The official start of the Cooper Flagg Era in Durham has finally started. The star freshman made his regular-season debut for the Duke Blue Devils on Monday during a non-conference matchup against the Maine Black Bears at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and he did not disappoint.
Although Flagg shot just 6-for-15 from the floor for 18 points, there were still plenty of signs of future stardom for the first-year forward. In addition to his points, he also had seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 30 minutes of action in Duke’s 96-62 victory at home.
Cooper Flagg had Duke Blue Devils fans worried after one moment against the Maine Black Bears
Flagg had fans buzzing after he threw down a monster dunk in the first half. He also had Blue Devils supporters momentarily feeling cold when he went down with what appeared to be a lower-body injury. Fortunately for Duke and its fans. It was only a case of cramps.
Flagg, who is widely expected to get picked No. 1 overall at the 2025 NBA draft, insinuated after the game that playing heavy minutes in his first true college basketball game was the culprit behind his cramps.
“Coach even came to me right after I started cramping and was telling me he wanted to give me the experience of playing extended minutes like that,” Flagg said. “And it’s definitely something different, something I haven’t experienced before with this long of a game.”
Flagg and the Blue Devils will have another “warm-up” this coming Friday when they host the Army Black Knights before getting their first real test of the season on Nov. 12 versus the No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats at the State Farm Champions Classic.
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