Cooper Flagg’s Breakout Performance: Is He Unstoppable Now?
Before the holiday break, Cooper Flagg was already widely regarded as one of the top players in the country. His reputation as a 5-star freshman and future NBA talent had been firmly established. However, the player who returned to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Tuesday after the break was a completely different animal—a version of Flagg that might just be on the path to becoming unstoppable.
Through the first few months of the season, Flagg had shown flashes of brilliance, but his overall shooting numbers left some questions about his consistency. He was connecting on just 42.1% of his field goals and struggling even more from beyond the arc, making only 25.0% of his 3-point attempts before December 21. These numbers were not bad by any means, but they didn’t fully reflect the immense talent that many expected from Flagg when he arrived at Duke as one of the most hyped recruits in recent years. It was clear that he had the potential to take over games, but he had yet to fully put everything together.
Fast forward to the games following the break, and Cooper Flagg is a different player. In Duke’s two recent victories over Virginia Tech and SMU, he put on a show, scoring 24 points in both contests. The efficiency with which he played was striking—16 of his 26 shots (a blistering 61.5%) found the bottom of the net, and he also made 4 of his 6 3-pointers. If these numbers are a sign of things to come, Flagg is no longer just a player with incredible potential—he’s a genuine three-level scorer capable of dominating on all facets of the court.
Flagg’s Evolving Role
One of the most impressive aspects of Flagg’s recent surge is his development as a three-level scorer, a term often reserved for elite players who can impact the game from anywhere on the court. Prior to the break, Flagg’s role was mostly focused on scoring in transition and attacking the basket. While he did occasionally knock down a jumper, his shooting range hadn’t fully been realized. But with his recent performances, it’s clear that Flagg has expanded his offensive game significantly.
Against Virginia Tech, Flagg’s performance showcased his scoring versatility. He scored 24 points with an impressive 7-for-10 shooting effort from the field, including a 4-for-6 mark from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down long-range shots was particularly eye-catching. The range on his shot has always been there, but now, it appears he’s becoming more comfortable with taking and making those shots consistently.
In addition to his three-point shooting, Flagg demonstrated his ability to finish around the rim. Against SMU, Flagg showed off his impressive footwork and finishing ability in the paint. He scored another 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting, adding a few slick finishes that showcased his increasing confidence around the basket. His improved shooting efficiency, particularly in finishing at the rim, now complements his newfound ability to knock down jumpers from all over the court.
Confidence and Maturity
One of the most noticeable changes in Flagg’s game post-break has been his confidence. Early in the season, he showed flashes of his immense talent but was at times a bit reserved in his approach. He often appeared to be finding his rhythm, learning how to fit into Duke’s offense, and adjusting to the speed and physicality of college basketball. There were moments of brilliance, but they were occasionally overshadowed by some inconsistent stretches.
However, in the recent games against Virginia Tech and SMU, Flagg has looked like a completely different player. His offensive game is flowing, and his decision-making has become sharper. He’s not rushing his shots; instead, he’s reading the defense and taking what it gives him. Whether it’s pulling up for a three-pointer, attacking the rim, or hitting a mid-range jumper, Flagg seems to be fully in control of the game now, and that’s a terrifying proposition for Duke’s opponents.
A Threat From All Areas
What makes Flagg’s recent performances even more impressive is how multi-dimensional he has become. He’s no longer just a slasher or a defensive stopper—he’s a genuine offensive weapon who can score in any way imaginable. Against Virginia Tech, he drilled three-pointers from well beyond the arc, but he also mixed in a variety of mid-range jumpers, finishing with a balanced stat line that reflected his newfound ability to score at all levels.
It’s also worth noting how much of this is translating to Duke’s overall success. The Blue Devils have been one of the top teams in the ACC, and Flagg’s ability to step up as the centerpiece of the offense is a big reason why. His performance against SMU, in which he scored 24 points on 61.5% shooting, helped Duke continue its hot streak after the break. His contributions are no longer just supplementary—he’s actively leading the charge for Duke, and his playmaking is starting to unlock more opportunities for the other players around him.
His improved shooting has also forced defenses to adapt. They can no longer just back off and give him space—now, they must respect his ability to hit from deep, as well as his ability to drive past defenders and finish at the rim. This newfound scoring ability makes him an even bigger threat on the court, and it opens up opportunities for Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, and the rest of Duke’s talented roster to benefit from the attention Flagg draws.
What This Means for Duke’s Final Four Hopes
With Flagg’s rise as a three-level scorer, it’s no longer just a matter of whether he can be the best player on the court—he already is. If he continues at this pace, there is no limit to what this Duke team can achieve. The Blue Devils have already shown their potential, and with Flagg playing at this level, they look like genuine Final Four contenders.
Duke’s offense has always been potent, but with Flagg’s scoring efficiency, they become nearly impossible to defend. He can pull up from anywhere on the court, finish in traffic, and make his teammates better. This development gives Coach Jon Scheyer a player who can single-handedly change the complexion of any game, and with the season entering its most crucial stretch, having a player like Flagg gives Duke a real shot at a deep tournament run.
It’s still early, but if Flagg’s performance against Virginia Tech and SMU is any indication, the best may still be yet to come. If he continues to develop and perform at this elite level, Duke could be on a collision course with the Final Four, and Flagg could very well emerge as one of the biggest stars of the college basketball season. The Blue Devils’ success will depend on how well Flagg continues to evolve and whether he can keep up this level of play when the stakes get even higher. But right now, it’s clear: Cooper Flagg is on the verge of being unstoppable.
