Duke’s Cooper Flagg Unleashes Massive Shooting Surge: 3PT Percentage Nearly Doubles in Second Half of Season!
DURHAM, N.C. — When Cooper Flagg committed to Duke, expectations were sky-high. Heralded as the top recruit in the 2024 class and a generational talent, Flagg was expected to elevate the Blue Devils from day one. And while his freshman season began with flashes of brilliance, it was his second-half shooting explosion that truly cemented his status as one of college basketball’s elite.
After shooting a modest 27% from beyond the arc through Duke’s first 15 games, Flagg found his rhythm after the New Year, nearly doubling his 3-point shooting percentage to finish the season at 42% in ACC play. His perimeter leap was as dramatic as it was timely—coming during the stretch run of conference play and into the NCAA Tournament, where every possession matters.
A Tale of Two Halves
Flagg’s early season numbers reflected the adjustment curve many freshmen face. While he still filled the stat sheet with blocks, rebounds, and hustle plays, opposing teams often dared him to shoot from deep, crowding the paint and challenging him to beat them from outside.
That changed dramatically in January. Whether it was improved shot selection, increased confidence, or subtle tweaks to his mechanics, Flagg turned a corner.
“Coop put in hours and hours in the gym when nobody was watching,” said head coach Jon Scheyer. “He trusted the work. And now you see the result—he’s become a true three-level scorer.”
Statistical Surge
Over the final 12 games of the regular season, Flagg hit 26-of-62 attempts from deep—a blistering 41.9% clip. That production opened up the floor for Duke’s offense, allowing guards like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster more driving lanes and reducing the double-teams Flagg had routinely faced in the post.
He averaged 18.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.9 made threes during that stretch, earning him ACC Freshman of the Month honors in both February and March.
Flagg’s Shot: A Game-Changer
One of the most remarkable aspects of Flagg’s surge was his shot versatility. He knocked down catch-and-shoot threes, stepped into transition pull-ups with confidence, and even sank a few dagger step-backs in high-pressure moments—something rarely seen from a player his size and age.
Analysts began to draw comparisons to players like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant, citing his blend of length, skill, and shooting upside.
“He’s not just a defender or slasher anymore,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He’s becoming a complete offensive weapon—and that’s scary for the rest of the country.”
Eyes on the Next Step
With NBA scouts attending every Duke game late in the season, Flagg’s draft stock—which was already lottery-level—may have risen even further. His improved shooting adds another dimension to a prospect profile that already includes elite defensive instincts, basketball IQ, and leadership.
But Flagg has remained focused.
“I just want to win,” Flagg said in a postgame interview after Duke’s Sweet 16 victory. “All the extra stuff—the numbers, the projections—that’s cool. But we’re chasing banners in this locker room.”
Legacy in the Making
If Flagg returns for a sophomore campaign, he may well begin the year as a Preseason National Player of the Year candidate. But even if he declares for the NBA Draft, his late-season surge will be remembered as the spark that reignited Duke’s offense and powered a deep tournament run.
Whether in Durham or on the professional stage, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg’s shooting is no longer a question—it’s an answer.
