The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils solidified their status as a national title contender with a 110-67 thrashing of the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, in a marquee late-season non-conference game that captivated college basketball fans nationwide.
The 43-point setback for Illinois was the most lopsided in school history, leaving Illini coach Brad Underwood with no choice but to lavish accolades on Duke standout Cooper Flagg, who scored 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes of play.
“I hope he stays in school,” Underwood said wishfully after the game. “I mean, if I’m the NCAA or the ACC, I’m figuring out an NIL deal to keep that dude in school, because he’s everything that’s right about our game. Somebody threw out some story about it. I hope he stays. Man, he’d be great. He could probably make more here than he could in the NBA. He’s also got really good people around him, and that helps.”
Underwood may be correct, depending on the NIL deal and Flagg’s potential earnings on a rookie contract in the NBA. In the short run, Flagg may make more money in NIL than on a rookie contract at the next level. But, in the long run, there’s no doubt that Flagg will earn more money as a professional.
So, why stay in school? Underwood added a nice quote to his recent admiration for Flagg.
“He’s 18. “He’s only 18 years old,” Underwood continued. “Go have fun. Chase a girl. I mean, simply enjoy the opportunity. I understand the whole issue. That’s set in stone; he’ll be who he is. And I’m just speaking randomly. I don’t know the kid or his family. But, dammit it, guy. “I’m excited about college basketball.”
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Duke improved to 24-3 overall and 15-1 in the ACC. The Blue Devils are in contention for the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament next month.
