Cooper Flagg made an impressive debut in the Duke-North Carolina rivalry, leading the Blue Devils to an 87-70 win on Saturday. Flagg’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored or assisted on the first six baskets for Duke, helping them establish an early lead. By the end of the game, Flagg had posted a stat line of 21 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, earning praise from coach Jon Scheyer, who described him as a “basketball savant.”
Flagg’s Leadership and Contributions
Flagg’s impact was felt immediately, as he facilitated Duke’s offense with four assists in the first five minutes, along with two steals and a rebound. His ability to control the game from both ends of the court kept the Blue Devils in control throughout the contest. Despite playing almost the entire second half, Flagg’s energy appeared to dip toward the end, as Carolina mounted a late comeback, trimming the lead from 32 to 16. However, his early dominance had already ensured Duke’s comfortable win.
While Flagg’s performance was exceptional, Coach Scheyer acknowledged that there was still room for improvement, particularly in the latter stages of the game. Scheyer noted that Flagg, despite nearly achieving a triple-double, was fatigued and made some mistakes during the closing moments. Flagg himself reflected on his late-game struggles, admitting that tiredness led to poor decision-making and “soft” moments. However, Scheyer remained impressed with Flagg’s ability to stay in control for most of the game, recognizing that even with the mistakes, Flagg’s overall performance was key to the win.
Dynamic Freshman Duo
In addition to Flagg, fellow freshman Kon Knueppel also had a stellar performance, scoring 22 points and recording 5 assists. Together, Flagg and Knueppel became the first Duke teammates in 15 years to each register 20 points and 5 assists in the rivalry game. Their strong chemistry on the court, highlighted by their versatility and competitive spirit, was critical to Duke’s victory. Coach Scheyer emphasized that both players have high basketball IQs, and their ability to contribute in multiple areas made them a formidable duo.
Although this was Flagg and Knueppel’s first experience in the heated Duke-UNC rivalry, they were aware of the significance. Flagg, who had witnessed UNC’s victory over Duke in the previous year, recalled the taunting of the Cameron Crazies by the Tar Heels, which fueled his motivation for the game. Despite feeling nervous before tip-off due to the intensity and atmosphere of the game, Flagg settled into his role, executing Duke’s game plan effectively. For Flagg and his teammates, it was just another step toward achieving their ultimate goal for the season.