NBA Draft Guru Makes Bold Cooper Flagg Statement After 42-Point Game

ESPN's Jonathan Givony spoke about Duke star Cooper Flagg.

Jan 11, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts during the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

On Saturday afternoon, Cooper Flagg led the Duke Blue Devils to an 86-78 victory over Notre Dame.

Flagg exploded for 42 points, six rebounds, seven assists and one steal while shooting 11/14 from the field and 4/6 from the three-point range in 36 minutes.

COOPER FLAGG WENT OFF VS. NOTRE DAME 🔥

42 PTS (Most-ever by ACC Freshman)
7 AST
6 REB
W

HOOPER. pic.twitter.com/oOPClV6T6s

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 11, 2025

After the big game, ESPN's Jonathan Givony spoke highly of the 18-year-old.

Givony: "He has no off-switch. This guy is a total a**-kicker. Everything he does is full speed, 110%. He has a different mentality than most guys and he's going to be a difference-maker from day one on a bad team... It's infectious the way that he practices and the way that he plays... He's a complete player who will be a difference-maker from the NBA in day one."

Went on NBA Today with @malika_andrews to talk about what Cooper Flagg's 42-point "ass-kicking" performance and his overall NBA outlook. pic.twitter.com/jG67jZK4PF

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) January 13, 2025

Flagg is now averaging 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest while shooting 47.9% from the field and 34.5% from the three-point range in 16 games.

Via StatMamba: "Cooper Flagg today:

42 PTS
6 REB
7 AST
97.8% TS

First player in NCAA history to reach these numbers in a single game"

Cooper Flagg today:

42 PTS
6 REB
7 AST
97.8% TS

First player in NCAA history to reach these numbers in a single game ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/DQacWoEYLS

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) January 11, 2025

Duke improved to 14-2 in their first 16 games (and they have won ten straight).

Following their victory over Notre Dame, they will host Miami on Tuesday in North Carolina.

Via Complex Sports: "Cooper Flagg becomes the first Duke player to score 40+ points in a game since JJ Redick in 2006 🔥"

Cooper Flagg becomes the first Duke player to score 40+ points in a game since JJ Redick in 2006 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vap3so8mSp

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 11, 2025

Flagg is seen by many as the player who will be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.