By ADAM ZAGORIA
Duke commit Cooper Flagg continued to impress NBA executives and scouts on Friday night at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass.
The 6-foot-9 Flagg went for 25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks and 2 steals in an 80-50 rout of Oak Hill Academy (VA).
Flagg, the No. 1 recruit in 2024, committed to Duke over UConn in October and is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg would be the fourth No. 1 pick coached by Montverde’s Kevin Boyle should he eventually go with the top pick.
Duke is getting a young man who is not only very skilled but extremely competitive and dedicated to winning as well. https://t.co/Tr5mf30UhU
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) January 13, 2024
There has been some discussion about whether Flagg would hypothetically go No. 1 in this year’s draft if he were eligible — but at least one NBA scout believes Alex Sarr would go No. 1. Sarr, a 7’1″ center who plays for the National Basketball League’s Perth Wildcats, is projected No. 1 by ESPN.com. The NBL is the top men’s pro basketball league in Australia and New Zealand. “Cooper is very good but he would not be No 1,” the NBA scout said. “Watch highlights of Sarr in Austrailia and you tell me if Cooper is better than him now.” The conversation is moot since Flagg will spend a year at Duke — trying to help Jon Scheyer win a national championship — before going to the NBA. Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on Facebook20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks, 2 steals in just 22 minutes for Cooper Flagg in front of a big crowd of NBA executives at the @HoophallClassic. Ridiculous display of intensity, versatility and skill. Montverde up big on Oak Hill, so Flagg might be done for the night. pic.twitter.com/dmKxbwW3fw
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) January 13, 2024
