Featured Columnist IVNovember 13, 2024
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Three games into his college career, two things are abundantly clear—Cooper Flagg is indeed the truth, but he’s also still a freshman.
The Duke phenom—and the highlight of the Blue Devils’ top-ranked recruiting class in 2024—was fantastic on Tuesday night against Kentucky in the Champions Classic, scoring 26 points to go along with 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Duke Men’s Basketball @DukeMBB
Tough shot from Coop. Need stops. (ESPN)
72-70 🐱 | 1:41 to go pic.twitter.com/2idh0iK4cL
NCAA March Madness @MarchMadnessMBB
Cooper Flagg with the dime to Khaman Maluach 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1BPvstQpi7
But he also had two turnovers on Duke’s final two possessions, both crucial blunders in Kentucky’s 77-72 victory.
ESPN @espn
Cooper Flagg turned the ball over two possessions in a row late in regulation.
No. 19 Kentucky takes down No. 6 Duke 77-72‼️ pic.twitter.com/11fiwuov61
Flagg’s turnovers, along with his struggles from beyond the arc (1-of-5 from three), were the main knocks against his performance on Tuesday. He wasn’t alone when it came to shooting woes—Duke was atrocious in general from deep, finishing 4-of-22 on threes. Had the Blue Devils been even half-decent on those looks, many of them wide open, they probably would have won comfortably.
Instead, the Blue Devils lost their first game of the year, dropping to 2-1. And after the contest, Flagg took some heat for his late-game struggles, though they were mostly couched in praise for his overall showing:
Cameron Magruder @ScooterMagruder
Cooper Flagg rn: pic.twitter.com/iz262Um8B5
Myron Medcalf @MedcalfByESPN
Mark Pope has a team full of grown men and that mattered in the final seconds of this game. Cooper Flagg looked young. He had tunnel vision for three possessions in a row. He’s great. You want the ball in his hands late in the game. But Kentucky wasn’t intimidated by that moment.
Seth Davis @SethDavisHoops
Flagg has been brilliant all night, but fumbled the ball away on the last two possessions.
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
This is the worst Cooper Flagg is going to be offensively. Think about that.
Jonathan Wasserman @NBADraftWass
Little too much on-ball responsibility given to Flagg tonight. Awesome effort regardless—physical, relentless finishes, contested shotmaking and ball-handling flashes. Work in progress executing 1-on-1, yet still delivers 26 and 12 at 17 y/o.
Matt Langone @MattLangone
Great win for Kentucky. Cooper Flagg was incredible for 39:30 and then looked like a freshman in the final 30 seconds.
Gary Parrish @GaryParrishCBS
FINAL: Kentucky 77, Duke 72
What a great win/moment for Mark Pope. Couldn’t be happier for him and those fans.
They deserve this.
Obviously, Cooper Flagg is terrific. But he turned it over twice late and gave up the offensive rebound that sealed it. Rough final 15 seconds.
Jason Patt @Bulls_Jay
Those last 30 seconds could not have gone worse for Cooper Flagg after a dominant first 39ish minutes.
Flagg has been the most hyped player in college basketball, and outside of those final 30 seconds or so on Tuesday, he’s lived up to expectations. There’s no doubt that he’ll need to improve his perimeter shot at the next level to become a true star, but his handle and playmaking for a kid his size are impressive, as is his defensive impact. He has special, unique versatility.
But Kentucky (3-0) ratcheted up the defense in the second half and got just enough from Andrew Carr (17 points) and Otega Oweh (15 points, six rebounds) to pull off the upset.
It will be a good learning experience for Flagg in his development. Duke is a young team, but the upside is off the charts. With a little more experience, Flagg and the Blue Devils are going to be a real problem.
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here
MontNorth Collapsible Basin Bucket,9L Collapsible Dishpan with Drain Plug for Kitchen Sink,5L Portable Foldable Small Plastic Water Supplies for Outdoor Garden Camping Fishing Car Wash(Sets of 2)
$16.99 (as of December 12, 2024 19:09 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie
$19.99 (as of December 12, 2024 19:30 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler with Handle 30 oz | Twist On Lid and Flip Up Straw | Leak Resistant Water Bottle | Insulated Stainless Steel |BPA-Free | Lilac
$35.00 (as of December 12, 2024 19:30 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Bedsure Cat Beds for Indoor Cats - Washable Bolster Dog Sofa Beds for Extra Small Dogs, Supportive Foam Pet Couch Bed with Removable Washable Cover, Waterproof Lining and Nonskid Bottom, Grey
$39.99 (as of December 12, 2024 19:09 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
