Auburn’s dominance had been fueled largely by the brilliance of their star player, Johni Broome, whose consistent double-doubles and defensive presence had vaulted him into the heart of the NPOY conversation. When your team is No. 1, and you’re the centerpiece, awards tend to follow. But the Tigers’ loss has done more than put a blemish on their resume—it may have also cast doubt on whether Broome, or any other top contender, can match the consistent excellence Flagg has been displaying on both ends of the court.
Cooper Flagg’s case is already remarkable. As a freshman, he’s been the engine for a Duke team pushing for a deep tournament run, showcasing maturity and skill well beyond his years. Averaging nearly 20 points per game, with over eight rebounds, multiple assists, and more than two blocks, Flagg has been a two-way force. It’s not just the numbers either—it’s the impact. Duke’s offense often runs through him, and his defensive versatility has made him a nightmare matchup, capable of guarding multiple positions while protecting the rim.
What makes this moment so pivotal is the way the NPOY race often hinges not only on individual brilliance but also on team success. With Auburn’s stumble, the narrative focus may shift toward players on teams with momentum, and right now, Duke’s rise is hard to ignore. Flagg has been at the center of it all, delivering clutch performances in high-stakes moments while displaying the kind of star power voters remember when ballots are cast.
This season hasn’t had a clear, runaway favorite for NPOY, which makes every marquee game, every upset, and every headline matter just a bit more. Flagg, as a freshman, was already fighting the “experience” bias that often works against first-year players in award races. But his consistent dominance has made it impossible to leave him out of the conversation. With Auburn now vulnerable, Broome’s case takes a hit, and there seems to be no one else delivering quite like Flagg on a team as nationally prominent as Duke.
If Duke finishes the regular season strong and Flagg maintains his current level of play—or somehow takes it even higher—this Auburn loss may end up remembered not just as a turning point in the rankings, but as the moment when Cooper Flagg’s path to National Player of the Year truly became clear.
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