Cooper Flagg has seized the spotlight all year. He’s the biggest star heading into March Madness

A hobbled Cooper Flagg was determined to celebrate top-ranked Duke's latest Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title by snipping a piece of the net, even after missing two straight games. As Flagg descended with keepsake in hand, he bypassed the ladder's lowest step and touched down on that same left foot, offering a momentary awkward gait. Sure, it was a small — and maybe a little nervously tense — moment, but it captured a slice of the gaze that has been locked on Flagg all season.

Cooper Flagg has seized the spotlight all year. He’s the biggest star heading into March Madness

A hobbled Cooper Flagg was determined to celebrate top-ranked Duke's latest Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title by snipping a piece of the net, even after missing two straight games. As Flagg descended with keepsake in hand, he bypassed the ladder's lowest step and touched down on that same left foot, offering a momentary awkward gait. Sure, it was a small — and maybe a little nervously tense — moment, but it captured a slice of the gaze that has been locked on Flagg all season.