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Duke Reacts to Historic Cooper Flagg Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 11:35 PM ET

Cooper Flagg has been the lead man for the Duke Blue Devils, posting one of the best freshman seasons in college basketball history.

Flagg helped lead Duke to the No. 1 seed in the East region after winning the ACC regular-season title and ACC Tournament championship.

As the Blue Devils prepare for the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, Flagg was announced as the Freshman National Player of the Year.

"Last 2 frosh NPOYs are Blue Devils," posted the Blue Devils upon the announcement.

Flagg became the fourth freshman to be named National Player of the Year, joining Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant.

Last 2 frosh NPOYs are Blue Devils ️ pic.twitter.com/xF1Yx3qYjZ
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) March 27, 2025

Throughout his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg led the team in average points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.

The Naismith Player of the Year finalist has averaged 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.4 steals per game.

During the Blue Devils’ potential championship run, Flagg has helped Duke defeated Mount St. Mary's in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and the Baylor Bears in the round of 32.

Duke now has a matchup against the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats on the horizon. So far in March Madness, Arizona has defeated Akron and Oregon en route to the Sweet 16.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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