Duke Cooper Flagg Crowned NCAA Player of the Year – A Historic Achievement
The college basketball world is buzzing with excitement as Duke Blue Devils wingman, Cooper Flagg, has just been awarded the prestigious AP Player of the Year honor. This remarkable accomplishment places him amongst an exclusive group of NCAA athletes, joining a select few first-year players to receive this distinction.
A Legacy of Excellence
According to the Associated Press
, Flagg’s selection represents a significant moment in college basketball. He joins an elite group of players, including Kevin Durant (Texas, 2007), Anthony Davis (Kentucky, 2012), and Zion Williamson (Duke, 2019), as the fourth first-year player to earn this coveted title.
Unanimous Support for Flagg and Broome
Flagg’s exceptional performance wasn’t met with dissent. He and Auburn’s Johni Broome were chosen as unanimous selections for the first team All-Stars by the AP
, a testament to their dominance throughout the season. Their inclusion alongside a strong team heading to the Final Four adds another layer to this exciting narrative. This dynamic duo is the only pair of players to receive every single vote for the award.
Dominating the Tournament Run
Flagg’s path to the Player of the Year award has been nothing short of remarkable. Throughout the NCAA Tournament, he’s consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess and all-around impact.
- Statistical Highlights: Flagg has posted impressive averages of 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 36 games.
- Shooting Prowess: He showcased his perimeter shooting ability with a 48.3% success rate from beyond the arc and a remarkable 37.4% from the field goal line.
- Sweet Sixteen Showcase: Against Arizona in the Sweet Sixteen, Flagg delivered a stunning 30-point performance, complemented by seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals, leading Duke to a decisive 100-93 victory.
- Elite Eight Performance: In the Elite Eight, he recorded 16 points and nine rebounds as Duke comfortably defeated Alabama 85-65.
Final Four Bound
Now, Flagg and the Blue Devils are poised to compete in the Final Four, facing the Houston Cougars on Saturday evening. The Cougars will then battle the Florida Gators for a spot in the championship game. The pressure is on Flagg, recognized as a potential top NBA draft pick, to continue his stellar performance and lead Duke towards another national title.
Did You Know?
Prior to Flagg’s selection, only one other Duke player had ever won the AP Player of the Year award – Zion Williamson in 2019. This is a truly special moment for the program and for Flagg himself.
The race to the NBA is on for Cooper Flagg, and his performance throughout the NCAA Tournament has undoubtedly placed him firmly on the radar of NBA scouts and general managers. His journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary, and now, the world will be watching to see if he can lead Duke to its second national championship in three years.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Flagg’s overall impact – his rebounding and assists numbers are setting him apart as a well-rounded player.
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