"He's better than Zion skill wise": College hoops fans laud Duke star Cooper Flagg for clutch game vs Louisville

When Cooper Flagg arrived at Duke this summer, basketball fans eagerly anticipated what the No. 1 recruit could bring to the court. Through the first nine games of the season, Flagg has demonstrated why he was such a coveted prospect, making an immediate impact for the Blue Devils.

In Sunday's ACC matchup against Louisville, Flagg put on a show, recording his fourth double-double of the season with 20 points and 12 rebounds in Duke's 76-65 win over the Cardinals.

After the game, fans on social media praised the talented freshman. Below are some of the reactions on X (formerly Twitter):

"He’s better than zion skill wise," one fan tweeted, referring to former Duke star Zion Williamson.

In his only college season, Zion Williamson posted averages of 20.4 points and 9.1 rebounds over nine games, while Flagg is currently averaging 17.0 ppg and 9.0 rpg.

"Cooper Flagg is as good as we think he is!" another fan said.

"The things (Flagg) is doing in college he will dominate in the NBA. NCAA bball has no spacing just wait till he has all the space in the NBA," a fan added.

"I’ve seen enough he’s a star and the clear best player in the draft. He moves so smooth at that size plus the skill, his three point shot will come," another impressed viewer said.

Here are some more reactions:

"His motor is just crazy," one fan wrote.

"I hope he stays another year or 2," one more chimed in.

Cooper Flagg stats vs. Louisville Cardinals (Dec. 8)

Cooper Flagg, the projected top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, played a key role in Duke’s win over Louisville. The Blue Devils improved to 7-2 overall (1-0 ACC) with the victory at KFC Yum! Center.

Here's a look at Flagg's stat line.

• 28 minutes played
• 20 points
• 12 rebounds
• 1 assist
• 1 block
• 2 steals
• 0 turnovers
• 8-17 FG
• 1-3 3PT
• 3-3 FT

The 6-foot-9 forward is leading the Blue Devils with averages of 17.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg and 3.8 apg this season.

His 12 rebounds against Louisville set a career high, surpassing his previous mark of 11 rebounds, which he had reached three times.

Cooper Flagg also helped Jon Scheyer's team overcome No. 2 Auburn last week, handing the Tigers their first loss of the season. He scored 22 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out four assists in the Blue Devils’ 84-78 win.