Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski, who retired after leading Duke to five national titles, has called Cooper Flagg the most talented freshman in the program’s history and anticipates that Flagg will make an immediate impact as the likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Krzyzewski compared Flagg’s skills to those of former Duke standout and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum but highlighted a major difference in their offensive development.
Distinctive Traits Differentiating Flagg and Tatum
During an interview with Colin Cowherd, Krzyzewski explained that while both players stand roughly 6-foot-8—Flagg possibly growing to 6-foot-10—Tatum has evolved into a premier shooter, whereas Flagg’s development is expected to take a different path.
“They’re both 6-foot-8. Actually, I think Cooper grew about an inch here. You know, he’s still only 18 years old, so he’s still growing. He might end up being 6-foot-10,”
Krzyzewski said.
“Jayson, I think offensively, Jayson, you know, Jayson really has developed into a great shooter. Jayson, he’s really developed differently than I think Cooper will develop.”
Krzyzewski added that Flagg’s strength and athleticism make him stand out.
“Cooper is just unique. You know, like he’s so strong,”
he said.
“His legs are so strong. And athletically, Jayson, he’s gifted. But attitudinally, when you add what his athletic ability and his competitive, attitude, you have a very special guy. He can really score the ball. I think he’s a good shooter, trying to become a really good shooter.”
Flagg’s Impressive Freshman Campaign and Comparison to Duke Alumni
Cooper Flagg joined an elite group alongside Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant as the only freshmen to win the AP Player of the Year award, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in his rookie college season. Tatum, meanwhile, was also a one-and-done star at Duke, averaging 16.8 points per game as a freshman before entering the 2017 NBA Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Boston Celtics. Tatum has since become a six-time NBA All-Star and four-time All-NBA First Team honoree, leading the Celtics to a championship in 2022 before an Achilles injury affected his availability for the 2025-26 season.
Navigating the 2025 NBA Draft Landscape and What Lies Ahead
According to the latest CBS Sports mock draft, Cooper Flagg is projected to be the first overall pick, followed by Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both from Rutgers. If Flagg is chosen by the Dallas Mavericks, he would become the fourth Duke player to be selected first overall since 2000, joining Paolo Banchero (2022), Zion Williamson (2019), and Kyrie Irving (2011). The Mavericks are seeking a new franchise cornerstone following Luka Dončić’s recent trade, which strained the team’s connection with its fanbase.
With Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, and the promising Flagg expected to be part of the Mavericks’ roster for the 2025-26 season, the team appears poised to build a strong core moving forward. Krzyzewski’s insight underscores the excitement around Flagg while acknowledging the unique qualities that differentiate him from Tatum, setting the stage for a compelling early NBA career.