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DURHAM, N.C. — Cooper Flagg of Duke is well aware that he will face challenges from older and stronger players. Similarly, Bruce Pearl, the coach of Auburn, acknowledges the intense scrutiny on his key player, Johni Broome.
On Wednesday night, this exciting matchup featured two preseason Associated Press All-Americans, showcasing the contrasting paths of Flagg and Broome. Flagg, at just 17, is a highly regarded freshman often speculated to be a top draft pick, while Broome, a seasoned 22-year-old senior, began his college journey at a mid-major school.
Their differing experiences added to the tension in this competitive game, where ninth-ranked Duke edged second-ranked Auburn 84-78 in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Flagg, standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 205 pounds, delivered an impressive performance, scoring a game-high 22 points along with 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks. Broome, meanwhile, contributed 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists before fouling out in the final moments. Though they did not directly oppose each other, both players influenced their teams’ strategies and defenses significantly.
Flagg’s growth during high-pressure games was evident, especially after earlier struggles against top teams like Kentucky and Kansas. He recognized the increasing physicality in the game, stating, “That’s something I’m going to start to see more and more.” He recalled facing intimidation since middle school, noting that opposing teams aim to be more aggressive against him. “I’ve just got to keep playing through it, keep learning how to use that against them and just keep getting better.”
During this contest against the seasoned Tigers, Flagg showcased his adaptability. In the second half, he scored 16 points and drew seven fouls, hitting the free-throw line nine times. Some moments were particularly challenging; he was knocked to the ground following a bump from Chaney Johnson, causing him to wince in pain. His teammate, Tyrese Proctor, had cautioned him all week about the aggressive tactics the Tigers would employ. “I told him to keep his head composed and poised and just trust himself,” Proctor advised.
Despite the physicality and a few hard fouls, Flagg remained poised and demonstrated his skills with smooth gameplay, displaying several impressive moves. He executed a fallaway jumper over 6-11 player Dylan Cardwell, skillfully maneuvered past 6-4 guard Denver Jones, and managed a spinning shot in the paint despite being fouled, leaving Pearl frustrated with the officials over a previous no-call. Flagg impressively recorded no turnovers in his extensive 37 minutes of play, a significant improvement from prior losses.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg’s willingness to improve, stating, “He never fights you. In practice, he’s always wanting to get better in every aspect of his game.” He added that Flagg learns quickly from his experiences.
On the other side, Broome entered the game with significant momentum after a standout performance at the Maui Invitational, recently named the AP men’s college basketball national player of the week. Auburn’s position in the latest AP Top 25 had improved as well, making them just the second top-2 nonconference team to visit Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium since 1965. The atmosphere was electric, as Broome and his teammates faced the fervent “Cameron Crazies,” yet he maintained his composure, even amused by their antics during warmups.
Although Broome struggled early, shooting 2 for 9 in the first half, he rebounded after halftime, excelling in pick-and-roll plays that leveraged Auburn’s outside shooting. He scored 15 points and secured nine rebounds in the second half, showcasing his strength by finishing strong at the rim, even knocking his defender down. He demonstrated resilience, leading the Tigers until he fouled out 15 seconds before the end, amidst chants from Duke fans celebrating their home victory.
Coach Pearl expressed his admiration for Broome’s ability to handle pressure. He noted, “One of the reasons our team has played well so far this year is Johni’s been a tremendously consistent player.” Pearl emphasized Broome’s dual capability to contribute at both ends of the court and how crucial he is to the Tigers’ success. He referred to Broome as a player of the year candidate, highlighting his impact on the team.
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