Cooper Flagg has a "stranglehold on the No. 1 pick conversation" reports ESPN's Jonathan Givony. Flagg has elevated his play during conference play with a 32.7 PER in 13 games compared to 24.8 in 10 non-conference games. Flagg had a PER of 36.1 in January with his True Shooting Percentage hitting 70.7 percent.
"While other prospects have seen their production decline in conference play, Flagg has emerged as the best player in college basketball, and he has a chance to cement his legacy at Duke with a Final Four run," writes Givony. "He's the country's most competitive and versatile defender, and he has a stranglehold on the No. 1 pick conversation with the myriad ways he affects winning despite turning 18 in December."
Flagg is expected to be the fifth first overall pick out of Duke since 1999 joining Elton Brand, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero.
