Cooper Flagg and Toby Fournier are two of Duke’s best freshmen ever. How have they grown throughout the season?

As Duke University’s basketball program continues to remain a powerhouse in college basketball, two of its most exciting freshmen, Cooper Flagg and Toby Fournier, have taken the nation by storm. Both players were heralded as potential future stars before stepping foot on campus, and as the season progresses, their growth and development have been nothing short of impressive. These two freshmen have already become integral pieces of Duke’s success, and their individual journeys throughout the 2024-2025 season have demonstrated the evolution of elite talent into polished, well-rounded players.

In this piece, we’ll delve into the growth and development of Cooper Flagg and Toby Fournier, analyzing how their skill sets have improved throughout the season and how they’ve contributed to Duke’s overall success. From their initial roles on the team to becoming leaders on the court, Flagg and Fournier have shown why they are among the best freshmen ever to play for Duke.

Cooper Flagg: A Defensive Phenom with Offensive Versatility

Cooper Flagg entered Duke as one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent memory. A 6-foot-8 forward, Flagg was known for his exceptional defensive skills, including his ability to block shots, guard multiple positions, and wreak havoc in passing lanes. However, it was his all-around potential, especially on offense, that had scouts and analysts projecting him as a future NBA lottery pick. As the season has unfolded, Flagg has not only lived up to the hype but has also expanded his game in ways that have surprised many.

Defensive Mastery and Leadership

From day one, Flagg’s defense has been a major factor in Duke’s success. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt offensive plays, and act as a shot-blocker has made him an invaluable asset to the Blue Devils. As the season has progressed, Flagg’s understanding of Duke’s defensive schemes and his ability to make adjustments on the fly have grown exponentially. He has become the team’s defensive anchor, using his length and athleticism to protect the rim and contest shots.

One of the most noticeable developments in Flagg’s defensive game is his improved positioning and communication with his teammates. Early in the season, Flagg would occasionally overcommit or leave himself out of position while trying to make highlight-reel plays. However, as the season has progressed, Flagg has become a more disciplined defender, staying within the team’s defensive structure while still using his athleticism to make game-changing plays. His basketball IQ has also increased, allowing him to read offensive sets and anticipate passes with precision.

Flagg’s leadership on the defensive end has been crucial to Duke’s overall success. His presence in the paint has allowed Duke to defend pick-and-rolls and dribble penetration with greater efficiency. In addition to blocking shots, Flagg’s ability to switch onto guards and defend on the perimeter has been a key factor in Duke’s versatility on defense.

Offensive Growth: Expanding the Scoring Arsenal

While Flagg’s defense has been his calling card, his offensive game has grown tremendously over the course of the season. At the start of the year, Flagg was primarily known as a player who could finish around the rim and create offense in transition. However, as the season has unfolded, he has added multiple facets to his offensive game.

Flagg’s shooting has improved noticeably, particularly from mid-range and the three-point line. While he was never expected to be a consistent three-point shooter, Flagg has shown that he can knock down open shots when given space, making him even more difficult to defend. His mid-range jumper has become a reliable weapon, and his increased confidence in taking those shots has allowed him to space the floor and create additional opportunities for his teammates.

Flagg’s ability to attack the basket off the dribble has also developed. While he was always capable of finishing around the rim, his ball-handling has improved to the point where he can initiate offense and drive past defenders with ease. This newfound ability to create for himself and others has elevated his role in Duke’s offense. His vision and passing ability have also shown growth; he now frequently looks for open teammates and has become more effective in finding cutters and shooters.

Despite his offensive growth, Flagg has maintained his ability to impact the game without needing to score a ton of points. His basketball IQ and court awareness allow him to create opportunities for his teammates, whether it’s through high-quality passes, setting screens, or making quick decisions in transition. This selflessness has made him a key cog in Duke’s offense, even when he isn’t the focal point of the attack.

Maturity and Leadership

Perhaps one of the most significant areas of growth for Flagg has been his maturity and leadership. As a freshman, he has quickly established himself as a leader in the locker room and on the court. His ability to stay composed under pressure, lead by example, and support his teammates has been vital to Duke’s success. In high-pressure moments, Flagg has shown the poise of a seasoned veteran, taking on the responsibility of being Duke’s primary defensive and offensive weapon.

By midseason, Flagg was consistently stepping up as the team’s emotional leader, particularly in crucial moments during close games. Whether it was through timely scoring, defensive stops, or providing vocal leadership, Flagg has proven that he’s not only a future NBA talent but also someone who can impact the game in intangible ways.

Toby Fournier: A Dynamic Playmaker and Scorer

While Cooper Flagg has grabbed much of the attention this season, Toby Fournier, Duke’s 6-foot-5 guard, has quietly developed into one of the best freshmen in the country. Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, Fournier’s growth throughout the season has been marked by increased efficiency and a refined all-around game. His ability to contribute in multiple areas has made him a versatile weapon for Coach Jon Scheyer.

Offensive Explosion and Scoring Versatility

Toby Fournier’s scoring ability was one of the reasons he was highly regarded as a recruit, and he has fully embraced that role at Duke. Early in the season, Fournier was primarily a scorer, often relied upon to create offense, whether in transition or off the dribble. However, as the season progressed, Fournier’s game has expanded to include a greater variety of scoring methods.

Fournier’s three-point shooting has been a pleasant surprise. While he wasn’t known as a pure shooter coming into college, Fournier has turned into one of the team’s most reliable perimeter shooters, stretching defenses and opening up space for Duke’s offense. His ability to hit shots from beyond the arc has added another layer to his game, and his improvement as a catch-and-shoot player has made him a consistent threat on the wing.

In addition to his shooting, Fournier has developed a strong mid-range game. His ability to pull up off the dribble has become one of his go-to offensive moves, and he’s displayed an uncanny ability to create separation and knock down tough shots. Fournier’s ability to score in a variety of ways has allowed him to maintain a high level of efficiency, even when defenses focus their attention on him.

Playmaking and Court Vision

Fournier’s development as a playmaker has also been a significant part of his growth. Initially, Fournier was seen as a primary scorer, but his vision and ability to create for others have improved drastically. His assist numbers have steadily increased, and his understanding of Duke’s offense has allowed him to become more effective in setting up teammates for open shots.

One of the most notable aspects of Fournier’s game is his ability to break down defenses. Whether it’s through pick-and-roll situations or one-on-one isolation, Fournier has shown the ability to penetrate the defense, draw defenders, and find open teammates. His basketball IQ and decision-making have improved, allowing him to make quicker reads and deliver the ball to the right person in the right spot.

Defense and Physicality

While Fournier’s offense has been his calling card, his defense has also shown growth. Early in the season, Fournier struggled with defending quicker guards and staying in front of opposing players, but as the season has progressed, his defense has become much more consistent. Fournier has put in the work to improve his on-ball defense, using his physicality and athleticism to disrupt opposing ball handlers. While he’s still not an elite defender, Fournier’s growth on the defensive end has been crucial to his development as an all-around player.

The Impact on Duke’s Success

Cooper Flagg and Toby Fournier have become key contributors to Duke’s success this season. Their growth throughout the year has helped elevate Duke to a top-tier program, and they have quickly become two of the most exciting players in college basketball. With Flagg’s defensive mastery and expanded offensive game, along with Fournier’s scoring versatility and playmaking ability, the two freshmen have formed a dynamic duo that gives Duke the potential to go deep into the NCAA Tournament.

Their growth has also had a ripple effect on the team as a whole. Both Flagg and Fournier’s development has forced other players to step up, creating a deeper and more well-rounded team. Duke’s offense flows more efficiently with Fournier running the show and creating opportunities, while Flagg’s defense has made the Blue Devils one of the toughest teams to score against.