A day isn’t enough to talk about all the legendary players who have suited up for the Duke Blue Devils. From Grant Hill and Christian Laettner to Zion Williamson and Kyrie Irving, Duke has a rich history of producing elite basketball talent. Now, Cooper Flagg is making his mark as one of the best freshmen to ever wear a Blue Devils jersey.
Even though Cooper Flagg is expected to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft after just one season, his impact in Durham has been nothing short of historic. Some analysts and fans believe he could be one of the greatest Blue Devils ever, and former Duke star Jay Williams took that claim even further.
Jay Williams Calls Cooper Flagg the Most Complete Duke Freshman Ever
During a recent interview with ACC PM’s Taylor Tannebaum, Jay Williams made a bold statement about Cooper Flagg.
“Cooper is the most complete and skilled freshman in Duke basketball history,” Williams said.
For a program that has seen some of the most talented first-year players in college basketball history, this statement stirred up major debate among fans.
Williams is a Duke legend in his own right. The former star guard won the 2001 NCAA Championship with the Blue Devils, had his jersey retired, and was the second overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. He knows what it takes to be great at Duke, but calling Cooper Flagg the best freshman ever is bound to spark controversy.
Fans React to Jay Williams’ Statement on Cooper Flagg
Duke fans are never shy when it comes to basketball debates, and social media exploded with strong opinions about Williams’ comments.
Many fans were quick to compare Cooper Flagg to past Duke greats, including Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, and Grant Hill.
- “Zion wayyyy better than Coop, stop it!” one fan wrote on Instagram.
- “Us Dukies do not claim Jay Williams!!!” another user commented.
- “He is not better than Kyrie, I don’t care what y’all say.”
- “You still think people care about your opinion??? Ummmmm No,” one fan added.
Others chimed in with names like Grant Hill, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett, arguing that Cooper Flagg still has a long way to go before being considered the best Duke freshman ever.
Is Cooper Flagg Really the Most Complete Freshman in Duke History?
While it’s understandable that some fans disagree with Jay Williams’ statement, there’s no denying that Cooper Flagg is having a sensational freshman season. The 6-foot-9 forward from Newport, Maine, has proven to be a dominant force on both ends of the court.
Unlike some past Duke freshmen who were primarily scorers, Cooper Flagg impacts the game in multiple ways. His versatility, basketball IQ, and defensive ability make him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball today.
Through the season so far, Cooper Flagg has been stuffing the stat sheet:
- 19.9 points per game
- 8.0 rebounds per game
- 4.1 assists per game
- 48.7% field goal percentage
His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate the offense is rare for a freshman, especially in a competitive ACC conference.
Cooper Flagg vs. Other Legendary Duke Freshmen
To truly assess Williams’ claim, let’s compare Cooper Flagg to some of the best freshmen in Duke history.
Zion Williamson (2018-19)
- 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists
- 68.0% field goal percentage
- ACC Player of the Year & National Player of the Year
Zion was an absolute force, dominating opponents with his power and athleticism. His efficiency was off the charts, and he made highlight-reel plays every night.
Kyrie Irving (2010-11)
- 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists
- 52.9% field goal percentage
- Only played 11 games due to injury
Kyrie was electrifying in his limited time at Duke. Had he played a full season, he might have been in the conversation as the best freshman in Duke history.
Grant Hill (1990-91)
- 11.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists
- Led Duke to its first national championship
Hill wasn’t the flashiest freshman, but his all-around game helped Duke win its first NCAA title. He would go on to become one of the greatest college players of all time.
When comparing these legendary freshmen, Cooper Flagg holds his own. While he may not be as dominant as Zion or as skilled as Kyrie, his all-around impact is undeniable.
What’s Next for Cooper Flagg?
While the debate about Cooper Flagg’s place in Duke history will continue, one thing is clear: he is an elite talent with a bright future.
The next big test for Cooper Flagg and the No. 2-ranked Duke Blue Devils comes this Saturday, as they take on their biggest rival, the North Carolina Tar Heels, at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
A strong performance in that game could further solidify Flagg’s status as one of the greatest freshmen in Duke history. If he continues to play at this high level, he could help lead Duke to another deep NCAA Tournament run—and maybe even a national championship.
Final Thoughts: Is Cooper Flagg the Best Duke Freshman Ever?
The debate over Cooper Flagg’s place in Duke history is far from settled. While Jay Williams believes Flagg is the most complete freshman Duke has ever seen, many fans still put Zion Williamson, Kyrie Irving, or Grant Hill ahead of him.
One thing is certain—Cooper Flagg is special. Whether he’s the best Duke freshman ever or not, he’s already made a name for himself as one of the most exciting players in college basketball.
With a potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a chance to lead Duke to a championship, Cooper Flagg has plenty of opportunities to prove Jay Williams right.
For now, fans will continue to debate, but Flagg will let his game do the talking.
