Can Cooper Flagg live up to the hype? FOX Sports' John Fanta breaks down the buzz surrounding Duke's freshman sensation.

While Cooper Flagg isn't in attendance at this week's annual ACC Tipoff, it's clear Duke's star freshman is still the talk of the league. The nation's top incoming recruit -- and the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft -- is entering college basketball with a tremendous amount of hype,

In his 2025 NBA Mock Draft published on Thursday, Vecenie preached "a bit of caution" over projections that the class will produce "multiple All-Stars." He acknowledged that "real questions" are emerging around Flagg and three other top prospects — Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper and V.J. Edgecombe — as future franchise cornerstones.

Much has been written about excitement regarding the 2025 draft. It does look drastically better at the top of the class than the 2024 iteration. There is plenty of room for excitement for tanking teams looking to replenish their youth.

That much was evident, even on his first basket. The 6-foot-9 Maine native drove left from outside the arc, then switched the ball to his right hand in midair, showcasing the touch and inside finishing he’s so known for. From the first row of Duke’s student section, through the raucous applause, you could hear one Cameron Crazie note the occasion:

The Duke basketball program will enter the 2024-25 season as one of the nation’s top-ranked teams, as Jon Scheyer’s squad has a legitimate chance to bring a National Title back to Durham for the first time in ten years.

Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg wore the Nike Book 1 in the Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium.