Cooper Flagg of Duke may emulate Zion Williamson during March Madness.
Cooper Flagg: Duke’s Rising Star Poised to Emulate Zion Williamson’s March Madness Magic
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, Cooper Flagg, the highly-touted freshman forward for Duke Men’s Basketball, is positioned to become the next big thing in college basketball. The expectations for Flagg have reached monumental levels, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether the young star can live up to the hype and emulate the meteoric rise of Zion Williamson, another former Duke player, during March Madness.
Williamson, who played for Duke in 2018-2019, became a household name and one of the most dominant college basketball players in recent memory. His performances during the NCAA Tournament were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his ability to take over games and lead his team with both ferocity and finesse. Now, as Flagg enters his first NCAA Tournament, many are wondering if he can make a similar impact on the biggest stage in college basketball.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into why Flagg is poised to make an unforgettable impact in March Madness, drawing comparisons to Zion Williamson’s legendary tournament run. We’ll look at Flagg’s game, the lessons he can learn from Williamson’s success, and the unique pressures that come with living up to such lofty expectations.
Cooper Flagg: The Next Big Thing in College Basketball
Cooper Flagg has been a basketball prodigy for several years, and his decision to commit to Duke under head coach Jon Scheyer has only intensified the spotlight on him. Standing at 6’8”, Flagg is an athletic forward known for his versatility, defensive prowess, and offensive skill set. He has an exceptional ability to guard multiple positions and is a natural shot-blocker, much like Williamson was during his time at Duke. Flagg’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a potential future NBA star, and he’s already earning recognition as one of the best players in college basketball.
On the offensive end, Flagg is a dynamic player. He has the ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s driving to the basket with power and agility, hitting mid-range jumpers, or finishing in transition. His skill set is reminiscent of Zion Williamson, who was known for his explosive dunks, superior finishing ability, and physicality at the rim. What sets Flagg apart, though, is his versatility; he can step out to the perimeter and shoot the three-ball, adding an extra dimension to his game.
Defensively, Flagg is a force to be reckoned with. He has excellent timing as a shot-blocker and is adept at using his length and quickness to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots. He’s already one of the top defenders in college basketball, much like Williamson was in his one season at Duke, where he could change the course of a game with a key block or steal.
Cooper Flagg’s talent and potential are undeniable, but the real test will be whether he can rise to the occasion when the pressure is at its highest—during March Madness.
Zion Williamson: A March Madness Legend
Zion Williamson’s performance during the 2019 NCAA Tournament remains one of the most iconic in recent memory. Coming off an electric freshman season at Duke, Williamson was expected to lead his team to a national championship, and he delivered in a big way. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism allowed him to dominate the paint on both ends of the floor, and he quickly became one of the most talked-about players in college basketball history.
Williamson’s performances in the tournament were a testament to his incredible talent and ability to take over games. In the round of 32, he dropped 29 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and blocked 5 shots against UCF, a performance that helped Duke avoid an upset. In the Sweet 16, Williamson delivered another dominant showing, scoring 23 points and grabbing 9 rebounds while shooting 10-of-11 from the field against Virginia Tech. His impact on the court was undeniable, and he had the ability to dictate the tempo of the game with his presence.
While Duke ultimately fell short of a national championship, with a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State in the Elite Eight, Williamson’s dominance throughout the tournament solidified his place as one of the most spectacular players in NCAA history. He was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and his time at Duke left an indelible mark on college basketball.
Williamson’s March Madness performances were defined by his ability to take over games. He had a rare combination of power and finesse, overwhelming defenders in the post and finishing at the rim with ferocity, while also displaying surprising finesse with his passing and shooting. What made Williamson so dangerous in March Madness was his ability to step up in the biggest moments and make winning plays when it mattered most. This is the blueprint that Flagg will seek to follow as he embarks on his own March Madness journey.
The Pressure on Cooper Flagg: Rising to the Moment
With the expectations for Cooper Flagg at an all-time high, it’s impossible to ignore the comparisons to Zion Williamson. The question is, can Flagg live up to those expectations and carve out his own legacy in March Madness?
One of the key elements of Williamson’s success was his ability to handle the pressure and thrive under the spotlight. Flagg will face similar scrutiny as he heads into the NCAA Tournament, but he’s shown an ability to rise to the occasion throughout his young career. While Duke’s team may not be as heavily reliant on him as they were with Williamson in 2019, Flagg will still be the player who is expected to carry them when the games get tougher and the stakes get higher.
The most important thing Flagg will need to learn from Williamson’s experience is the ability to handle adversity. The tournament is a grind, and no team’s path to the Final Four is easy. There will be close games, tough opponents, and moments where the pressure could overwhelm even the most experienced players. Flagg will need to stay focused, trust his teammates, and not let the weight of the moment impact his performance.
Another critical aspect of March Madness is the ability to make clutch plays. Zion Williamson, throughout his time at Duke, was known for stepping up in big moments. Whether it was hitting a big shot, grabbing a key rebound, or blocking a crucial shot, Williamson was always involved in the biggest plays of the game. Flagg will need to channel that same mindset and make the type of game-changing plays that can elevate Duke’s chances of advancing deep into the tournament.
The Blueprint: What Flagg Must Do to Emulate Zion’s Success
To emulate Zion Williamson’s success in March Madness, Flagg will need to do several things well:
- Dominate the Paint: Williamson’s ability to control the paint—both offensively and defensively—was a game-changer for Duke in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Flagg will need to assert himself in the post, finishing strong at the rim and creating opportunities for his teammates. His size and athleticism give him the tools to dominate, and he must use them to his advantage.
- Play with Aggression: Zion was known for his aggressive, fearless approach to the game. Whether it was attacking the basket or defending with intensity, he never shied away from contact. Flagg will need to match that aggression, both in terms of his scoring and defense. He should attack the basket relentlessly, draw fouls, and play with a chip on his shoulder.
- Be a Playmaker: While Flagg is known for his scoring ability, it’s important for him to show that he can also be a playmaker. Zion Williamson was not just a scorer—he was also an excellent passer and facilitated the offense for his teammates. Flagg will need to step into a similar role, using his vision and passing ability to set up his teammates for success.
- Stay Composed Under Pressure: One of the defining characteristics of Williamson’s March Madness run was his ability to stay composed in pressure situations. Flagg must demonstrate the same mental toughness when games get tight. Whether it’s a last-second shot, a crucial defensive stop, or an important possession, Flagg will need to step up and execute under pressure.
- Lead by Example: Zion Williamson was the clear leader of Duke’s 2019 team, and Flagg will be expected to do the same for the 2025 squad. As a freshman, Flagg will have to set the tone with his work ethic, intensity, and commitment to winning. The team will look to him for leadership, and he’ll need to embrace that role if Duke is to reach its full potential in March Madness.
