The month of March had largely been a difficult one for top NBA prospect and Duke star Cooper Flagg, who sprained his ankle in the first game of ACC tournament play. That changed on Thursday night.
Flagg exploded in Duke's battle with Arizona in the Sweet 16. He put up 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three blocks in the Blue Devils' 100-93 win over the Wildcats. It was a dominant showing that not only proved again he's worthy of a top NBA draft selection, but that he's one of the most well-rounded talents to take the court in modern college basketball. Flagg is the second player in NCAA history to hit the benchmark of 30 points, five assists, five rebounds, and three blocks since blocks started officially being recorded in 1986.
Even the morning after his show, fans were still reeling about Flagg's performance.
Cooper Flagg exceeded all of the hype and it was a lot of hype. All-time college player as the engine of an all-time great Duke team. I’m sick
— 500 🏎 (@Kameron_Hay) March 28, 2025
I can’t get over this move from Cooper Flagg
— ² (@BLOCKEDBYFLAGG) March 28, 2025
Half spin stop on a dime hits the middy over Trey Townsend and then runs back on defense with an expression that screams “they can’t guard me” pic.twitter.com/shugjKpUF9
Cooper Flagg had one of the best performances from a freshman in NCAA tournament history to lead Duke to the Elite Eight last night.
— Latif Love (@LatifNBA) March 28, 2025
Flagg vs Arizona:
30 PTS (64.1 TS%)
6 REB
7 AST (1 TO)
1 STL
3 BLK
Let me breakdown how he did it🧵 pic.twitter.com/QKOqzUVr21
This bucket by Cooper Flagg tells me so much about his arsenal. Control, feet work, timing and touch. He's a pure scorer. pic.twitter.com/kdukSo8PUy
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) March 28, 2025
im not sure theres a more versatile prospect in the last 20 years than cooper flagg
— jake (@lajake_) March 28, 2025
cooper flagg is really one of them ones!!
— ME 🦁 (@ILove_Mohair) March 28, 2025
“Dad tell me about the time Cooper Flagg and Caleb Love played in the sweet 16” pic.twitter.com/jiCa7vegS6
— Ben Houselog (@benlikessport) March 28, 2025
Cooper Flagg will be a top 10 NBA player before the end of his rookie extension.
— Calvy J (@CJRealHoops1) March 28, 2025
There is no such thing as too much tanking if it gets you Cooper Flagg
pic.twitter.com/d0BPT0rale
I'm the last person to overhype a 5-star freshman.
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) March 28, 2025
I've lived through 15 "best high school player since LeBron's."
But with that said:
Cooper Flagg is..... SO.... F***ING.... GOOD pic.twitter.com/S6n2xQwktQ
It was quite a performance from Flagg— and he's not done yet. The standout freshman will lead Duke against No. 2 Alabama on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Basketball Fans Still Reeling From Cooper Flagg's Historic Sweet 16 Performance .
