Former Duke player Dereck Lively II was present as Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils played against the SMU Mustangs on Saturday in Dallas. The freshman finished with 24 points on a 7-of-12 shooting, 11 rebounds and three assists as Duke won 89-62.
Lively, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks, interviewed Flagg in the locker room and asked for his thoughts on the game.
"It's a great win to get one of the road," he said. "It's a physical game, came out and busted 'em."
Dereck Lively II played one season, from 2022 to 2023, with the Blue Devils before declaring for the NBA draft. He was picked No. 12 by the Oklahoma City Thunder who then traded him to the Mavericks.
The center averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting at 65.8% from the floor, Duke's second-best field goal percentage.
With him on the sidelines, Tyrese Proctor, who played with Lively, scored 14 points and took six rebounds. Freshman Kon Knueppel added another 14 points and three rebounds.
Cooper Flagg continues to excel as predictions for top draft pick get louder
Cooper Flagg was one of the most anticipated rookie debuts of this season and the freshman has delivered. He is averaging 16.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists, leading Duke on a 12-2 run.
His performances are drawing praise from all corners, including his coach Jon Scheyer. After Tuesday's 88-65 win over Virginia Tech, Scheyer spoke to the media, where he commented on Cooper Flagg's presence on his team.
“[Flagg] is a savant with the game,” Scheyer said. “He just really has an amazing understanding for what's required to win and how to elevate everybody around him. As a 17 or 18-year-old, you’re usually thinking about your numbers, or getting yours. He’s a modern-day point-forward, point-guard whatever you wanna call it.
"He sees the game that way, he thinks the game. His passing has been such a skill for us, and I think he’s taking it to another level, because he’s looking to score more actually. And that opens things up.”
Cooper Flagg is making his case as the No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA draft. The Blue Devils last won their NCAA championship in 2015 and Flagg is expected to lead Duke on a potential title run.
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