Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball star Cooper Flagg is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the freshman star has hinted that he is not in a hurry to go pro just yet.
Why Cooper Flagg Wants To Continue Playing College Basketball Instead of Going to the NBA
In an Instagram post by Sports Center Next on Saturday, Feb. 15, Cooper was quoted saying he would continue with his collegiate basketball career next year.
“S*** i want to come back next year,” he reportedly said.
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Flagg has enjoyed a stellar run in his freshman year at Duke, averaging 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 48.3% shooting per game this season.
He is regarded as one of the best players to play in men’s college basketball this season. Flagg is one of the strongest contenders for the 2024-25 Wooden Award, having led the Blues to 21-3 overall and in first place in the ACC.
As a result, the 18-year-old has been touted as the first pick for the upcoming NBA Draft this year. However, a recent interview with The Athletic suggests that the Blue Devils guard would like to continue his collegiate basketball career next year, a statement that made headlines and shocked basketball experts and fans.
Flagg has a reason why he wishes to continue at the collegiate level instead of going pro.
“I always wanted to play in college at the highest level and compete for a national championship,” he said. “That sort of thing is what I dreamed about.”
Asked if he feels more like a college player or a professional athlete, Flagg said, “I still feel like a kid. This is the only way I’ve ever known college. That’s how I see it. I really wouldn’t know how kids felt before, and if this feels different, if this feels more like being a professional. I mean, it’s the same thing for kids in high school, too, getting paid a lot of money. I don’t know. I feel pretty normal.”
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in Men’s College Basketball
With his current NIL valuation sitting at $4.3 million per On3, Flagg made history as the first men’s college basketball player to sign an NIL deal with Gatorade. In addition, Duke is currently projected to be one of four No. 1 seeds in the 2025 NCAA tournament.
While his NBA future prospects are up for debate, Flagg will focus on helping the Blues extend their winning run as they face the Virginia Cavaliers on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
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