‘He was him’ – Cooper Flagg’s landmark night draws blunt assessment despite making NCAA history

NCAA Men’s Championship

Elite Eight

Auburn/Michigan vs Ole Miss/Michigan State

Florida vs Texas Tech

Duke vs Alabama

Houston/Purdue vs Kentucky v Tennessee

Very few Flagg performances are surprising these days as the presumptive number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft shined again by putting up 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks.

“That was one of the best tournament performances I’ve ever coached or been a part of,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said after the game.

Flagg is now the first Duke player ever with 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in an NCAA tournament game since assists became an official statistic in 1984

He is also just the second player in NCAA history to put up 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks in an tournament game since blocks became official in 1986.

The Blue Devils forward also became the first player with 30-5-5 and one or fewer turnovers since Chris Mullin in 1985.

As the records keep tumbling for basketball’s latest sensation, Scheyer reminded everyone that this is normal for Flagg.

“He just did what he was supposed to do, and he’ll move on and get ready for Alabama,” Scheyer said.

“I think that’s the beauty of it with him. He doesn’t get caught up in all that.

“What I’ve wanted from him is not to defer. I’ve just wanted him to fully be him, and I thought he was that. He was in his element tonight.

“He was him. He had just a great personality. He was loose, talking, competitive, the whole thing. So yeah, he impresses me all the time.”

Many expect Flagg to declare for the NBA draft this year

Flagg survived an injury scare before the tournament began

Duke didn’t start the game comfortably either, which made Flagg stepping up even more crucial for his team.

Arionza were just six points behind going into the half before a 14-5 run from Duke after the break put the Blue Devils up 15 and the game out of reach.

Duke did not have a lead smaller than five points for the game as they comfortably secured their place in the Elite 8.

“I think just playing with really good energy, trusting our game plan, trusting my teammates,” Flagg said.

“They put me in some really good spots tonight. Coach, as well, put me in some really good spots. I think just making the right play and just letting the game happen.”

Duke hit 100 points for the fifth time this season and the fourth since mid-February.

The side shot 60% from the field and 58% from 3, demonstrating just how efficient they were, and it left Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd just full of praise for the Blue Devils after the game.

“They’re a team that they come down, they have a plan, they know what they want to get, and they’re able to get to it consistently, which is hard to do,” Lloyd said.

“We’re not a bad defensive team, but they make you feel like it for long stretches today.

For a place in the final four, Duke will play Alabama on Saturday, after the Crimson Tide proved too strong for BYU with a 113-88 win that set up a 1 vs 2 showdown in the East.