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The world of college basketball is abuzz with the electrifying performance of Cooper Flagg, a rising star at Duke University. As he leads his team within reach of their sixth national championship, many fans are asking: where does Flagg stand among the greatest one-and-dones in college basketball history? Can he surpass legends like Carmelo Anthony and Anthony Davis? In this post, we’ll explore the all-time rankings of one-and-done players and assess whether Flagg truly has what it takes to claim the top spot.
Flagg’s incredible tenure at Duke has not only made headlines but has set the stage for discussions around the impact of one-and-done players in college basketball. One-and-dones are high-profile student-athletes who play a single season in college before entering the NBA Draft, and Flagg has made a compelling case for this category's greatness.
To understand where Flagg may fit into this elite circle, let’s take a look at a few notable one-and-done players who have left indelible marks on college basketball:
- 10. Jahlil Okafor - Duke (2014-15)
Okafor was known for his low-post scoring and became a national champion while earning accolades as the ACC player of the year. - 10. Trae Young - Oklahoma (2017-18)
Young was a scoring sensation, drawing immense attention with his remarkable play that led his team to the NCAA tournament. - 9. Kevin Love - UCLA (2007-08)
Dominating the Pac-10, Love showcased versatility and led UCLA to a Final Four appearance. - 8. Greg Oden - Ohio State (2006-07)
A defensive powerhouse, Oden's contributions were critical in Ohio State’s run to the national title game. - 7. John Wall - Kentucky (2009-10)
Wall revitalized Kentucky basketball and left a lasting impact with his standout performance. - 6. Michael Beasley - Kansas State (2007-08)
A scoring phenomenon, Beasley put Kansas State back on the map during his exceptional season. - 5. Kevin Durant - Texas (2006-07)
Durant was a scoring juggernaut, making history as the first freshman to win national player of the year honors. - 4. Zion Williamson - Duke (2018-19)
Williamson’s combination of size, skill, and charisma captured the hearts of fans nationwide. - 3. Cooper Flagg - Duke (2024-25)
As a potential national player of the year, Flagg is already making waves. His comprehensive skill set puts him on track to join the ranks of the greats. - 2. Anthony Davis - Kentucky (2011-12)
Davis dominated the court defensively and offensively, leading Kentucky to a national championship! - 1. Carmelo Anthony - Syracuse (2002-03)
Anthony's impact was undeniable as he led Syracuse to its first championship and set the standard for future one-and-dones.
The argument for Flagg’s ascension continues as he leads Duke in virtually every statistical category while contributing to his team's overall dynamic. Not only does he have the skill set to be a top contender, but his poise in high-pressure situations has already drawn comparisons to the sport's biggest legends.
Flagg’s gameplay exhibits both versatility and high basketball IQ, facilitating plays and creating shots that demonstrate leadership beyond his years. His potential to claim a national title this season could solidify his standing among the greatest one-and-dones, possibly even positioning him as the best if he outperforms the legends before him.
In conclusion, while Flagg is still carving out his legacy, the path he treads is laden with the footprints of historic players who defined their college careers and moved on to NBA success. As he continues to shine brighter each game, the question remains: will he be able to not just match, but exceed the greatness of those who have come before? Only time will tell, but the basketball community eagerly anticipates what’s next for this remarkable talent.
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