Kansas basketball will face off against generational prospect in blue-blood battle

The top-ranked Kansas basketball team will face its toughest challenge of nonconference play against Duke in the Vegas Showdown. While the Jayhawks are undefeated through five contests, they could struggle to slow down a Blue Devils squad coming off a massive road victory over Arizona. One particular player will give Bill Self and KU fits on both ends of the ball.

Kansas basketball will have trouble containing Cooper Flagg

Not long ago, Bill Self and his coaching staff were heavily pursuing Flagg on the recruiting trail. Despite rumors that the Jayhawks had a chance to land him, he eventually canceled his visit and committed to the Blue Devils. The Maine native will now compete against KU in a blue-blood showdown.

Through five games, Flagg has been as good as advertised. He led the charge against Arizona in his last outing, scoring a game-high 24 points to pair with seven rebounds and three blocks. On the season, Flagg is averaging 17.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.8 steals on 44.6%/26.1%/73.9% shooting splits.

Like KU center Hunter Dickinson, Flagg was named a Preseason All-American and has lived up to the hype. These two superstars will headline tonight's highly anticipated matchup.