Duke Blue Devils and NBA prospect Cooper Flagg faced off against the Arizona Wildcats in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday, with Duke emerging victorious with a score of 69-55. Flagg put on an impressive performance, contributing 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists. The game attracted the attention of several NBA stars, both past and present, who were in attendance to witness the action unfold.
Among the notable attendees were Arizona alumni Gilbert Arenas and Mike Bibby. Arenas, a former Pac-10 All-Freshman team member and first-team All-Pac-10 player, was present courtside for the game. Interestingly, during his time at Arizona, Arenas played a key role in the team’s journey to the national championships, where they faced off against Duke, adding a layer of history to his presence at Friday’s game.
Similarly, Bibby, a skilled guard who earned accolades such as Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and Pac-10 Player of the Year during his time at Arizona, was also spotted at the game. Bibby was part of the Arizona team that clinched an NCAA title in 1997, leading to the retirement of his jersey number in honor of his contributions to the school.
In addition to the Arizona alumni, NBA star Bradley Beal, who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, was in attendance at the game. Despite not having a direct connection to either Duke or Arizona, Beal’s presence added to the star-studded crowd at the event. Beal, alongside his Suns teammate Tyus Jones, another Duke alumnus, enjoyed the game from courtside seats, showing support for Flagg and the Blue Devils.
Jones, a third-team All-ACC player and NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player during his time at Duke, played a crucial role in the team’s 2015 NCAA championship victory. His presence at the game underscored the strong bond among Duke alumni and their continued support for the team.
Last but not least, Grayson Allen, a key member of Duke’s 2015 NCAA championship team alongside Tyus Jones, was also in attendance at the game. Allen’s impressive college career, which included multiple All-ACC and All-American honors, paved the way for his selection in the 2018 NBA draft.
Overall, the presence of these NBA stars added an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling matchup between Duke and Arizona. Their support for Flagg and their alma mater teams showcased the enduring connections and camaraderie within the basketball community.
