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Cooper Flagg was undeniably the most coveted high school player of 2024. In the end, his college decision came down to two options: Duke or UConn. After much deliberation, Flagg chose Jon Scheyer's Duke Blue Devils, a team where he made an immediate impact, even though they fell short of winning the championship and didn't make it to the Final Four. His freshman season solidified his potential: Flagg ended up averaging 19.2 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game, with many projecting him as a future No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
Recently, UConn head coach Dan Hurley expressed his frustration and jealousy during an appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast by Barstool. When asked if he had ever thought about what his team could have been if Flagg had chosen the Huskies, Hurley didn't hide his iration for the young player's talent. "When he played that crazy game against Notre Dame, I thought, 'Oh my God! If we had him on our team with some of these guys, what would've happened?' We probably wouldn't have blown a seven-point lead with 30 seconds left against Seton Hall, twice... but yeah, yeah, I was jealous," the coach said.
What could have Been for UConn with Flagg?
The game Hurley referenced, where Flagg scored 42 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, not only showcased his individual talent but also left an indelible mark on college basketball fans. His performance that day made many wonder how the UConn dynamic would have changed if he had been part of their team. Although the Huskies didn't go as far as expected in 2025, Flagg's presence would have undoubtedly improved their situation. "It's fun to dream about what could have been for UConn with Flagg," Hurley itted, but quickly shifted his focus to his team's future.
Despite the fantasy of how Flagg might have fit alongside his former high school teammates, Liam McNeeley and Hassan Diarra, Hurley knows his goal is clear: to build a dynasty in Storrs. "We still have a shot at the dynasty. If we win three out of four years, we're still a dynasty!" the coach emphasized. While he dreams of what could have been, Hurley remains focused on the future, with his eyes set on bringing the next championship to UConn, whether with Flagg or other talents who will take his team to the next level.