Ranking the Top Freshmen in College Basketball: Duke’s Cooper Flagg Shines as Freshman of the Week for the Third Time
Duke’s freshman sensation Cooper Flagg delivered a historic performance in his team’s 86-78 victory over Notre Dame, setting the ACC freshman single-game scoring record with a career-high 42 points. The win marked Duke’s 10th straight, and Flagg has been on an offensive tear in 2025, scoring at least 19 points in his last four games. His efforts included double-doubles in earlier wins over Pitt and SMU, and he capped off his week with 42 points, seven assists, and six rebounds against the Fighting Irish.
Flagg is rewriting the record books in his debut season, leading Duke in every major statistical category—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. His 42-point outburst also made him the first Blue Devil to score 40 or more points in a game since JJ Redick did it in 2006 against Virginia.
Freshman of the Week: Cooper Flagg, Duke
Flagg earned his third Freshman of the Week honor after his standout performance against Notre Dame. He is the first three-time recipient this season and a top contender for Player of the Year, especially with Auburn’s Johni Broome sidelined indefinitely due to injury. The projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft continues to impress with his scoring versatility and defensive prowess.
Previous Freshman of the Week Winners
- Nov. 12: Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
- Nov. 19: Joson Sanon, Arizona State
- Nov. 26: Labaron Philon, Alabama
- Dec. 3: Dylan Harper, Rutgers
- Dec. 10: Cooper Flagg, Duke
- Dec. 17: Liam McNeeley, UConn
- Dec. 24: Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma
- Jan. 1: Ian Jackson, North Carolina
- Jan. 8: Cooper Flagg, Duke
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1. Cooper Flagg | G/F | Duke
- Stats: 19.1 PPG | 8.3 RPG | 3.9 APG
Flagg retains the top spot after his dominant 42-point performance against Notre Dame, where he also hit a career-high four 3-pointers. Duke is now 6-0 in ACC play for the first time since 2007-08.
2. Dylan Harper | G | Rutgers
- Stats: 20.1 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 4.4 APG
Despite battling the flu in a loss to Purdue, Harper bounced back with 18 points in a key win over UCLA. Rutgers ended a three-game Big Ten losing streak with the victory.
3. Kasparas Jakučionis | G/F | Illinois
- Stats: 16.4 PPG | 5.6 RPG | 5.4 APG
Jakučionis tallied 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds in a win over Washington but missed games against Penn State and USC due to injury.
4. Ace Bailey | G/F | Rutgers
- Stats: 18.9 PPG | 7.6 RPG | 1.1 SPG
Bailey recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks in a win over UCLA.
5. Ian Jackson | G | North Carolina
- Stats: 14.9 PPG | 3.4 RPG | 0.6 APG
Jackson has been a key player for North Carolina, averaging over 18 points in his last six games and logging heavy minutes during the Tar Heels’ three-game win streak.
Flagg’s performances continue to separate him from the pack, cementing his status as one of the most exciting freshmen in college basketball.
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