The benefit of hindsight only further justifies the decision. In the final five minutes of second halves and in overtime games with the score within five points, Flagg's stats are as follows: 8-of-13 shooting, eight rebounds, two assists. Accounting for free throws (18-20 in such situations), he scored 36 points in those moments.

Duke was cruising toward the title game. Cooper Flagg had 27 points and the ball at the end. So how did a dream season end like this?

American and national player of the year, Cooper Flagg chases an NCAA championship before heading to NBA as the likely No. 1 pick