Jay Bilas makes a daring claim, stating that Cooper Flagg has the ability to be one of Duke basketball’s best freshman.

As Duke basketball consistently reloads with top-tier talent, the spotlight often falls on their incoming freshmen, who carry the hopes and dreams of Blue Devil fans across the country. The 2024-2025 season is no different, with one freshman in particular, Cooper Flagg, gaining significant attention. Flagg, a highly touted prospect from Maine, has already shown an impressive skill set that has NBA scouts and college basketball experts buzzing. One of the most notable voices in college basketball, Jay Bilas, recently made a bold claim about Flagg’s potential, suggesting that he could emerge as one of the best freshmen to ever play at Duke University.

In a landscape filled with outstanding talent, such a statement carries weight. Duke has a rich history of producing future NBA stars, from Zion Williamson to RJ Barrett to the legendary Christian Laettner. With such a legacy, making a bold claim about Flagg’s place in that illustrious lineage suggests that Bilas sees something truly special in the 6-foot-8 forward.

In this article, we will examine why Jay Bilas’ take on Cooper Flagg is both bold and insightful, exploring Flagg’s game, how his skill set fits with Duke’s playing style, and why Bilas believes he has the potential to be one of the Blue Devils’ all-time best freshmen.

The Emergence of Cooper Flagg: A Phenomenal Talent

Cooper Flagg first became a household name in the world of high school basketball due to his outstanding play with Maine United and his rise through national rankings. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill on both ends of the floor has made him one of the most coveted recruits in recent memory. By the time he committed to Duke, Flagg was already regarded as a potential generational talent.

Flagg is an incredible athlete with a frame that allows him to impact every facet of the game. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, he has the size and length to guard multiple positions. His offensive game is similarly versatile. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, handle the ball with finesse, and finish at the rim with ease. His defensive prowess is equally impressive, with an uncanny ability to disrupt passing lanes, block shots, and grab rebounds.

What sets Flagg apart is his basketball IQ. From a young age, he has demonstrated an understanding of the game that belies his years. His ability to read defenses, make the right pass, and understand when to take over the game offensively makes him a unique prospect. Flagg’s mental approach to the game, combined with his physical tools, has many comparing him to some of the most versatile forwards to ever play in college basketball.

Despite being only a high school senior, Flagg’s maturity on the court and his leadership ability have made him a standout in every competition he’s participated in, from high school games to AAU tournaments. He’s demonstrated a drive to get better each time he steps on the floor, and his work ethic has earned him the respect of scouts, coaches, and players alike.

Jay Bilas’ Bold Claim: The Duke Connection

Jay Bilas is no stranger to making bold statements in the world of college basketball. As an analyst for ESPN and a former Duke basketball player, Bilas is intimately familiar with the program’s history of developing some of the best players in the sport. For him to make such a daring claim about Flagg’s potential speaks volumes about what he sees in the young forward.

In Bilas’ assessment, he suggests that Flagg has the potential to join the ranks of Duke’s all-time best freshmen, a group that includes players like Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Jayson Tatum. These players were not only top recruits but also immediate contributors, making a huge impact in their first seasons. Bilas sees that same potential in Flagg.

While Duke is traditionally known for recruiting elite talent, the program has seen freshmen take over in different ways over the years. For example, Zion Williamson’s freshman year was nothing short of iconic, with his combination of size, athleticism, and explosiveness changing the trajectory of Duke’s season. RJ Barrett was a prolific scorer and one of the most consistent players in college basketball. Jayson Tatum, with his smooth offensive game, quickly became one of the best players in the country.

Bilas believes that Flagg possesses the unique combination of skills to rival those former Blue Devils standouts. What’s especially noteworthy about Bilas’ statement is that he isn’t just talking about Flagg’s physical tools but also his basketball IQ and his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He believes Flagg could be an immediate difference-maker in Durham, capable of influencing every aspect of the game.

Why Jay Bilas Believes Flagg Could Be Duke’s Best Freshman

Bilas’ assertion that Flagg could be one of Duke’s best freshmen is rooted in a few key observations about Flagg’s game. Let’s break down why Bilas holds this belief:

1. Versatility and Skillset

Flagg’s versatility is one of the main reasons why Bilas is so high on his potential. At 6-foot-8, he is more than capable of playing multiple positions on the floor. His skill set allows him to act as both a forward and a wing, and even as a primary ball handler in certain situations. His offensive game includes a reliable jumper, an ability to drive to the basket, and a polished post game that makes him difficult to defend at multiple levels.

But it’s his ability to play on both ends of the floor that truly sets him apart. On defense, Flagg is an elite shot blocker and a terror in transition. His defensive instincts are sharp, and his ability to switch on screens and guard multiple positions makes him a rare commodity in today’s game. His all-around game—offensive and defensive—is why Bilas believes that Flagg could be a transformative player for Duke.

2. Basketball IQ and Maturity

What makes Flagg stand out among many other top-tier prospects is his maturity. Despite his youth, Flagg possesses an advanced understanding of the game that allows him to make smart decisions on the court. He is not simply relying on his athleticism or size—he’s playing with a high basketball IQ. Whether it’s knowing when to pick his spots as a scorer, how to get his teammates involved, or how to adjust his defense to take away a key opponent’s strengths, Flagg’s intelligence and poise have been praised by scouts and coaches alike.

Bilas has often stated that a player’s mental approach to the game is just as important as their physical attributes. Flagg’s ability to break down defenses and see the floor with a level of composure and confidence at such a young age sets him apart from other freshmen. His maturity suggests that he’s ready to take on the responsibilities of a high-profile program like Duke and immediately contribute to the team’s success.

3. Immediate Impact and Big-Game Mentality

Duke has a storied tradition of freshmen making immediate impacts, and Jay Bilas believes that Flagg has the talent and mindset to continue that tradition. His ability to rise to the occasion in big moments will be crucial as Duke looks to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Whether it’s taking over in crunch time, matching up against top-tier opponents, or handling the pressure of playing for a blue-chip program, Flagg has shown the ability to perform when it matters most.

This “big-game” mentality was evident throughout his high school and AAU career, where Flagg often stepped up in key moments and led his teams to victories in highly competitive games. His ability to handle the pressure of being one of the most highly anticipated freshmen in recent memory will be one of the factors that allows him to shine at Duke.

Flagg’s Fit Within Duke’s System

Duke’s playing style under Jon Scheyer emphasizes ball movement, unselfish play, and the ability to play up-tempo while also being able to execute in the half-court. Flagg’s game fits perfectly within this system. His ability to score efficiently in both transition and in half-court sets makes him a great fit for the Blue Devils’ balanced approach.

With his combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Flagg could step in immediately as a key player for Duke, contributing in numerous areas—whether it’s as a scorer, defender, or playmaker. His ability to be versatile on the court would allow Duke to utilize him in different ways, adjusting to the needs of each game.