One college coach struck a striking parallel between Caitlin Clark and Duke star Cooper Flagg.
This season, Duke Blue Devils freshman Cooper Flagg has dominated the men’s college basketball globe.
In 26 games this season, the 18-year-old has averaged 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, while also shooting 36.6% from three. In addition to his on-court success, Flagg has swiftly established himself as the most prominent figure on the men’s side of college basketball.
During an interview with Outkick’s Dan Dakich, Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood drew a stark contrast between Flagg and Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark.
“If he stayed in school, he would be the face of college basketball and elevate the game to the levels Caitlin Clark did on the female side,” Underwood said of Cooper Flagg, according to an Outkick X post.
“I didn’t know him as a young man, but everything I’ve heard about him has been positive, and I believe he’s a fantastic talent. So I believe he would be ideal for the NBA. I always hope that when young players go to the NBA, they are in the appropriate mental space. They’re heading into big boy locker rooms, you know.
“But I love his mojo, I love his swag… he just carries himself in a way that exudes confidence and that I think he’s really talented,” Underwood stated when talking about Flagg.
It’s certainly a fascinating sentiment that Underwood has. However, it’s hard to imagine that Flagg will continue in college for long enough to see if he can come close to matching Clark’s influence.
