Retired Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski has high praise for Blue Devils freshman Cooper Flagg’s season to date: “He’s the best player in the country.”

D ays after setting the Duke and ACC freshman single game scoring records - 42 points in a win against Notre Dame - Blue Devil's phenom Cooper Flagg had added a new brand partner

Fanatics and Fanatics Collectibles announced on Friday an exclusive, multi-year deal with Duke basketball standout Cooper Flagg, who is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Before Duke's matchup with Boston College on Saturday, Cooper Flagg attended an NBA game between the Celtics and Magic to pass the time.

Flagg made some history along the way, too. He set the all-time ACC freshman single-game scoring record, surpassing Boston College's Olivier Hanlan, who dropped 41 in 2013. Of course, that also meant he shattered Duke's freshman scoring record, which was held by Jared McCain and Zion Williamson (35 points).

Mansfield was one of the many Mainers to make the trip south to Boston College on Saturday to see Flagg and Duke take on the Eagles. It was as close as Flagg, who in a short time playing college ball has only cemented his place as the top prospect in the upcoming NBA draft, will come this season to playing near his hometown, Newport.

Flagg's appearance in Chestnut Hill is drawing plenty of interest, thanks both to his growing national stardom and his local roots. The game has been sold out since December, and the get-in price is over $160.

The projected No. 1 overall draft pick must continue to embrace and build on his time as a Duke basketball rookie.