In the storied history of Duke men’s basketball—a lineage filled with legends, national championships, and NBA stardom—few feats stand out as truly unprecedented. But in the 2024-25 season, freshman phenom Cooper Flagg did just that. The 6-foot-9 forward from Maine became the first player in Duke history to lead the team in all five major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. It’s a staggering accomplishment that cements Flagg’s name alongside Blue Devils greats like Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Shane Battier, and Zion Williamson—only this time, in a category no one before him ever managed to conquer in full.
What Flagg has achieved this season is the product of prodigious talent, tireless work ethic, and an innate feel for the game rarely seen even among college basketball’s elite. From his first tip-off in a Duke jersey, it was clear Flagg wasn’t just another highly ranked recruit—he was a generational talent ready to dominate every facet of the game.
His stat line by season’s end was jaw-dropping: 19.7 points per game, 9.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.3 steals, and 2.6 blocks. The numbers alone place him in rare company nationwide, but the full weight of his impact is better appreciated when considering the burden he carried for a team with Final Four aspirations. While many freshmen take time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the college game, Flagg looked like he had been there for years. His maturity, basketball IQ, and unselfishness made him a player teammates naturally gravitated toward—and opponents dreaded seeing on the schedule.
Coach Jon Scheyer, who’s been at the helm since succeeding Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, didn’t mince words when asked about Flagg’s season. “What Cooper did this year is nothing short of historic,” Scheyer said. “He’s one of the most complete players I’ve ever been around. The fact that he led us in every major stat category? That’s unheard of. And he did it while playing the right way, making winning plays, and elevating everyone around him.”
Indeed, Flagg’s leadership was just as important as his stats. He wasn’t merely padding numbers on a team without direction. Duke finished the regular season with a 27-4 record, capturing the ACC regular-season title and earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Time and again, Flagg was the stabilizing force, the clutch performer, the vocal leader—and the defensive anchor. His presence transformed Duke into not just a contender, but a team feared for its balance, toughness, and star power.
From the outset, Flagg’s versatility was impossible to ignore. In Duke’s season opener, he recorded 21 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks. It wasn’t just the stat-stuffing nature of his game—it was how natural it all seemed. He flowed between positions on both ends of the floor, seamlessly switching from rim protector to primary ball-handler depending on the need. His court vision rivaled that of top-tier point guards, while his timing as a shot blocker and defensive communicator mirrored a seasoned veteran.
Perhaps most impressive was Flagg’s consistency. Over the course of the season, he reached double figures in scoring in all but one game. He logged 15 double-doubles and even notched two triple-doubles—something no Duke player had accomplished since Shelden Williams in 2006. Whether facing a top-10 opponent or a mid-major upstart, Flagg brought the same intensity and focus. Teammates described him as “obsessed” with improvement, often staying long after practice to get up extra shots or watch film.
That work ethic paid off not only statistically, but culturally. Flagg set the tone for a Duke squad that prided itself on defense and ball movement. In a sport where five-star recruits are often expected to be volume scorers first and foremost, Flagg flipped the script. He made the extra pass, rotated with urgency, dove for loose balls, and took on the toughest defensive assignments. It’s no coincidence that Duke finished top 10 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Flagg was the system’s engine—and its compass.
Opposing coaches took notice, too. “We’ve game-planned for some incredible players over the years,” said one ACC head coach after facing Duke. “But Flagg’s the only one who beat us from every spot on the floor. He guarded our best scorer, ran their offense, crashed the glass, and made plays we couldn’t prepare for. He’s special.”
The whispers about Flagg’s NBA future began well before his first college game, and now those whispers are full-on roars. Already projected as the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg’s game has drawn comparisons to elite two-way stars like Kevin Durant, Scottie Pippen, and even a young LeBron James—not because of his sheer athleticism, but because of his all-encompassing influence on the game. He doesn’t dominate in one category and fade in others. He dominates across the board.
But amid the hype and hysteria, Flagg has remained grounded. He’s credited his success to his teammates, coaching staff, and the Duke fan base, which embraced him from day one. “I just want to win,” Flagg said after a late-season victory. “Whatever the team needs, that’s what I try to do. If it’s scoring, cool. If it’s defense, rebounding, passing—whatever it takes. I just want to make sure I’m leaving everything out there for Duke.”
It’s that mindset that’s endeared him not just to Cameron Indoor Stadium, but to college basketball fans across the country. In an era increasingly defined by individualism and short college stints, Flagg’s team-first attitude and complete game are a refreshing throwback to an older mold of superstar—one who lifts the entire program.
And lift he has. With Flagg leading the way, Duke has reasserted itself as a dominant national force, blending the tradition of Coach K’s era with the modern, fast-paced style championed by Scheyer. The Blue Devils’ offense has been a masterclass in spacing and motion, thanks largely to Flagg’s ability to operate as both facilitator and finisher. His basketball IQ allows him to manipulate defenses, often setting up teammates for open looks while keeping defenders guessing about his next move.
Defensively, he’s been even more disruptive. His length, instincts, and timing make him a menace in passing lanes and a deterrent around the rim. Flagg averaged over two blocks per game despite often guarding players on the perimeter—a testament to his incredible ground coverage and lateral quickness. His ability to switch on screens and neutralize multiple positions has made him the cornerstone of Duke’s defense.
Flagg’s all-around dominance has also redefined what’s possible for a college freshman. While players like Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, and Cade Cunningham turned in phenomenal one-and-done seasons, none managed to lead their teams in every major category. Flagg’s accomplishment isn’t just historic in the context of Duke—it’s nearly unprecedented in the annals of NCAA basketball.
As the postseason continues, all eyes are on Flagg to see how far he can carry Duke. If his regular season is any indication, the Blue Devils have every reason to believe they can hang another banner in Cameron Indoor. Regardless of the final outcome, however, Flagg’s legacy at Duke is already secure. His name will live on not just in the rafters, but in the record books—as the first player ever to lead the program in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in a single season.
For a program defined by excellence, that’s saying something. And for Cooper Flagg, it’s just the beginning.