One of the most anticipated men’s college basketball freshmen classes of recent years is finally here.

The best recruit of the class of 2024, Cooper FlagHe played his first college game for the No. 5 seed on Monday. Duke Blue Devils in them Season opener against Maine.

There was a lot of excitement around Flagg starting his college career. Proved he has the potential to be basketball’s next star Made a remarkable impression at the Olympic training camp It’s against the NBA players on Team USA, who will win the gold medal in Paris this summer.

Here’s how Flagg begins the college basketball season: heavy favorite to be top choice with next year’s NBA draft and expectations always very high for Duke, many eyes will be seeing this How does Flagg play for the Blue Devils?.

There was plenty of excitement at Cameron Indoor Stadium when Duke faced Maine in the season opener, and Flagg gave the Cameron Crazies plenty to be excited about after one game — albeit a scare. He finished the night with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in 30 minutes. 96-62 win. He led the team in rebounds and steals, while his teammate Kon Knueppel broke the game high with 22 points.

Flagg showed off his passing ability early with two quick assists as Duke built a lead it never relinquished. Their first points were fairly uneventful; He came away with two free throws. Although it was a slow start, Flagg quickly recovered. He drove into the paint for his first big play of the season before the end of the first half and reached high for an emphatic dunk.

Flagg’s defensive intensity was impressive, with him constantly disrupting the Black Bears’ passing lanes. He dunked after his steal in the second half.

Duke fans held their breath late in the second half when Flagg fell to the ground and appeared to be in pain. He apparently stated that he was having a cramp and stood up and walked towards the bench to the cheers of the crowd. Clearly unreachable, he sat out the rest of the game.

Flagg did most of his damage around the basket and at the free throw line. He was 6-for-6 from the charity stripe and 0-for-4 from the 3-point line.

Duke will be back in action on Friday when it hosts Army. This contest will take place before the big matchup against Kentucky next Tuesday in Atlanta.

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Cooper Flagg stats: Duke freshman plays first college basketball game