There’s a certain authoritative flair to the Duke basketball rookie’s jams.

Cooper Flagg’s debut for Duke Basketball was nothing short of spectacular, and it didn’t take long for the 17-year-old sensation from Maine to announce his arrival in the college basketball world. The Blue Devils, ranked No. 7 to start the season, hosted the Maine Black Bears in their season opener on Monday night, and Flagg was the star of the show in a 96-62 win. In front of a packed crowd at the legendary Cameron Indoor Stadium, Flagg played 30 minutes, finishing with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals, and only two turnovers—a stat line so impressive it had never been seen before in a Duke freshman debut. For a player who’s been touted as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Flagg’s debut was a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.

At 6-foot-9 and 205 pounds, Flagg is a rare combination of length, athleticism, and basketball IQ. He can score, rebound, pass, and defend, all with the kind of fluidity that makes him seem like a player out of a scouting report, not a true freshman. Despite an unusually cold shooting night, where he went 6-for-15 from the field and missed all four of his three-point attempts, Flagg was still able to dominate the game. His free throw shooting was perfect—6-for-6—and his contributions in other areas of the game were just as impressive. To put his debut performance in context, Flagg became the first player in Duke history to post at least 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals in his first game as a freshman.

For much of the first half, Flagg seemed to be feeling his way into the game. With just over four points and one field goal to his name in the opening 16 minutes, there was no indication that he was about to turn the game on its head. But then, like a switch flipping, Flagg took over. Early in the second half, with Duke already up comfortably, he made a statement with a powerful drive and dunk that set the tone for the rest of the game. The dunk was authoritative, sending a message to anyone in the building—and anyone watching on the ACC men’s basketball account—that Cooper Flagg was not just a prospect to watch; he was a player who could impact the game in an instant.

“I’m proud of him for just impacting the game and playing every possession,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said in his postgame press conference. “He was giving it everything he had…But again, to lead us in assists and rebounds, I thought he was close to having 25 [points] tonight, honestly, with some of those finishes and a couple open shots. Those are going to fall. The thing that’s exciting for me, I should say, watching him, is just how he makes everybody better and how he plays every possession. I thought it was a really good night for him.”

Scheyer’s comments spoke to something that goes beyond raw statistics. While it’s easy to get caught up in Flagg’s individual accomplishments, what really stood out was how his presence elevated his teammates. His ability to distribute the ball, grab boards, and make plays on defense is what makes him such an intriguing prospect, and it’s what made him such a force in his debut. Even when his shots weren’t falling, he was still able to impact the game in a number of ways. His court vision and unselfishness were on full display, as evidenced by his five assists, which led the team. Flagg’s vision was particularly impressive for someone of his age and size, and it’s easy to see why he’s been lauded as one of the most well-rounded players in the country.

Flagg’s basketball IQ is matched only by his ability to affect the game at both ends of the floor. His defense was stellar throughout the game, and his three steals were a testament to his ability to read the passing lanes and anticipate plays. Even when he wasn’t directly involved in a steal, his presence on the floor had a significant impact on Maine’s offense, as he was constantly applying pressure and forcing difficult shots.

Flagg’s versatility is also worth noting. As a forward, he can play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. His ability to act as a ball handler, a playmaker, and a scorer is rare for someone of his size, and it’s a skillset that is only going to make him more valuable as the season progresses. Flagg’s performance against Maine was a perfect example of his all-around ability. While the Blue Devils have other talented players, Flagg’s ability to contribute in so many areas is what sets him apart. His development over the course of the season will be one of the most exciting storylines in college basketball.

What also stood out during Flagg’s debut was his poise and maturity. Even with the bright lights of Cameron Indoor Stadium and the weight of expectations surrounding him, Flagg played with the kind of confidence and composure that belies his age. He was quick to take responsibility for the team’s success and didn’t shy away from playing an aggressive role. Whether it was driving to the basket, running the floor, or setting up his teammates, Flagg looked like a player who had been playing at the highest levels for years. His confidence and leadership were clear on both ends of the floor, and his ability to take over a game in the second half suggested that he could become a dominant force for Duke throughout the season.

The game against Maine was a perfect opportunity for Flagg to showcase his skills, but it was also a learning experience. His performance was a reminder that even elite freshmen like Flagg have room to grow. While his stat line was impressive, there were moments when his shot selection wasn’t ideal, and his outside shooting could have been better. Still, these are areas where Flagg can improve, and given his work ethic and skill set, it’s likely that his shooting will improve over the course of the season. As Scheyer mentioned, Flagg’s ability to finish at the rim could have led to an even bigger scoring night had a few more of those attempts fallen. But the beauty of Flagg’s game is that even when his scoring is down, he still contributes in so many other ways.

For Duke, this performance is just the beginning. With Flagg on the roster, they have a player who can not only carry the offensive load but also help lead them on defense, facilitate for his teammates, and be an all-around contributor. This is exactly the kind of player who can lead Duke back to the top of college basketball, and with his talent and skill, it’s easy to see why the Blue Devils are one of the preseason favorites to win the national championship.

Looking ahead, Duke’s next game against the Army Black Knights on Friday will be another opportunity for Flagg to build on his debut performance. While Army will present a different challenge than Maine, it will still be a chance for Flagg to continue refining his game, especially in areas like his outside shooting and decision-making. As the season progresses, teams will adjust to Flagg’s strengths, but it will be interesting to see how he responds to those challenges. For now, though, the sky is the limit for the Maine native.

Cooper Flagg’s debut performance was a statement—not just to Duke fans, but to the entire college basketball world. He’s a player who can do it all, and as the season unfolds, he’s only going to get better. Whether it’s his scoring, passing, rebounding, or defense, Flagg has the tools to be a transformative player, and if his debut is any indication, Duke fans are in for an exciting ride this season. As the Blue Devils continue to work towards their championship aspirations, Flagg will undoubtedly be at the center of everything they do. His combination of skill, poise, and versatility makes him one of the most exciting freshmen in the country, and it won’t be long before his name is synonymous with greatness in the college basketball world. For now, though, his debut is a reminder of just how much potential lies ahead for both Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils.