NEW YORK — Cooper Flagg has certainly proven himself as a star, leading many to believe he could become the number one overall selection in the upcoming NBA draft.
However, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood has another perspective.
“I hope he remains in school,” Underwood commented after his team’s significant defeat at the hands of Flagg and the highly ranked Blue Devils. “If I were part of the NCAA or the ACC, I would be devising a lucrative NIL deal to keep him in college, as he embodies everything positive about our sport.”
Underwood expressed his desire to see Flagg stay in college, suggesting, “He could potentially earn more money here than in the NBA. Plus, he has a solid support system, which definitely aids him.”
Flagg showcased his skills in front of nearly 50 professional scouts during a game that featured numerous top-tier prospects, scoring 16 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out five assists during his debut at Madison Square Garden. Duke overwhelmed Illinois with a final score of 110-67, a result so one-sided that coach Jon Scheyer cleared his bench in the closing minutes, much to the delight of the Blue Devils’ fans, who chanted, “Our house! Our house!”
In front of a packed house of 19,812, the Blue Devils (24-3) achieved their highest point total since a dominating 113-49 win over Stetson back in December 2018. This victory marked their eighth consecutive win at Madison Square Garden, famously known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”
“I thought the atmosphere was amazing,” Flagg shared after the significant victory at MSG. “I really enjoyed the energy. There was so much blue in the stands.”
Flagg’s playing time was limited to 23 ½ minutes as Duke handed Illinois the most significant loss in program history. When asked about the potential of Flagg, a talented 6-foot-9 forward from Maine, Underwood affirmed, “Absolutely. There’s no comparison.”
So, what might persuade him to remain in college?
“He’s just 18 years old, a kid. He should go out, have fun, and maybe even pursue a girl,” Underwood remarked. “He should relish this opportunity. I understand the physics of it; he is destined to earn what he’s worth. I must clarify, I don’t know him or his family, but I’m genuinely excited about the landscape of college basketball right now.”
As the game commenced, Flagg was averaging impressive statistics: 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, leading all categories for the Blue Devils.
“I’d prefer not to face him again,” Underwood confessed. “He’s extraordinarily talented, and with NIL opportunities, he could really establish a remarkable personal brand.”
