Duke star Cooper Flagg has been the consensus top prospect in the 2025 draft class for years. Flagg first entered the national spotlight when he led the US National team to a Gold Medal in the 2022 U17 World Cup. Flagg led the US with his defense and rebounding, tallying 10 points, 17 rebounds, eight steals, and four blocks in the Gold Medal game against Spain. US Basketball named Flagg the 2022 Male Basketball Athlete for his heroic performance, the youngest in history.

Flagg has had a storied career so far, leading draft analysts to label him a generational talent. Flagg added another feat to his resume this week when former Duke coach Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski said Flagg was "definitely the best freshman that has ever played" at the legendary school. This is high praise coming from Krzyzewski, one of the greatest coaches in basketball history who coached the likes of Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Grant Hill.

Flagg gaining this compliment from Krzyzewski right before he steps into the NBA is a dream for Dallas Mavericks fans considering the other players that had dominant seasons at Duke, and he is in the perfect spot to dominate the NBA.

Adjectives like "generational" are often overused, but Flagg fits the bill. Flagg immediately established himself as one of the best players in the nation, earning a consensus First Team All-American spot and the Wooden Award. Flagg is also a year younger than most freshmen after he reclassified from the high school class of 2025 to 2024 after his sophomore year. Krzyzewski's comments are more reason for fans to believe Flagg is destined for greatness and will lead the next Mavs dynasty.

Flagg is the prototypical NBA forward, standing at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan and elite athleticism. He has dominated at every stage in his young career and consistently outplayed older competition.

Joining Irving and Anthony Davis, the Mavericks have a new big three in town that the rest of the league should fear. Two of Dallas' best players, Davis and Flagg, also happen to be elite defenders, and Nico Harrison's vision of "defense wins championships" is being fulfilled right in front of him. Flagg's incredible defense is the most sought-after part of his game, but he proved he is much more than just a defender while he was at Duke.

Before Duke, Flagg racked up accolades including Gatorade Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball USA, McDonald's All-American player, and All-Tournament team at the U17 World Cup. He had an efficient offensive game as a north-south slasher and shooter, but defense is what set Flagg apart. Flagg has a blend of strength, quickness, and length that he weaponized both on and off-ball to create a one-man defense, similar to Anthony Davis with the 2020 Lakers.

Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals at Duke, leading the team in each category. Flagg led the Blue Devils to the Final Four, a feat rarely seen in college basketball, arguably reaching the heights of Freshman legends Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony.

Duke has produced many elite NBA talents since Krzyzewski joined as head coach, but Flagg is the best Freshman to play for the school. Irving, Williamson, and Hill were elite, but none of the Duke superstars were able to lead a team to the Final Four. Williamson also won the Wooden Award and had an impressive statline, but could not reach the heights of Flagg despite having a better supporting cast.

Flagg having a better freshman season at Duke than his new teammate Kyrie Irving shows Mavericks fans the exact type of player they're getting, and he will be in a great spot to be a force in the NBA right away.

Flagg does not have Irving's tantalizing shot creation or Williamson's electrifying athleticism, but he produced at a higher level. The youngest player in the draft has always found success, which should give hope to Mavs fans for their short-term and long-term goals. Flagg's defense and off-ball offensive ability are a perfect fit for this Dallas roster, and fans are right to hope Flagg will develop into one of the best players in the league.