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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Liam McKeone

Cameras Caught Cooper Flagg's Emotional Moment With Parents After Duke Win Over Alabama

Flagg had 16 points and nine rebounds to help push Duke to the Final Four | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Duke became the second team to earn a Final Four spot in the men's 2025 NCAA tournament on Saturday night. The Blue Devils defeated No. 2 Alabama, 85-65, to advance past the Elite Eight for the first time since Coach K put his clipboard away.

Freshman standout Cooper Flagg was a bit quieter than he was earlier in the week, posting 16 points and nine rebounds. But he was still a large part of his team's win and celebrated accordingly afterwards, getting a chance to cut down the nets as a freshman. Cameras also caught Flagg's emotional embrace with his parents after securing a Final Four spot.

Nothing quite like a big hug from mom and pops after a big accomplishment. And even if the job isn't done this is indeed a big accomplishment. Not every uber-talented freshman at Duke gets to go to the Final Four. Zion Williamson didn't. Jayson Tatum didn't. But Flagg will.

A cool moment for the young man, and Duke now looks forward to the Final Four in San Antonio.


More March Madness on Sports Illustrated


This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cameras Caught Cooper Flagg's Emotional Moment With Parents After Duke Win Over Alabama.

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