For nearly 39 minutes, 17-year-old Cooper Flagg showed exactly why he’s considered the nation’s top basketball prospect, captivating NBA scouts and fans alike during Duke’s 77-72 loss to Kentucky at the Champions Classic.
But in the final 20 seconds, Flagg’s youth and inexperience caught up with him.
After Duke’s nine-point second-half lead evaporated and the score was tied, Flagg seized the moment. He drove past 6-foot-11 Andrew Sarr, used his body to create space, and set himself up for what could have been a game-winning mid-range jumper. The stage was set for Flagg to deliver a signature moment, but he missed an opportunity when Kentucky’s Otega Oweh, untracked by Flagg, poked the ball away, leading to a fast break and a foul as Oweh drew a potential go-ahead layup.
That turnover was the first of two costly mistakes in a row for Flagg in the final seconds. After Oweh converted two free throws, Flagg had another shot at redemption. But as he tried to take on Kentucky’s 7-footer, Amari Williams, he lost control of the ball again, lying flat on his back in disbelief while his teammates helped him up.
It wasn’t just the turnovers that stung; Flagg’s failure to box out Oweh after Kentucky’s Lamont Butler missed a free throw with just 5.1 seconds left allowed Oweh to secure the rebound, effectively sealing the game for the Wildcats and ending Duke’s chances for a last-second tie.
Despite the tough ending, Flagg played a strong game, finishing with a game-high 26 points and 12 rebounds. He expressed gratitude that Coach Jon Scheyer had confidence in him down the stretch, but admitted, “It didn’t work out.” When asked if fatigue was a factor late in the game, Flagg acknowledged, “I definitely did a little bit, but I tried to fight through it as best I could.”
While Flagg’s performance was the headline, the win was a significant milestone for Kentucky and first-year coach Mark Pope, who earned his first signature victory. The 19th-ranked Wildcats rallied from a nine-point deficit in the second half, showcasing the grit and depth that Pope has quickly cultivated in his veteran-heavy roster, which includes nine transfers, many of whom are fifth-year seniors.
Pope’s experience and leadership were evident as Kentucky’s defense clamped down on Duke in the final stretch, allowing the Blue Devils to make just five field goals over the last 13 minutes of the game. Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel, who had supported Flagg in the first half, struggled against Kentucky’s pressure after halftime, leaving the burden on Flagg to carry Duke offensively in his first major college game.
Despite the loss, Flagg showed why he’s a top NBA prospect, making several standout plays, including a block, a fast break, and an emphatic dunk that energized Duke and led to a timeout by Kentucky.
“He’s got to touch it,” Coach Scheyer said after the game. “I wish you could say every time it’s going to work out, but that’s not reality. I’m just so proud of him. He willed us in that game, especially down the stretch.
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