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Cooper Flagg sets ACC history during first half of Virginia game

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•02/17/25•

ChandlerVessels

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Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Coopers Flagg achieved a feat Monday that puts into perspective just how impressive his freshman season at Duke has been. With his performance in the first half against Virginia, Flagg reached numbers for the season that no ACC player has in the past 25 years.

Flagg has now surpassed 500 points, 100 assists and 30 blocks total on the year, according to the ACC’s official X account. Monday against the Cavaliers, he already had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds as the Blue Devils led 43-29 at the half.

Flagg played high school basketball at Montverde Academy (ME) and ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He’s more than lived up to that billing so far to average 19.8 points. 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft if he decides to forgo the rest of his college eligibility.

Before then, however, he will attempt to take Duke on a deep March Madness run after it advanced to the Elite Eight a year ago. This season the Blue Devils currently sit at 22-3 (14-1 ACC) and look well on their way to another victory.

They should be in contention for a top seed in the tournament, but before then Flagg and company will look to finish out the regular season on a high note.

Dick Vitale mocks idea of Cooper Flagg returning to Duke: ‘I’ve got a better chance of growing hair’

There was an article recently in which Flagg said he wants to come back to Durham next year. On Saturday, ESPN’s Dick Vitale scoffed at such a nation on the broadcast.

“A big story was publicized yesterday. Cooper says, ‘I think I may be coming back to Duke. I love it so much!’ “Man, I’ve got a better chance of growing hair than (Flagg) coming back to Duke. [Laughs] No way that’s gonna happen. No way,” Vitale said. “…There’s no question he’s obviously making good money with the NIL, but I tell you what, that check he’s gonna see at the next level is a whole other world. Can’t take a chance of an injury. Can’t take a chance.”

Duke absolutely obliterated Stanford on Saturday, prevailing 106-70. And once again, Flagg stole the show, stuffing the stat sheet with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals. He was touted as the most complete player in America coming out of high school and the freshman phenom hasn’t disappointed yet. Flagg connected on 7 of 13 shots from the field, including 3 of 6 shots from downtown.

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this report.