MBK Edition: Standout Performances
College basketball wouldn’t be the same without breakout performances. Think back to the moments when a player’s unforgettable game either brought you joy or heartbreak. As the current season unfolds, several players continue to stand out each week with their impressive play. For this edition, here are a few players who caught my eye.
Zhuric Phelps, Texas A&M
If you were to ask Texas A&M head coach Buzz Williams about the importance of Zhuric Phelps to the Aggies, he would surely break into a smile. The SMU transfer has been a key contributor through 15 games, averaging 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and shooting 38.5% from the field. What makes Phelps stand out is his ability to score consistently against tough competition—something crucial in today’s game.
Last Wednesday, in a thrilling matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners, Phelps posted a season-high 34 points, shooting 6 of 10 from three-point range and a perfect 6 of 6 from the free-throw line. In a back-and-forth contest, Phelps’ performance helped secure a hard-fought victory for the Aggies.
Williams praised Phelps for stepping up, especially in the absence of an injured Wade Taylor IV.
“Zhu was tremendous. Zhu was really good on Saturday. But we can't just give all of that to one player. I thought collectively, our group did a really good job in their communication and in their understanding of what we were trying to accomplish while getting beat up pretty good for a long period of the game,“ said Williams.
Curtis Jones, Iowa State Cyclones
Curtis Jones is quickly establishing himself as one of the top players in the Big 12. Watching him play at such a high level is reminiscent of his standout sophomore season at Buffalo. Jones is a nightmare to guard when he’s in rhythm, as he proved against Texas Tech last Saturday.
In a thrilling 85-84 overtime win, Jones dropped 26 points, shooting 8 of 15 from the field and 3 of 7 from beyond the arc. With the Red Raiders gaining momentum, Jones stepped up in the clutch, silencing the home crowd with his poised play and timely scoring.
Cooper Flagg, Duke Blue Devils
Generational talents are rare, but Cooper Flagg is one of those players you simply cannot miss. His combination of skill, basketball IQ, and the ability to dominate a game is exceptional. Flagg has been a revelation for the Duke Blue Devils this season.
In a dominant performance against Notre Dame last weekend, Flagg set a new career high with 42 points, 7 assists, and an astonishing 78.6% shooting from the field. He also broke Duke’s freshman single-game scoring record, previously held by Zion Williamson (35 points vs. Syracuse in 2019). Flagg became the first Duke freshman to reach the 40-point mark since JJ Redick did so in 2006. Additionally, Flagg set a new ACC freshman scoring record.
If he continues at this level, there’s little doubt that Flagg will secure the number one pick in next year’s NBA Draft.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer reflected on Flagg’s growing legacy:
“He’s [Flagg] breaking ACC records and the numbers he is putting up. I don’t see how you can watch today and then under appreciate him I hope. He is doing things nobody really has done before,“ said Scheyer.
As conference play heats up, I’m excited to see which players will continue to break out and make their mark. Stay tuned for more standout performances as the season progresses.
