By: Shaun Smith
November 8, 2023
So, Cooper Flagg committed to Duke and The Brotherhood. No big deal, I guess.
Joking aside, Duke received a verbal commitment from the consensus No. 1 overall player in the class of 2024 on Oct. 30. Flagg is, by most accounts, a generational type of talent that can impact winning in a multitude of ways. His length allows him to be a pest protecting the rim, and his offensive skill set is routinely on display, whether it’s making a step back jumper, taking the ball coast to coast or hitting a cutting teammate with a perfect pass.
But how does Flagg fit in with next year’s projected roster? First, let’s breakdown who is likely to be on the roster:
Incoming Freshman (ranking via 247sports):
· Cooper Flagg (No. 1)
· Isaiah Evans (No. 11)
· Kon Knueppel (No. 16)
· Patrick Ngongba II (No. 20)
· Darren Harris (No. 56)
Potential Returners:
· Jared McCain (may test NBA waters)
· Caleb Foster (may test NBA waters)
· TJ Power
· Christian Reeves (transfer watch)
· Jaden Schutt (transfer watch)
· Jayden Blakes (transfer watch)
Departures:
· Jeremey Roach (still has another year of eligibility due to COVID year)
· Ryan Yong
· Kyle Filipowski (likely NBA)
· Tyrese Proctor (likely NBA)
· Mark Mitchell (likely NBA)
Uncommitted ‘24 Recruits:
· VJ Edgecombe (No. 5 - Trending Up)
· Dylan Harper (No. 2 - Trending Down)
When I think of a potential starting lineup of McCain, Foster, Flagg, Ngongba and Evans, one word comes to mind. Dynamic.
This lineup would feature scorers who can catch and shoot or create their own shot off the bounce. Another word that comes to mind — youth. Yes, returnees McCain and Foster would lead the backcourt, however, starting three freshmen — one of which is a reclass freshman in Flagg — is not ideal.
Offensively, this group would be a matchup nightmare for nearly any team they face though. Evans, aka Baby Slim, is one of the best shot creators in the class. Add Flagg’s overall skillset, McCain’s court presence and Foster's sheer desire to get to the rack at any opportunity, and you’ve got something that would be incredible to watch.
If defense is your forte, this group could leave a lot to be desired. Evans is not an extreme athlete, and could struggle against bigger, stronger players. McCain is also a small guard by today’s standards, and Ngongba would not be a physically imposing rim protector. Though this lineup has talent, it likely wouldn’t come to fruition until later in the season once the freshmen have had time to develop.
What about a McCain, Foster, Flagg, Power and Stewart lineup? Stewart is capable enough to play the five due to his athleticism and strength. However, he is only listed a 6-foot-8, and unless he hits a freshman growth spurt, this is not ideal. Stewart down low would give Duke the vibe of a mid-major playing a small ball five.
I’m not sure if Power will be ready to take a starting role on the defensive end. He has great size for small forward and has an incredible basketball IQ. However, I do think he would be a liability on the defensive end when forced to defend athletic forwards or even a guard against teams that run three guard lineups. It may not be the most feasible starting lineup, but I do think this lineup could be used to change the pace against teams that lack athletes.
Now, on to my most likely starting lineup to kick off the 2024-25 season: McCain, Foster, Flagg, Stewart and Ngongba.
This lineup has the perfect balance of versatility, athleticism and experience. McCain and Foster would have the reins in the backcourt (similar to what I expect from Proctor and Roach this year). The frontcourt would be comprised of three guys, 6-foot-8 or taller, who can play interchangeably at different positions.
Stewarts athletic ability would allow him to play three through five, while Flagg and Ngongba are both athletic enough to play as bigs. From an offensive standpoint, the thought of having to go out beyond the arc to guard Flagg would be a nightmare for opposing teams. We already know he and Stewart can play together due to their time together at Montverde Academy. If Stewart continues to work on his outside jumper, this lineup would pose a serious threat from three.
Ngongba has great feet for a young big — eerily similar to Vernon Carey — though not quite as refined. This lineup would be able to switch on the defensive end and could spread the floor offensively, allowing McCain and Foster to dissect the defense.
If VJ Edgecombe does commit to Duke I would insert him in any version of the starting lineup alongside McCain, Foster and Flagg. The five spot would be interchangeable between Stewart, Ngongba or even Reeves based on matchup.
I won’t forecast anything though, since his recruitment is still open. I will spare the hypothetical situations that get me extremely excited for his potential commitment.
As we look forward to next year’s No. 1 incoming recruiting class, and who we expect to be coming back, let’s not forget this: Our current team is absolutely loaded with talent.
It is always fun to play the “future game” and look ahead to our star-studded class highlighted by one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, but let’s pause and enjoy this team. This team is more than capable of hanging banners — plural, not just one. This team can win. This team will win a lot of games. And, this team will be one of the best team’s Duke has had over the last decade.
Shaun Smith with@Duke_Wisdom
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