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Cooper Flagg seems destined for greatness. The Montverde Academy graduate ed Duke this year and has already taken college basketball by storm. His success has drawn numerous comparisons, but none as telling as those to WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
Flagg's impact on the Blue Devils is undeniable. Last year, the team finished ninth overall with a 27-9 record. This season, with the regular season nearing its end, Duke stands at an impressive 28-3 and holds the undisputed number one spot in college basketball.
Statistically, Flagg is a powerhouse, dominating the court with 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, four assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. Beyond the numbers, his charisma has played a key role in his success. Coach Brad Underwood even suggested Flagg might have the same transformative effect on basketball as Caitlin Clark had in the women's game.
Are we witnessing the dawn of the Flagg Effect?
Speaking to Outkick, Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood remarked, "If he stays in college, Flagg is destined to become the face of college basketball and elevate the game, much like Caitlin Clark did on the women's side."
Underwood said he has only heard good things about the Blue Devils freshman "and I think he's a super talent. So I think he would be great for the NBA. I always hope with young kids when they go [to the NBA] it's the right mental space to go. Those are big boy locker rooms they're walking into, you know?"
However, Flagg may not stay in college long enough to dominate the NCAA scene like Clark did a few years ago. Experts largely predict that the young phenom will declare for the NBA Draft as soon as possible.
When will Flagg be eligible for the NBA?
NBA rules require a player to turn 19 in the calendar year of the draft and to have graduated high school at least one year prior to be eligible. Flagg meets both criteria and is poised to qualify for the 2025 NBA Draft.
While Flagg has yet to announce his intentions, analysts are already speculating about the transformative impact he could have on whichever team secures the No. 1 pick in 2025. Teams like Charlotte, Washington, New Orleans, and Utah-currently holding the league's worst records-stand to gain immensely from landing a game-changer like Flagg.
The question remains: Will the "Clark Effect" carry over to the NBA as the "Flagg Effect"? Stay tuned-basketball history may be in the making.