There's never been a safer bet than Cooper Flagg to become ACC Rookie of the Year. That was true in the preseason, as the Duke basketball freshman sensation arrived in Durham as a projected one-and-done talent and No. 1 overall draft pick.

Through 10 games, Flagg leads Duke in scoring at 15.9 points per game, and also leads in rebounding (9.0), assists (3.6), blocks (1.4) and field goal percentage (42.9). Noteworthy: The Patriots are 7-3 this season, but dropped their only game against top-25 competition when they fell to Marquette, 82-63, on Nov. 8.

Cooper Flagg connects on a 3-pointer for the Blue Devils. Facebook; Twitter; Email

The same goes for the fact that it was centerpiece freshman forward Cooper Flagg's 18th birthday. So, in wrapping up his postgame talk to the team, Scheyer essentially directed Duke basketball rookie giant and all-smiles 2024-25 Blue Devil entertainer Khaman Maluach to choose the best way to ensure Flagg would become red in the face.

Duke basketball superstar Cooper Flagg has already accomplished so much in his freshman season. The presumed No. 1 overall pick in next summer's NBA draft has already put together five 20-point games,

Cooper Flagg rises up for a huge jam to give Duke an 18-point lead.