Duke freshman Cooper Flagg emerged as a top professional prospect at the college level entering the season. Flagg has been showing consistent improvement and looks to continue showcasing his skills as No. 4 Duke faces Pitt in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup in Durham, North Carolina, on Tuesday night.
Reflecting on his mindset throughout the season, Flagg expressed his focus on personal growth, stating, “My whole mindset this whole year has just been trying to get better every single day.” He noted the team’s progress, emphasizing, “I think that as we’ve gotten more comfortable as a team, we’ve come together more.”
Duke, with a record of 12-2 overall and 4-0 in conference play, is riding an eight-game winning streak following a convincing 89-62 victory over SMU. On the other side, Pitt, boasting a 12-2 record and a 3-0 conference record, enters the contest with a five-game winning streak and a recent stretch of shooting above 50 percent from the field.
The Panthers’ historic win at Duke last January, their first since 1979, serves as motivation for the Blue Devils, particularly those who experienced the defeat last year. Notably, Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer missed the recent game against SMU due to illness, with associate head coach Chris Carrawell stepping in.
Flagg has been a standout performer for Duke, scoring 24 points in back-to-back games, including 15 in the first half against SMU. He leads the team in multiple statistical categories this season, averaging 17.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 blocked shots per game. Flagg attributes his success to the support of his teammates, acknowledging the contributions of players like Tyrese and Kon.
Carrawell praised Flagg and Proctor for their leadership and impact on the team’s performance, stating, “Guys are learning how to play with each other. (Proctor and Flagg) are really excellent leaders for our team. We go how they go.”
In a similar vein, Pitt’s victory over Duke last season, when the Blue Devils held a No. 7 ranking, sets the stage for another competitive matchup. The game marks the return of former Duke player and assistant coach Jeff Capel, who now coaches Pitt.
Pitt’s guard Ishmael Leggett stood out in the recent game against Stanford, scoring 21 points after returning from an ankle injury. Leggett highlighted his adjustment during the game, noting, “Once the game slowed down, I started making the right plays.” The Panthers have also emphasized defensive communication and execution, recognizing the importance of teamwork in challenging environments.
As the game approaches, both Duke and Pitt are prepared for a high-stakes battle that could shape the trajectory of their seasons. With Flagg leading the charge for Duke and Leggett making an impact for Pitt, the stage is set
