Dave Feschuk: After a March without insanity, it’s difficult to despise Cooper Flagg and the infamous Duke Blue Devils.

March Madness is the most exhilarating time of the year for college basketball fans. It’s a month-long festival of unpredictability, filled with shocking upsets, buzzer-beaters, and the raw emotion of single-elimination play. The excitement of March Madness hinges on the unexpected—cinderella stories emerging from nowhere, top-ranked teams falling before their time, and players stepping into the national spotlight with heroic performances. It’s the insanity that makes March Madness so captivating. However, in 2025, there was a noticeable absence of that pure, chaotic magic.

For many fans, this lack of madness created a feeling of something missing, as if the heart of the tournament had been dulled. Perhaps this was due to fewer surprises or lower drama than in years past. No bracket-busting victories or Cinderella runs of the kind that have defined some of the most thrilling tournaments. Teams like Duke, which have long been the epicenter of controversy, played a less significant role in the overall storyline. And yet, one thing remained: Cooper Flagg.

The young star’s future, now clearly tied to Duke, offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the changing nature of college basketball, fan rivalries, and the ongoing narrative of March Madness. Flagg’s commitment to the Blue Devils raised eyebrows and generated conversation not only for his prodigious talent but also because of what it represents for the Duke program—one of the most storied yet polarizing in college basketball history.

While Flagg’s arrival at Duke promises to bring fresh energy and excitement to the college game, it also stirs the same old emotions of resentment and rivalry that have been directed at the Blue Devils for decades. The statement, “It’s difficult to despise Cooper Flagg and the infamous Duke Blue Devils,” encapsulates the tension inherent in this situation: it is challenging to dislike a player of such skill and promise, yet Duke’s legacy makes it all too easy to root against them. It’s this dichotomy that lies at the heart of the college basketball fan experience and the shifting narratives of modern March Madness.

The Absence of Madness: What Happened in 2025?

March Madness is built on the unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament. Every year, fans of lower-seeded teams dream of seeing their schools pull off monumental upsets, like the 16-seed UMBC defeating the 1-seed Virginia in 2018. These moments not only shape the history of the tournament but create a communal excitement among college basketball fans. The chaos of these unexpected outcomes fuels the energy of the month, and it’s what people remember most about the tournament.

In 2025, however, that chaos didn’t emerge in the same way it had in previous years. While there were still compelling games and thrilling matchups, the tournament lacked the major surprises and jaw-dropping moments that are a hallmark of March Madness. Teams like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas, perennial powerhouses, cruised through the tournament without facing the kind of monumental challenges that make March Madness so thrilling. The absence of this “insanity” may have left some fans feeling as if something was missing—like the magic of the tournament had been dialed down.

Perhaps this lack of madness had something to do with the dominance of higher seeds, with many of the top teams advancing as expected. The favorites seemed to fulfill their roles, leaving little room for the underdogs to shine. Without these stunning upsets, the tournament became more predictable, and that predictability left a vacuum where the madness typically thrives.

However, while the tournament may have felt tame in terms of surprises, it is important to acknowledge that the game of college basketball itself has evolved. With the rise of the “one-and-done” culture and the influx of elite young players entering the NBA after only a year or two, there has been a shift in how teams approach the NCAA Tournament. The focus is no longer solely on the team effort but also on individual players who dominate and carry their teams deep into the tournament. This shift toward individual stars is evident with players like Cooper Flagg, whose ability to change a game with his presence on the floor is likely to overshadow some of the team-oriented magic that characterized earlier tournaments.

Cooper Flagg: The Next Superstar?

Cooper Flagg is one of the most highly anticipated recruits in recent memory. A versatile forward with a unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Flagg has the potential to redefine what it means to be a modern basketball player. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor, along with his elite defensive capabilities, makes him an immediate game-changer at the college level. His potential to contribute right away at Duke has made him the subject of intense scrutiny and excitement.

Flagg’s commitment to Duke, a school known for attracting the best and brightest talents, adds another layer to the already rich narrative surrounding the Blue Devils. For years, Duke has been synonymous with success, recruiting the nation’s top high school players and consistently competing for national championships. Under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, the program achieved unparalleled success, winning five NCAA titles and consistently appearing in the tournament’s latter rounds. While Coach K’s retirement has created some uncertainty about Duke’s future, the arrival of Flagg suggests that the program will continue to attract the best players in the country.

For many college basketball fans, the Duke Blue Devils have long been a polarizing force. Duke has earned a reputation as one of the most successful—and most disliked—teams in the sport. The Blue Devils’ success, combined with their brash personalities and relentless competitiveness, has made them a target for fans of rival schools. Whether it’s the high-profile nature of players like Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, or Jahlil Okafor, or the program’s tendency to dominate the college basketball landscape, Duke has always been at the center of controversy.

For many fans outside of the Duke fanbase, the Blue Devils represent everything that’s wrong with college basketball: a team that always seems to have the best players, the best coaches, and the best resources. This level of dominance breeds resentment and fuels rivalries. When a player like Flagg, who is poised to be the next big thing in college basketball, joins Duke, it adds another layer of frustration for those who want to see a different team rise to the top.

However, despite the program’s polarizing nature, it is difficult to despise a player like Cooper Flagg. His talent is undeniable, and his ability to impact a game in so many ways makes him a joy to watch. For all the animosity surrounding Duke, it’s hard to find anything to dislike about a player who is not only exceptionally gifted but also seems grounded and focused on his development. Flagg’s maturity, his work ethic, and his commitment to the game are qualities that transcend any team affiliation. As a result, even those who would normally root against Duke find themselves conflicted when watching him play.

The Cultural Significance of Duke in March Madness

The cultural significance of Duke in March Madness cannot be overstated. The Blue Devils are one of the most iconic teams in the history of the tournament, and their annual presence in the field creates a certain level of anticipation. Duke’s success is intertwined with the history of March Madness itself, and their games are some of the most-watched and discussed in the tournament.

Duke’s relationship with the NCAA Tournament has always been complex. While many fans view the Blue Devils as the villain, their role in the tournament is undeniable. The rivalry between Duke and other powerhouse programs, such as North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas, adds to the drama of March Madness. These matchups are not just games—they are cultural events, and the stakes feel higher because of the history and emotion surrounding them.

The intensity of the rivalries between Duke and other programs adds an extra layer of drama to the NCAA Tournament. When Duke enters the field, fans of opposing teams gear up for the inevitable clash, often feeling that they are rooting not just for their team but against the Blue Devils and everything they represent. In a tournament where every game feels like a battle for glory, the Blue Devils are always at the center of that narrative.

The Future of March Madness and Cooper Flagg’s Impact

As we look ahead to future tournaments, it is clear that players like Cooper Flagg will shape the narrative of March Madness for years to come. The impact of star players on the tournament’s storyline cannot be underestimated. In a time when the unpredictability of the tournament may feel slightly diminished, players like Flagg offer a new source of excitement and anticipation. His journey through the NCAA Tournament, especially as part of a team like Duke, will undoubtedly add new layers of drama to March Madness.

Ultimately, it’s difficult to despise Cooper Flagg. His talent, poise, and potential make him a player that fans of all teams can respect. Yet, when he puts on the Duke uniform and takes the floor in March Madness, the intensity of the rivalry and the weight of the program’s legacy will ensure that the Blue Devils remain a force to be reckoned with. Whether you love them or hate them, Duke and Cooper Flagg will continue to be central to the narrative of March Madness for years to come.