Building Duke's all-time roster: Does Cooper Flagg make the cut?

Former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, considered one of college basketball's greatest coaches, stated that freshman Cooper Flagg is "definitely the best freshman that has ever played" at Duke, placing him among the program's elite players like Grant Hill and Christian Laettner.

This prompted an analysis to determine where Flagg ranks on Duke's all-time roster after just one season. Compiling the roster proved complex, focusing strictly on collegiate accomplishments and evaluating 53 first-round NBA draft picks since 1985-86, plus other elite players who warranted acknowledgment despite limited playing time (like Kyrie Irving, whose potential was hampered by injury). Player polls, statistical impact, national-level performance, and sheer dominance were considered, with positions ignored to reflect today's game.

The goal was a balanced roster, acknowledging the difficulty of comparing multi-year players from older eras to potential one-and-done stars like Flagg or Zion Williamson.

Flagg emerged as the most polarizing candidate. Some former Duke players, including ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, argued one season was insufficient for all-time top-five consideration, regardless of talent. A member of the 1994 runner-up team and a star from the 1991/92 championship teams explicitly stated Flagg wouldn't make their all-time starting five, citing the lack of a national championship ring and the accomplishments of others like Grant Hill. They placed Flagg in a category similar to Kyrie Irving.

Conversely, others, including a key member of the 2001 championship team, believed an argument could be made for Flagg at power forward, especially considering the modern style of play.