NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock shares his thoughts on Duke's 17-year-old sensation Cooper Flagg following the thrilling Champions Classic matchup against Kentucky. He offers insight and analysis on Flagg's performance and potential as an NBA prospect.
When I arrived in Atlanta, like everyone else, I was excited to see Duke's 17-year-old phenom, Cooper Flagg—one of the most hyped young prospects in college basketball. Duke's Champions Classic matchup against Kentucky provided the perfect stage, and the drama that unfolded was even more thrilling than expected.
Flagg proved he was worth the towering hype for most of the game. Standing 6-foot-9, he played with the skill and composure of a seasoned pro—even while being the age typically of a high school senior. Flagg displayed his full arsenal: attacked mismatches, knocked down tough mid-range turnarounds, and showcased his versatility on both sides of the ball. He was terrific on the boards, constantly put pressure on the rim, and made countless winning plays, reminding everyone why he's widely viewed as a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. His stat line—26 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks—only tells part of the story. Flagg was the focal point of the Duke offense and he delivered in front of a crowd that included numerous NBA scouts and executives.
But then came the final 30 seconds, where things took a turn. With the game tied, Duke had the ball out of a timeout, setting up Flagg to make something happen. He went one-on-one, but Kentucky's Otega Oweh stripped the ball and hustled down the court, drawing a foul that put him at the line and giving Kentucky the lead. Then, Flagg had one last opportunity. Driving toward the basket, he found himself trapped with seemingly no clear option and ultimately stepped out of bounds, turning the ball over to Kentucky again. And just like that, Flagg's likely crowning moment turned upside down. Kentucky fans went crazy as Duke fans watched in disbelief. No. 19 Kentucky upset No. 6 Duke, 77-72.
Despite the loss, Flagg's performance was remarkable. While there's still room for growth, it's important to remember that he's just 17 years old. One more time: 17 years old.
Throughout most of the night, Flagg was incredible. He moved like a pro, defended multiple positions, brought many intangibles to the table, and showed he was further along in creating offense on his own than expected. This kid is the real deal, and the No. 1 spot in the NBA Draft is his to lose.
For Kentucky, this was a major win. But there's no question that Flagg and Duke are on the right track. Alongside Flagg, Duke relies heavily on freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, who played well despite Knueppel's off-night shooting and Maluach's cramping issues. Their primary point guard, Caleb Foster, is only a sophomore. Duke is young compared to Kentucky's team of experienced transfers.
Despite the loss, I'm high on this Duke team. This is likely just the beginning of what they'll become throughout the season. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in San Antonio at the Final Four—they have that level of talent.
So, in the end, the hype around Flagg is real, and his Champions Classic performance confirmed it. Those last-minute turnovers? Just a couple of plays that didn't go their way. When I update the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board in a few weeks, don't expect any changes at the top.