That much was evident, even on his first basket. The 6-foot-9 Maine native drove left from outside the arc, then switched the ball to his right hand in midair, showcasing the touch and inside finishing he’s so known for. From the first row of Duke’s student section, through the raucous applause, you could hear one Cameron Crazie note the occasion:

Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, said it's not a foregone conclusion he will be the first player selected in June. "Absolutely not," Flagg told ESPN in a recent interview on Duke's campus.

Flagg made an honest statement about potentially being the top pick in the draft next summer. Givony: "Do you think being the number one pick is that a forgone conclusion?" Flagg: