DURHAM, N.C. – In a performance that left fans buzzing, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg put on a jaw-dropping show during the Blue Devils' commanding 76-47 victory over Pitt.

Flagg, not yet ready to fully grade his unforgettable second-half dunk, estimated it as an impressive 8.5 out of 10. But for his teammate, Tyrese Proctor, there was no doubt: “That's the best in-game dunk I've ever seen. It might be one of the best dunks, period.”

As soon as the game concluded, the team gathered in the locker room, where Proctor replayed the dunk on his phone for everyone to savor the moment again.

Flagg's Struggles and Redemption

Flagg, who struggled early with foul troubles that limited his playtime, found himself frustrated after finishing the first half with only five points. His situation intensified when he picked up his third foul just minutes into the second half. However, this moment of frustration would soon turn into one of exhilaration.

Flagg made an electrifying steal near the baseline, sprinted the length of the court, and launched himself with incredible velocity to throw down a dunk that brought the Cameron Indoor Stadium to its feet—an event reminiscent of former superstar Zion Williamson's highlight reel. Coach Jon Scheyer even remarked, 'That was one of those moments tonight,' reminiscing about the thrilling plays that have defined Duke basketball.

Dunking with Fury

“I was just angry after that third foul,” Flagg confessed. He explained that he might have vented some of that frustration on the rim. With determination, he knew the moment he crossed midcourt that he was going to score—but it was the reaction of the defender that led him to execute a dunk of pure ferocity.

“I almost blanked out as soon as I jumped. It all happened so fast,” Flagg added, reflecting on the kinetic energy of the moment. By the time the ball hit the floor, Flagg had already engaged with the roaring crowd and was swarmed by his ecstatic teammates.

A Night to Remember

The dunk not only accounted for a highlight in Flagg’s young career but also resulted in a foul on Pitt’s Guillermo Diaz Graham, leading to a successful free throw. Flagg added another dunk shortly after, albeit less athletic, putting Duke ahead by 14 points—still noting that the earlier slam ranked 'top three' among his personal bests.

Coach Scheyer praised Flagg’s fiery yet composed nature, explaining how he harnessed his emotions to fuel his game. 'He loves being in the arena, but he’s got an edge to him now, and it can go quick. We saw that tonight,' said Scheyer.

Dominance on the Court

After Flagg’s highlight-reel dunk, Duke outscored the Panthers 37-21, showcasing their dominance and depth. Flagg capped off his night with an extraordinary stat line of 19 points, 10 rebounds, and exemplary playmaking that included 5 assists and a plus-16 rating in the second half.

As the game wrapped up on an impressive 18-0 run by Duke, Scheyer boldly stated, 'There should be no debate over who the best player in the country is at this point,' highlighting Flagg's impact and competitiveness. 'He just brings out a lot of good stuff from his teammates,' he concluded.

The Future is Bright

With every game, Flagg continues to solidify his status as a potential future star in college basketball, one dunk at a time. Fans and analysts alike can’t help but draw comparisons to Duke legends of the past—especially as he lifts the program with performances that ignite excitement across the nation.