Flagg will be the fourth freshman in history to win National Player of the Year
s March Madness approaches, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg, the freshman sensation who has taken the college basketball world by storm and plays his final regular season game with the Blue Devils today, or does he? In his last game at the beginning this week, in what could be his last regular season home game in a Duke uniform, Flagg delivered a stellar performance against Wake Forest, posting 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. His dominance throughout the season has propelled Duke to a potential No. 1 seed in the East Region, making them serious contenders for their first NCAA title in a decade. While Flagg has expressed interest in returning for another year, the lure of the NBA and a lucrative contract beyond his $4.8 million NIL earnings make it increasingly unlikely. In the midst of all this, Duke now faces an unexpected challenge that could impact its championship aspirations: the departure of associate head coach Jai Lucas to Miami.
Despite the sudden coaching change, Duke remains one of the top favorites to take down the nets in San Antonio, where the national championship will be played on April 7. The pressure on Flagg has never been greater. Through 30 games at Duke, Flagg is averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks, leading Duke in all of those categories and positioning himself as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year. In a freshman campaign that has drawn comparisons to legends like Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant, the only freshmen in NCAA history to win National Player of the Year honors. Flagg has already broken records, including an ACC freshman scoring mark with 42 points in a game against Notre Dame.
How Coach Lucas’ Exit Impacts Duke’s Championship Hopes
Jai Lucas has played an important role in Duke’s resurgence under Jon Scheyer, serving as the program’s top assistant coach and defensive genius. Over the last two seasons, he has turned the Blue Devils into one of the nation’s toughest defensive units, limiting opponents just 61 points per game. His departure at this critical juncture, just before the NCAA Tournament, raises serious questions about team cohesion and focus.
Lucas was instrumental in recruiting Flagg and fellow freshman Kon Knueppel, and his presence off the bench has been a steadying force. Now, with Lucas set to take over at Miami, Duke loses not only a top recruiter but also a key strategist. Head coach Jon Scheyer admitted that the timing was far from ideal, acknowledging that Lucas didn’t want to leave but was forced to make the move due to the NCAA coaching cycle. Analysts have been vocal about the potential distractions this creates, especially for a Duke team that has all the pieces in place to win it all. Losing a top assistant at this stage could disrupt their defensive schemes and put additional pressure on Flagg to carry the team on both ends of the floor.
Can Cooper Flagg Lead Duke Through the Madness?
While Lucas’ departure poses a challenge, the Blue Devils’ title hopes still rest largely on Flagg’s shoulders. He has stepped up in big moments, including an impressive 21-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance in the first rivalry game against North Carolina. If he can block out the noise and keep Duke in check, their championship window remains wide open. But with the NBA Draft looming and teams like the Wizards, Hornets and Jazz circling the No. 1 pick, Flagg must also consider his future. Whether this is his last run with Duke or not, one thing is certain: the next few weeks will define his legacy.
Can Cooper Flagg Lead Duke Through the Madness?
While Lucas’ departure poses a challenge, the Blue Devils’ title hopes still rest largely on Flagg’s shoulders. He has stepped up in big moments, including an impressive 21-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist performance in the first rivalry game against North Carolina. If he can block out the noise and keep Duke in check, their championship window remains wide open. But with the NBA Draft looming and teams like the Wizards, Hornets and Jazz circling the No. 1 pick, Flagg must also consider his future. Whether this is his last run with Duke or not, one thing is certain: the next few weeks will define his legacy.
