David Teel: Duke’s Cooper Flagg Leads the Team to a Resounding Victory Over the Hokies. “Golly, He’s Incredible.”
In a game that had college basketball fans buzzing from coast to coast, Duke’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, delivered a performance that not only reaffirmed his status as one of the most hyped recruits in recent years but also reinforced why he is quickly becoming a household name. With a dazzling display of skill, athleticism, and leadership, Flagg led the Blue Devils to a dominant victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies, securing the win with a variety of jaw-dropping plays that showcased his well-rounded game.
As the final buzzer sounded and the Duke players celebrated their commanding 86-65 victory, one question seemed to echo through the stands and across social media: Is Cooper Flagg the next great Duke player in a long line of basketball legends?
For the Hokies, it was an afternoon of frustration and awe as they watched Flagg, a 6’8″ forward, impose his will on both ends of the floor. It didn’t matter if he was draining a smooth three-pointer, swatting away shots at the rim, or leading a fast break with an effortless fluidity—Flagg seemed to do it all. And for those lucky enough to witness it, there was no denying the sense of wonderment surrounding the 18-year-old’s performance.
As David Teel of the Richmond Times-Dispatch put it after the game, “Golly, he’s incredible.”
The Rise of Cooper Flagg
Since his arrival at Duke, Cooper Flagg has been regarded as a phenom in the making. A consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 ranked player in his class, Flagg’s decision to play for the Blue Devils sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Known for his elite basketball IQ, versatility, and competitive spirit, Flagg had been a sensation at Montverde Academy, where he consistently showcased a rare combination of skill and maturity for his age.
But it wasn’t just his impressive resume that made Flagg such an intriguing prospect; it was the way he could impact a game on both ends of the court. As a forward, Flagg is an offensive juggernaut who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability, finish at the rim with explosive athleticism, and create opportunities for teammates with his vision and unselfish play. On defense, he’s a nightmare for opponents, capable of guarding multiple positions, blocking shots, and grabbing rebounds at an elite level.
All of these attributes were on full display in Duke’s win over Virginia Tech, where Flagg put on a clinic. As the game wore on, it became increasingly clear that the Hokies were simply outmatched by the sheer force of Flagg’s talent and impact on the game.
The Game: Duke vs. Virginia Tech
The game began with both teams showing flashes of offensive brilliance, but it was clear from the opening tip that Duke, and Flagg in particular, were operating on a different level. The Hokies were the first to strike, with their sharpshooting guard Storm Murphy knocking down a three-pointer early, but Duke answered back with a series of smooth, calculated possessions.
Cooper Flagg’s first highlight of the game came midway through the first half, when he drilled a step-back three-pointer from the top of the key with a defender in his face, extending Duke’s lead to double digits. His ability to hit shots from all over the floor was a major factor in Duke’s early success. Flagg’s confidence was palpable as he continued to play with a swagger that seemed to leave the Hokies scrambling.
However, it was Flagg’s ability to impact the game beyond just scoring that set him apart on this day. Duke’s defense, led by Flagg’s presence in the paint, was suffocating. Virginia Tech, known for their ability to spread the floor with their shooting, struggled to find open looks as Flagg’s quick rotations and instincts helped Duke smother their offense. Every time the Hokies thought they might have an opportunity to gain some momentum, Flagg would come up with a timely block or a steal, halting any potential scoring runs.
Perhaps the most memorable defensive play came with just under five minutes left in the first half, when Flagg rejected a driving layup attempt from Virginia Tech’s star guard, Justyn Mutts. Not only did he deny the shot, but he also grabbed the rebound and immediately pushed the ball up the floor, starting a fast break that ended with a thunderous dunk. It was moments like these that left the crowd in awe and had fans asking how a player so young could already have such a profound impact on a game at the collegiate level.
As the first half came to a close, Duke had built an insurmountable lead, and Flagg had already put up 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. His all-around play, combined with his defensive presence, had left the Hokies reeling, and it was clear that they had no answers for his unique skill set.
The Second Half: Cooper Flagg’s Dominance Continues
The second half began much like the first, with Duke in complete control of the game. Virginia Tech came out with a sense of urgency, looking to chip away at the deficit, but it was Flagg’s relentless effort on both ends of the floor that kept the Hokies from ever getting any real traction.
Flagg continued to show off his offensive arsenal in the second half, hitting another pair of three-pointers and adding a few mid-range jumpers to his scoring tally. At times, it seemed like no matter what the Hokies did, they couldn’t slow him down. On one possession, Flagg took a feed from guard Tyrese Proctor, faked a defender to the right, and then spun to his left for a smooth turnaround jumper—an exquisite display of footwork and finesse that is rarely seen from players of his size.
Yet, even more impressive than Flagg’s scoring was his ability to make those around him better. Time and time again, Flagg attracted defenders and then showed his playmaking skills by dishing out assists to teammates. His basketball IQ shone through as he patiently surveyed the floor, waiting for the right moment to make the perfect pass. Whether it was a lob to Dereck Lively II for an alley-oop or a simple swing pass to a wide-open Mark Mitchell in the corner, Flagg demonstrated the vision and selflessness that has many pundits excited about his potential.
As the game wore on, Duke continued to build their lead, and Virginia Tech seemed to lose their will to compete. With under five minutes left in the game, Flagg’s final highlight came when he grabbed a rebound, pushed the ball down the floor, and delivered a no-look pass to a streaking Kyle Filipowski, who finished with a dunk. The crowd erupted in applause, and Duke’s lead had grown to a commanding 22 points.
Flagg finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. His all-around performance not only showcased his immense talent but also demonstrated his ability to control a game in every phase. Whether it was scoring, passing, rebounding, or defending, Flagg made his presence felt, and his performance was a reminder of why he is widely regarded as one of the top players in the country.
The Aftermath: “Golly, He’s Incredible”
After the game, it was clear that Cooper Flagg had earned the admiration and respect of everyone in attendance, including his coaches and teammates. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has been tasked with continuing the legacy of the Blue Devils’ program, was effusive in his praise of the freshman forward.
“Cooper is one of the most special players I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Scheyer said after the game. “His ability to impact the game in so many ways is something we haven’t seen in a long time. He’s a natural leader, and he’s only going to get better as the season progresses. We’re lucky to have him on our team.”
Duke guard Tyrese Proctor, who has quickly developed chemistry with Flagg on the floor, echoed Scheyer’s sentiments. “He’s incredible. He’s always in the right place at the right time, and he just makes everyone around him better. It’s not just his scoring, either—he does everything. I can’t wait to see how much better he gets.”
But perhaps the most succinct, and heartfelt, praise came from David Teel of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, who simply wrote, “Golly, he’s incredible.”
The Road Ahead for Cooper Flagg and Duke
As Duke moves forward in the season, the Blue Devils have to be feeling optimistic about their championship prospects. With Cooper Flagg leading the way, they are not just a team full of talented individuals—they are a cohesive unit with a star player who can dominate in every facet of the game. As Flagg continues to develop and refine his game, Duke’s potential seems limitless.
The victory over Virginia Tech was just another chapter in the early career of Cooper Flagg, but it served as a reminder to the college basketball world that Duke is in good hands. With Flagg leading the charge, it’s clear that the Blue Devils are once again a team to be reckoned with. And as for Flagg himself, well, as Teel put it, “Golly, he’s incredible.”
recruits in recent years but also reinforced why he is quickly becoming a household name. With a dazzling display of skill, athleticism, and leadership, Flagg led the Blue Devils to a dominant victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies, securing the win with a variety of jaw-dropping plays that showcased his well-rounded game.
As the final buzzer sounded and the Duke players celebrated their commanding 86-65 victory, one question seemed to echo through the stands and across social media: Is Cooper Flagg the next great Duke player in a long line of basketball legends?
For the Hokies, it was an afternoon of frustration and awe as they watched Flagg, a 6’8″ forward, impose his will on both ends of the floor. It didn’t matter if he was draining a smooth three-pointer, swatting away shots at the rim, or leading a fast break with an effortless fluidity—Flagg seemed to do it all. And for those lucky enough to witness it, there was no denying the sense of wonderment surrounding the 18-year-old’s performance.
As David Teel of the Richmond Times-Dispatch put it after the game, “Golly, he’s incredible.”
The Rise of Cooper Flagg
Since his arrival at Duke, Cooper Flagg has been regarded as a phenom in the making. A consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 ranked player in his class, Flagg’s decision to play for the Blue Devils sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Known for his elite basketball IQ, versatility, and competitive spirit, Flagg had been a sensation at Montverde Academy, where he consistently showcased a rare combination of skill and maturity for his age.
But it wasn’t just his impressive resume that made Flagg such an intriguing prospect; it was the way he could impact a game on both ends of the court. As a forward, Flagg is an offensive juggernaut who can stretch the floor with his shooting ability, finish at the rim with explosive athleticism, and create opportunities for teammates with his vision and unselfish play. On defense, he’s a nightmare for opponents, capable of guarding multiple positions, blocking shots, and grabbing rebounds at an elite level.
All of these attributes were on full display in Duke’s win over Virginia Tech, where Flagg put on a clinic. As the game wore on, it became increasingly clear that the Hokies were simply outmatched by the sheer force of Flagg’s talent and impact on the game.
The Game: Duke vs. Virginia Tech
The game began with both teams showing flashes of offensive brilliance, but it was clear from the opening tip that Duke, and Flagg in particular, were operating on a different level. The Hokies were the first to strike, with their sharpshooting guard Storm Murphy knocking down a three-pointer early, but Duke answered back with a series of smooth, calculated possessions.
Cooper Flagg’s first highlight of the game came midway through the first half, when he drilled a step-back three-pointer from the top of the key with a defender in his face, extending Duke’s lead to double digits. His ability to hit shots from all over the floor was a major factor in Duke’s early success. Flagg’s confidence was palpable as he continued to play with a swagger that seemed to leave the Hokies scrambling.
However, it was Flagg’s ability to impact the game beyond just scoring that set him apart on this day. Duke’s defense, led by Flagg’s presence in the paint, was suffocating. Virginia Tech, known for their ability to spread the floor with their shooting, struggled to find open looks as Flagg’s quick rotations and instincts helped Duke smother their offense. Every time the Hokies thought they might have an opportunity to gain some momentum, Flagg would come up with a timely block or a steal, halting any potential scoring runs.
Perhaps the most memorable defensive play came with just under five minutes left in the first half, when Flagg rejected a driving layup attempt from Virginia Tech’s star guard, Justyn Mutts. Not only did he deny the shot, but he also grabbed the rebound and immediately pushed the ball up the floor, starting a fast break that ended with a thunderous dunk. It was moments like these that left the crowd in awe and had fans asking how a player so young could already have such a profound impact on a game at the collegiate level.
As the first half came to a close, Duke had built an insurmountable lead, and Flagg had already put up 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. His all-around play, combined with his defensive presence, had left the Hokies reeling, and it was clear that they had no answers for his unique skill set.
The Second Half: Cooper Flagg’s Dominance Continues
The second half began much like the first, with Duke in complete control of the game. Virginia Tech came out with a sense of urgency, looking to chip away at the deficit, but it was Flagg’s relentless effort on both ends of the floor that kept the Hokies from ever getting any real traction.
Flagg continued to show off his offensive arsenal in the second half, hitting another pair of three-pointers and adding a few mid-range jumpers to his scoring tally. At times, it seemed like no matter what the Hokies did, they couldn’t slow him down. On one possession, Flagg took a feed from guard Tyrese Proctor, faked a defender to the right, and then spun to his left for a smooth turnaround jumper—an exquisite display of footwork and finesse that is rarely seen from players of his size.
Yet, even more impressive than Flagg’s scoring was his ability to make those around him better. Time and time again, Flagg attracted defenders and then showed his playmaking skills by dishing out assists to teammates. His basketball IQ shone through as he patiently surveyed the floor, waiting for the right moment to make the perfect pass. Whether it was a lob to Dereck Lively II for an alley-oop or a simple swing pass to a wide-open Mark Mitchell in the corner, Flagg demonstrated the vision and selflessness that has many pundits excited about his potential.
As the game wore on, Duke continued to build their lead, and Virginia Tech seemed to lose their will to compete. With under five minutes left in the game, Flagg’s final highlight came when he grabbed a rebound, pushed the ball down the floor, and delivered a no-look pass to a streaking Kyle Filipowski, who finished with a dunk. The crowd erupted in applause, and Duke’s lead had grown to a commanding 22 points.
Flagg finished the game with 26 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. His all-around performance not only showcased his immense talent but also demonstrated his ability to control a game in every phase. Whether it was scoring, passing, rebounding, or defending, Flagg made his presence felt, and his performance was a reminder of why he is widely regarded as one of the top players in the country.
The Aftermath: “Golly, He’s Incredible”
After the game, it was clear that Cooper Flagg had earned the admiration and respect of everyone in attendance, including his coaches and teammates. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has been tasked with continuing the legacy of the Blue Devils’ program, was effusive in his praise of the freshman forward.
“Cooper is one of the most special players I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Scheyer said after the game. “His ability to impact the game in so many ways is something we haven’t seen in a long time. He’s a natural leader, and he’s only going to get better as the season progresses. We’re lucky to have him on our team.”
Duke guard Tyrese Proctor, who has quickly developed chemistry with Flagg on the floor, echoed Scheyer’s sentiments. “He’s incredible. He’s always in the right place at the right time, and he just makes everyone around him better. It’s not just his scoring, either—he does everything. I can’t wait to see how much better he gets.”
But perhaps the most succinct, and heartfelt, praise came from David Teel of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, who simply wrote, “Golly, he’s incredible.”
The Road Ahead for Cooper Flagg and Duke
As Duke moves forward in the season, the Blue Devils have to be feeling optimistic about their championship prospects. With Cooper Flagg leading the way, they are not just a team full of talented individuals—they are a cohesive unit with a star player who can dominate in every facet of the game. As Flagg continues to develop and refine his game, Duke’s potential seems limitless.
The victory over Virginia Tech was just another chapter in the early career of Cooper Flagg, but it served as a reminder to the college basketball world that Duke is in good hands. With Flagg leading the charge, it’s clear that the Blue Devils are once again a team to be reckoned with. And as for Flagg himself, well, as Teel put it, “Golly, he’s incredible.”