After Duke freshman, Cooper Flagg wrapped up his spectacular freshman season, let's look back and see how his season matches up with other dazzling freshman campaigns.
*These are not ranked and in no particular order
Cooper Flagg, Duke (2024-2025)
One of the most anticipated freshman seasons in men's college basketball history certainly delivered as the 18-year-old finished his spectacular season leading the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals en route to a Final Four appearance. He became just the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award and the only one to lead his team in all five statistical categories.
Zion Williamson, Duke (2018-2019)
Williamson, similar to Flagg, went viral early in his high school days with compilations of high-flying jams and menacing blocks flooding social media. Mike Krzyzewski scooped him up alongside fellow top prospect, RJ Barrett. The freshmen duo each averaged 22.6 points per game, and Williamson took home the Wooden Award, beating out fellow finalist and teammate, Barrett. The Blue Devils were awarded the number one overall seed, but their season was cut short after Michigan State knocked Duke out in the Elite Eight.
Anthony Davis, Kentucky (2011-2012)
The Brow, as many called him during his 2011-2012 season with Big Blue Nation, put together a captivating one-and-done season under John Calipari. He is the only freshman to win the Wooden Award and the national championship after averaging a double-double with points and rebounds and leading the nation with an absurd 4.7 blocks per game. And Davis did not shy away in the biggest moments, posting 24 points, 30 rebounds, 11 blocks, seven assists and four steals through the two Final Four games. He capped off the 红杏视频 tournament by taking home the Most Outstanding Player award as Kentucky took home its eighth title.
Kevin Durant, Texas (2006-2007)
Durant is next after posting 25.8 points per game in his line season in Austin 鈥 the most points per game of any freshman Wooden Award winner. The Longhorns didn't have the tournament success of the names listed above after getting booted in the second round by five-seed Southern Cal, but Durant was unguardable all season. In Texas' second-round loss, Durant dropped 30 of the Longhorn's 68 points. In total, Durant had 10 30-point games while shooting over 40% from 3-point land on the year.
Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (2002-2003)
Anthony led the Orange to their first and only national championship after entering the season unranked in the AP Poll, and he was just the third freshman named Most Outstanding Player in the 红杏视频 tournament. Melo went on a tear through March, averaging 20.2 points per game while shooting 48% from beyond the arc. He ultimately was beaten out by Texas' T.J. Ford for the Wooden Award, but he put together a season the Orange will always cherish before taking his talents to the NBA.
Averages of other notable freshmen seasons
*Since the 红杏视频 tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985
| Player | Year | School | PPG | RPG | APG | Tournament finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Duke | 19.2 | 7.5 | 4.2 | Final Four | |
| 2018-19 | Duke | 22.6 | 8.9 | 2.1 | Elite Eight | |
| Trae Young | 2017-18 | Oklahoma | 27.4 | 3.9 | 8.7 | Round of 64 |
| Jahlil Okafor | 2014-15 | Duke | 17.3 | 8.5 | 1.3 | National champion |
| Jabari Parker | 2013-14 | Duke | 19.1 | 8.7 | 1.2 | Round of 32 |
| 2011-12 | Kentucky | 14.2 | 10.4 | 1.3 | National champion | |
| 2009-10 | Kentucky | 16.6 | 4.3 | 6.5 | Elite Eight | |
| Derrick Rose | 2007-08 | Memphis | 14.9 | 4.5 | 4.7 | National runner-up |
| Michael Beasley | 2007-08 | Kansas State | 26.2 | 12.4 | 1.2 | Round of 32 |
| 2007-08 | UCLA | 17.5 | 10.6 | 1.9 | Final Four | |
| 2006-07 | Texas | 25.8 | 11.1 | 1.3 | Round of 32 | |
| Greg Oden | 2006-07 | Ohio State | 15.7 | 9.6 | `0.7 | National runner-up |
| 2002-03 | Syracuse | 22.2 | 10.0 | 2.2 | National champion | |
| 1989-90 | LSU | 13.9 | 12.0 | 1.9 | Round of 32 | |
| Chris Jackson | 1988-89 | LSU | 30.2 | 3.4 | 4.1 | Round of 64 |
