Leading a team to a national championship as a freshman is a rare feat, requiring an exceptional level of talent. Cooper Flagg has the opportunity to join an elite group of NCAA Tournament legends who have accomplished just that.
According to ‘The Sporting News’’ Bill Bender, Flagg could be the key to Duke’s title run, as he has predicted the Blue Devils to win it all in his official bracket. Flagg, a top contender for National Player of the Year alongside Auburn’s Johni Broome and the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is expected to return from his ACC tournament ankle injury just in time to make a major impact on college basketball’s biggest stage.
Bender draws comparisons between Flagg and past freshman sensations like Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis, both of whom led their teams to national championships. Anthony carried Syracuse to its only title in 2003, lighting up the tournament with dominant performances, including a standout national final against Kansas with help from fellow freshman Gerry McNamara. Davis, meanwhile, guided Kentucky to the 2012 championship with a game-changing performance in the final, despite scoring just six points his 16 rebounds, five assists, six blocks, and three steals were enough to secure the win over Kansas.
Already a household name in college basketball, Flagg has the potential to elevate himself to legendary status with a deep tournament run. The Maine native has been Duke’s most impactful player all season, leading the team in points (18.9), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.1), steals (1.5), and blocks (1.3) heading into March Madness. If he lives up to expectations, he could turn the national title predictions into reality and cement his place among college basketball’s greats.
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