BREAKING: Jay Bilas Sends Strong Message About Cooper Flagg Before NCAA Tournament
As anticipated, Duke University secured a spot in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament after defeating its fierce rival, the University of North Carolina, in the ACC semifinal on Friday, followed by a victory over the University of Louisville on Saturday to claim the conference championship. Duke earned the No. 1 seed in the East Region and will face the winner of the play-in game between American and Mount St. Mary’s.
Freshman standout Cooper Flagg missed both games due to an ankle injury but is expected to be ready for the tournament. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas praised Flagg during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, calling him “the best and most complete freshman Duke has ever had” and predicting he will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft if he declares. Flagg, a former Montverde Academy star, has long been projected as the top prospect due to his elite basketball instincts.
Standing 6-foot-9, Flagg is a dynamic scorer with the athleticism to excel in transition, strong passing ability, and impressive defensive skills. This season, he has averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game for the Blue Devils. Some scouts have likened him to Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, known for his versatility, elite defense, and key role in the Chicago Bulls’ six NBA championships during the 1990s.