Coach Jon Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils were scheduled to take on coach Tommy Lloyd’s Arizona Wildcats at 9:39 p.m. ET on Thursday, giving fans a chance to watch the NBA’s projected top overall pick, Cooper Flagg on national television.
Flagg’s Blue Devils are the East Region’s top seed, in line to face Lloyd’s fourth-seeded Wildcats.
The 6-foot-9, 205 pound Flagg has averaged 18.7 points per game this season along with 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 48.8% shooting from the field, adding to the excitement surrounding his upcoming Sweet 16 performance.
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On Wednesday, Flagg’s admission on a surprising conflict-of-interest involving a high profile Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal was revealed, offering a window into the Blue Devils superstar’s thought process heading into Thursday night’s game.
Cooper Flagg and Duke teammate Kon Knueppel speak to media on March 26 in Newark, New Jersey. © Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Flagg grew up in Maine, where the shoe company New Balance has constructed multiple factories.
The Newport, Maine native was asked about playing for the Blue Devils, a Nike sponsored school, and whether he would rather wear the company he promotes through his NIL deal.
“Well it’s obviously a tough situation,” Flagg said. “I love New Balance, but Duke is with Nike, so we have to do that for now,” the Blue Devils forward added.
Related: Cooper Flagg Shares Crucial Update on Eye Injury Heading Into Arizona Wildcats Game
