If there was any doubt about Cooper Flagg being the potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, then Duke’s showdown versus Notre Dame was a perfect way to settle it. As always, the star freshman came out dominant on the court on Friday, delivering one of the greatest performances in collegiate basketball history. His 42-point outburst marked a new record for any ACC player. All this was enough for a college basketball insider to declare an open warning for NBA GMs.

On the Picks Central podcast, Marty Mush shared his views about Cooper Flagg. “I don’t think there’s much of a conversation for the number one pick, even if you think they’re gonna have a better [season].”

And he’s right. Flagg averaged 30.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game during a two-game stretch last week for the Blue Devils. Not only that, but he also surpassed Auburn forward Johni Broome for the top spot on the Wooden Award odds board. He followed this stunning week with a 13-point, seven rebounds, and six assists performance in Duke’s 89-54 blowout win over Miami. Mush also added a subtle warning for anyone thinking of passing up on the 18-year-old.

“I think you get fired as a GM if you pass up on Cooper Flagg as the number one pick,” added Mush. The star freshman is now the clear-cut favorite. He’s sitting atop with +375 odds to win the prestigious Wooden Award. His national growth during ACC play also gives him the current edge for Player of the Year.

And why not? The top-ranking freshman leads Duke in all five major statistical categories. His averages of 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game are the best among Duke’s roster. That, too, with respectable shooting splits of 47.9% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range. However, Mush isn’t the only one applauding Flagg. In fact, the 18-year-old phenom’s success was already predicted by one of the greats.

Months before success, one Hall of Famer predicted Cooper Flagg’s future

When Kevin Garnett speaks, the world listens—especially since he rarely dishes out praise so generously. During a September episode of Ticket and the Truth, Garnett and Paul Pierce discussed Flagg.

Both agreed on the prediction that Flagg will soon become the cornerstone of an NBA franchise. Garnett’s verdict? “Bad a–, cold a–!” For Garnett, watching Flagg compete against NBA stars while representing the USA Select Team was enough to shower him with praise.

He even mentioned that Flagg is a “superstar potential” player that kids will want to emulate. Months later, everything that Garnett said is proving true.

Flagg is poised to join the elite ranks of freshmen like Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson as a potential Wooden Award winner. The only thing left is his long-awaited NBA arrival.