Bruce Pearl lists how Cooper Flagg has impressed him ahead of Auburn vs Duke

Over the years, Bruce Pearl has coached some of the most talented freshmen college basketball. From Houston Rockets star Jabari Smith Jr. to Sharife Cooper, the Auburn head coach has brought out the best of talented recruits, turning them into future NBA stars.

The No. 2 Auburn will play its fourth ranked opponent of the season in No. 9 Duke, where Cooper Flagg, the top recruit in the Class of 2024, has spearheaded their charge so far this season. So far, Flagg has averaged 15.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists, leading the Blue Devils to five wins in their opening seven games.

While addressing the media in a press conference ahead of the Tigers' showdown with the Blue Devils, Pearl spoke volumes of his talents, highlighting the qualities that make him a special talent.

"His motor runs, he's effective offensively and defensively, inside and out," said Pearl (7:35). "He's got a high basketball IQ, you got a great love of the game. The difference, I think, is like, with some teams we go up against, like, you maybe were involved in recruiting with some guys.

"Maybe you didn't get them, maybe you did. The players on Duke's roster, we would love to have been able to be involved with any of them. So, a lot of these guys, you just don't know because they were just the best players in the class and also the great kids, they play the right way."

Bruce Pearl praises Duke's performance against Arizona

The Blue Devils are 1-2 against ranked opponents this season. While they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats and the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, they scored a convincing 69-55 victory over the Arizona Wildcats, with Bruce Pearl praising the performances put up by Flagg and their youngsters.

"What I'm impressed with is, how good they are this early because, as young as they are, and it's because of their depth they've beaten Arizona at Arizona and lost last possession games to Kentucky and Kansas. So, they're off to an impressive start," said Pearl. (8:18)

Bruce Pearl and the Tigers have made a strong start to the season, winning all seven of their opening games. They are 3-0 against ranked opponents as well, scoring major victories over the Houston Cougars, the Iowa State Cyclones and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The game between the Tigers and the Blue Devils will take place at the Cameron Indoor Stadium at 9:15 PM ET.