting his teammates.
“What impresses me most is his consistency,” Scheyer shared with The Field of 68 earlier this week. “His competitive nature, energy, and vocal presence in the gym elevate everyone around him.”
“As a coach, I often remind my players to raise the energy during practice. This year, that hasn’t been necessary. While Cooper isn’t the sole reason for this, as the best player, he plays a crucial role. His unique ability to inspire others and rise to challenges is remarkable.”
Fans will be eager to see Flagg shine under the MSG lights against an Illinois team that has stumbled recently, suffering back-to-back losses and currently holding a 9-8 record in the Big Ten. This matchup may provide the Fighting Illini with the opportunity they need to break free from their slump.
Adding to the excitement is another top-five draft prospect, Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6-foot-6 guard from Lithuania. Averaging 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, his versatility and creativity have made him a rising star in this draft class. A significant number of scouts are expected to be in attendance at The Garden on Saturday.
Flagg’s journey is as compelling as his basketball skills. Hailing from Newport, Maine, his story resonates with those who appreciate the underdog narrative. The son of Maine basketball legend Kelly Flagg and Ralph Flagg, who played at Eastern Maine Community College, his humble beginnings add a layer of relatability. His twin brother, Ace, is also pursuing basketball in Maine.
He is the reason behind the establishment of the Maine United team at the 2023 Peach Jam, a prestigious Nike EYBL tournament in Georgia, where he showcased his exceptional talent.
With a partnership with New Balance, a brand often overshadowed by Nike in the basketball sneaker market, Flagg is carving out his own identity in the sport.
Alongside teammates Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel, Flagg and the Blue Devils aim to prove that Duke is back in the spotlight this April in San Antonio, affirming that Jon Scheyer, at 37, is the right successor to the legendary Mike Krzyzewski.
For now, all eyes are on the bright lights of Madison Square Garden this Saturday night.
“He’s generational,” Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes remarked earlier this year about Flagg. “I’ve faced many great players in my career, and he’s among them. His name belongs alongside legends like Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, and Kawhi Leonard.”
An NBA scout summed it up perfectly when asked what to expect on Saturday: “Cooper Flagg lives for the moment. Have your popcorn ready.”
