Cooper Flagg’s Historic Freshman Season at Duke Ends in Semifinal Heartbreak, Emerges as Top One-and-Done NBA Prospect
Flagg's standout freshman year at Duke ends in a narrow Final Four defeat.
Rajesh Dsouza
April 13, 2025
The Cooper Flagg era at Duke University came to a sudden halt as the Blue Devils fell to the top-seeded Houston team in a tightly contested national semifinal clash, ending with a narrow 70-67 loss. It marked the conclusion of Flagg's standout season, one that had him pegged as the probable No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. Even amid towering expectations that surrounded him at the beginning of the 2024-25 college basketball season, Flagg managed to exceed them and left an indelible impression as one of the most remarkable one-and-done players in recent memory. Throughout the season, Flagg posted averages of 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, accolades that earned him the CBS Sports National Player of the Year title. His prowess was further validated as he led Duke in every major statistical area. Despite the team's defeat against Houston, Flagg rose to the occasion with a stellar individual performance, amassing 27 points, pulling down seven rebounds, providing four assists, and rejecting three shots. He etched his name in history by becoming the first player to top his teammates in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks during a Final Four game since defensive statistics were officially recorded in 1986.
Top One-and-Done College Basketball Players
As Flagg transitions from the college scene to the professional realm, it sparks a renewed conversation about the all-time great one-and-done college basketball seasons before players entered the NBA draft. Here's a look at some standout cases:
During the 2011-12 college basketball season, Anthony Davis established himself as a formidable force at Kentucky, recording averages of 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 blocks, and 1.3 assists per game. Davis's shot-blocking prowess made him a legend in college basketball's defensive annals. In his singular season, Davis rejected an astounding 186 shots as an 18-year-old and led the Wildcats to a national championship. His magical Final Four run saw him swatting away 29 shots in six games. The 2012 NBA Draft's top overall pick, Anthony Davis cemented his status as one of the preeminent figures in Kentucky's storied basketball history. Even with the passage of time, many still regard Davis as the pinnacle of one-and-done success stories.
Despite Duke's inability to secure the national championship, Cooper Flagg's brilliance was undeniable. Some suggest that had Duke captured the title, Flagg would have been a compelling choice for the best one-and-done freshman crown. His exploits place him just behind Anthony Davis, and above Syracuse's Carmelo Anthony, in the hierarchy of single-season collegiate performances. Entering the season, questions surrounded Flagg's offensive capabilities, yet he consistently demonstrated offensive growth. This trajectory has made him a top prospect, guaranteeing his selection as the No. 1 overall draft pick. Whichever franchise secures his talent in the upcoming draft lottery will have much to revel in.
Carmelo Anthony's tenure at Syracuse during the 2002-03 season was marked by a series of breathtaking performances. Averaging 22.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, Anthony was a force on offense. His clutch showing in the Final Four secured him the title of Most Outstanding Player, especially after spearheading victories over Texas and Kansas. In the title run, he delivered a commanding 33-point, 14-rebound performance against the Longhorns, followed by a 20-point, 10-rebound, seven-assist display against Kansas. This consummate performance brought Syracuse their maiden national championship. Known for his impressive scoring ability as a freshman, Anthony narrowly missed out on a triple-double in the championship rematch with Kansas.
These luminaries have etched lasting legacies, highlighting the electrifying potential of one-and-done players in reshaping the landscape of college basketball. Each player's distinctive skill set and remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport, serving as benchmarks for future stars.
