Cooper Flagg’s Meteoric Rise Sparks Comparisons to College Basketball Legends
Cooper Flagg is already being hailed as the best freshman in the nation, with some even arguing he’s the best player in the country. But now, a Hall of Fame coach is drawing comparisons between the Duke basketball star and one of the greatest players in college basketball history.
As Flagg put up 27 points in No. 3 Duke’s 78-57 win over California on Wednesday night, former Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim stunned viewers by comparing Flagg to his own sensational freshman, Carmelo Anthony. “He was just a man back then,” Boeheim said of Anthony, but he didn’t shy away from suggesting that Flagg could join the same ranks if Duke secures a National Championship.
“He does more things. Melo was more of a rebounder and scorer,” Boeheim continued, making it clear that Flagg’s all-around game could elevate him to unprecedented heights.
Flagg’s numbers already speak volumes: he’s averaging 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from beyond the arc.
The comparisons to college basketball royalty are only growing louder—Flagg’s future is starting to look more and more legendary.
Cooper Flagg’s Defensive Dominance and All-Around Game Draw Comparisons to College Legends
“Cooper does things defensively that very few players can do,” said Boeheim, underscoring Flagg’s rare skill set. “He helps make everyone better.”
In his one season with Syracuse, Carmelo Anthony made an immediate impact, averaging 22.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. But it was his memorable performances in the Final Four—33 points against Kansas—and the national title game—20 points—that made his presence unforgettable.
Boeheim continued, “He’s really a point-forward type player… they don’t come around very often.”
“Cooper is different—everyone has said that all year, and he’s backed it up. In fact, I think he’s surpassed expectations. He gets better every time I watch him.”
The stats tell the same story: Flagg is averaging 22.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting a staggering 53.4 percent from the field and 46.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Flagg’s meteoric rise isn’t just a flash in the pan—it’s the emergence of a generational talent that’s capturing the attention of college basketball fans and legends alike.
Here’s a more serious and alarming version of the passage:
Cooper Flagg’s Unmatched Toughness Makes Him Stand Out Among the Best
“The biggest thing is that he has a toughness to him,” said Boeheim, emphasizing the grit that sets Flagg apart from others.
Duke (21-3, 13-1 ACC) is on the verge of securing the top seed in both the ACC and NCAA Tournaments, and Cooper Flagg’s leadership will be critical in their quest for another victory. The Blue Devils are set to face Stanford (16-9, 8-6 ACC) on Saturday afternoon (4:00 p.m. ET, ABC), with Flagg looking to add another dominant performance to his growing legacy.
