Cooper Flagg’s performance against Arizona was a masterclass in dominance, skill, and composure under pressure. The Duke freshman erupted for 30 points, dished out seven assists, grabbed six rebounds, and block three shots, delivering one of the most complete performances in NCAA Tournament history. His impact was most evident during a game-defining 20-5 run, where he took over on both ends of the floor, dictating the tempo and shifting momentum squarely in Duke’s favor.

When ranking the greatest freshman performances in tournament history, Flagg’s outing belongs in the same conversation as Carmelo Anthony’s 33-point showcase in 2003, Derrick Rose’s commanding Final Four presence in 2008, and Zion Williamson’s electrifying displays in 2019. Like those legends, Flagg displayed a rare blend of poise, versatility, and sheer dominance on college basketball’s biggest stage, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

Freshmen have had some legendary performances in NCAA Tournament history. Here are my Top 10 all-time freshman performances in the tournament:

1. Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse, 2003)

• Stats (Championship Game): 20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists
• Tournament Averages: 20.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG
• Why It’s Special: Led Syracuse to its first national championship, winning Most Outstanding Player (MOP) of the Final Four. His dominance throughout the tournament was one of the best freshman runs ever.

2. Anthony Davis (Kentucky, 2012)

• Stats (Championship Game): 6 points, 16 rebounds, 6 blocks, 5 assists, 3 steals
• Tournament Averages: 13.7 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 4.8 BPG
• Why It’s Special: Despite scoring only six points in the title game, Davis controlled the game with his defense, rebounding, and passing, leading Kentucky to the championship and winning MOP.

3. Derrick Rose (Memphis, 2008)

• Stats (Championship Game): 18 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds
• Tournament Averages: 20.8 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.0 RPG
• Why It’s Special: Electrifying playmaker who nearly led Memphis to a title before falling to Kansas in overtime. His ability to take over games was on full display.

4. Kevin Durant (Texas, 2007)

• Stats (Second Round vs. USC): 30 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks
• Tournament Averages: 25.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG
• Why It’s Special: First freshman to win the Naismith Player of the Year, although Texas didn’t go far. Durant still had an unforgettable impact.

5. Zion Williamson (Duke, 2019)

• Stats (Sweet 16 vs. Virginia Tech): 23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks
• Tournament Averages: 26.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.5 BPG
• Why It’s Special: A human highlight reel, Zion dominated every game but fell just short of the Final Four.

6. Michael Beasley (Kansas State, 2008)

• Stats (First Round vs. USC): 23 points, 11 rebounds
• Tournament Averages: 23.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG
• Why It’s Special: One of the most dominant one-and-done players ever, Beasley’s power and skill were unstoppable.

7. Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga, 2021)

• Stats (Final Four vs. UCLA): 16 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, game-winning buzzer-beater
• Tournament Averages: 15.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG
• Why It’s Special: His legendary half-court buzzer-beater sent Gonzaga to the national title game in one of the most thrilling Final Four moments.

8. Kevin Love (UCLA, 2008)

• Stats (Elite Eight vs. Xavier): 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks
• Tournament Averages: 20.8 PPG, 11.0 RPG
• Why It’s Special: Led UCLA to the Final Four with dominant inside play.

9. Chris Webber (Michigan, 1992)

• Stats (Final Four vs. Cincinnati): 16 points, 11 rebounds
• Tournament Averages: 17.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG
• Why It’s Special: Webber powered the “Fab Five” to the national championship game, revolutionizing the game with their style and swagger.

10. Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina, 2006)

• Stats (Second Round vs. Michigan State): 19 points, 9 rebounds
• Tournament Averages: 18.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG
• Why It’s Special: One of the toughest competitors ever, “Psycho T” put up big numbers even as a freshman.