Duke’s Flagg Shines in Race for National Player of the Year

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke University freshman guard Jared Flagg is emerging as a frontrunner for the National Player of the Year award as the Blue Devils prepare for the NCAA Tournament. With a record of 27-3, Duke is projected to finish second in the overall standings, trailing only Auburn.

Flagg’s remarkable season has generated excitement among fans as the team looks to capture its first national championship in a decade, following a title run under former head coach Mike Krzyzewski. His standout performances, including a recent game against rival North Carolina, have solidified his status as a key player for the Blue Devils.

On March 8, Duke will face North Carolina at the Dean Dome, an anticipated matchup that could mark a pivotal moment in Flagg’s college career. In his last home game, he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 28 points while shooting 10-for-16 from the field. He also contributed 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.

Despite indications that Flagg may consider returning for another season at Duke, the allure of entering the NBA Draft looms large. Flagg has expressed his appreciation for his time at Duke, noting, “The feeling I had — the crowd, it was the loudest it’s been all year. I was back on defense, and I could almost feel the building shaking.” However, the prospect of a professional career may outshine his collegiate aspirations.

Flagg’s remarkable statistics not only lead the Duke team but also place him in the conversation for both Freshman of the Year and National Player of the Year, a distinction that would put him in an elite group alongside stars like Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant.

With a record 11 ACC Rookie of the Week honors this season and five wins in both the Rookie and Player of the Week categories, Flagg has firmly established himself as a dominant force. In January, he set a personal best in a game against Notre Dame, further showcasing his potential.

As NBA scouts continue to track his performance, Flagg is a top prospect, closely watched by teams vying for the 2025 draft, including the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets. Despite the pressure of the impending draft, Flagg remains dedicated to leading Duke through the NCAA Tournament, illustrating his commitment to the program.

“This is the best place in college basketball, for sure,” Flagg stated. “I’ve loved every single minute of it. It’s been an amazing year.” With the crowd rallying behind him, the anticipation heightens as Flagg’s journey unfolds, promising an exciting climax to the college basketball season.