Cooper Flagg and AJ Dybantsa are two of the most promising young talents basketball has seen in years, often described as “generational talents.” Flagg is already being touted as the likely No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, while Dybantsa has achieved widespread recognition even before stepping onto a college court. Both are widely regarded as the future faces of the NBA, not just because of the hype but because of their undeniable talent and potential. Despite the natural assumption of rivalry between the two, their relationship seems more supportive than competitive.
DUKE FRESHMAN RECORD | SINGLE-GAME SCORING
1. Cooper Flagg: 36 (today v. ND)*
2. Zion Williamson: 35 (2019 v. Syracuse)
2. Jared McCain: 35 (2024 at FSU)
4. JJ Redick: 34 (2003 v. UVA)
4. Marvin Bagley III: 34 (2017 v. Texas)*7:03 left vs. ND
— #DukeMBBStats (@DukeMBBStats) January 11, 2025
Over the weekend, Flagg delivered an unforgettable performance as a Duke freshman, scoring 42 points in the Blue Devils’ 86-78 victory over Notre Dame. This remarkable display broke several records, including the Duke freshman single-game scoring mark previously held by Zion Williamson and Jared McCain (both with 35 points). Flagg also set the ACC freshman record for single-game scoring, easily surpassing his previous career high of 26 points. Across 16 games this season, Flagg has averaged 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, playing a pivotal role in Duke’s current 10-game winning streak and 14-2 record. His coach praised him for letting the game come to him rather than chasing stats, a mindset that has made his dominance even more impressive.
AJ Dybantsa took notice of Flagg’s standout performance and responded with encouragement. Re-sharing an ESPN post on Instagram, Dybantsa wrote, “Ahh, both dropped 40 piece,” tagging Flagg. The comment highlighted their mutual respect and camaraderie. While Flagg was making headlines in Durham, Dybantsa was delivering his own impressive performances in New Jersey. He scored 31 points in a narrow victory over The Patrick School (N.J.) and followed it with a 41-point performance against Western Reserve Academy (Ohio) at the Iverson Classic. As the top recruit in the class of 2026, Dybantsa continues to solidify his status as a rising star.
However, Dybantsa’s competitive edge was evident in October when he appeared on Paul George’s Podcast P. During the conversation, he confidently stated that he would choose himself over Flagg and Ace Bailey if they were all in the same class, saying, “Yeah, I bet on myself. Always bet on yourself.” While this competitiveness is clear, it is far from unhealthy, as the respect and admiration between the two players remain intact.
The rivalry between Flagg and Dybantsa extends beyond the basketball court into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. In December 2024, Dybantsa overtook Flagg as the richest NIL athlete in high school basketball, thanks to a groundbreaking $4 million Nike contract. His overall NIL valuation rose to $2.8 million. However, in January, Flagg reclaimed the top spot. His dominance on the court and major endorsement deals with brands like Gatorade and New Balance increased his NIL value by $900,000 in just ten weeks, reaching $4.2 million and making him the sixth-richest college basketball player.
Flagg’s extensive social media reach, with over 900,000 followers, has further bolstered his influence, ensuring his place as one of basketball’s most marketable young stars. The close competition between Flagg and Dybantsa, whether in points, potential, or paychecks, highlights their readiness to take over the basketball world. When the time comes for them to compete in the NBA, their rivalry is expected to be respectful yet electrifying—a battle that fans will eagerly follow for years to come.