Mike Krzyzewski, who has witnessed almost every top freshman in Duke basketball history, acknowledges that although he hasn’t coached Cooper Flagg, there’s no one quite like him. Coach K discussed Flagg’s game and his place among the school’s legendary players during an appearance on Dusty and Danny In the Morning on Sirius XM.
“Grant [Hill] is the best player to ever play at Duke, [Christian] Laettner is the most accomplished, and we’ve had great players, Cooper [Flagg], in his freshman year, is definitely the best freshman that has ever played,” he said.
The praise for Cooper Flagg is well-deserved, and few would dispute it. Flagg was named the Associated Press National Player of the Year in San Antonio on Friday, and Coach K believes he’s on track to capture all the top honors available. He has already earned ACC Player of the Year and National Freshman of the Year, with the Naismith Award set to be presented on Sunday.
Krzyzewski pointed out that if it were the 1990s, during Grant Hill’s time, Hill would have had a different role on Duke’s championship teams, as players like Bobby Hurley and Christian Laettner would have been in the NBA rather than in college. “He’s great and has been given that role,” Coach K said. “And he’s exceeded it. He’s not just done it – he’s exceeded it.”
“It’s a different role than he had when he started the season because he’s developed so much. He’s a great, great player and has, really, an amazing future.”
Saturday night (8:49 p.m.ET, CBS) with the winner facing wither Auburn or Florida.
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