In the fast-paced world of college basketball, few players capture the imagination of fans quite like Duke’s Cooper Flagg. From the moment he stepped onto the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the young forward has exceeded every lofty expectation set before him.
Now, as the regular season comes to a close, speculation is mounting—will Flagg take his talents to the NBA, or could he shock everyone by returning for another year in Durham?
Is Cooper Flagg Headed to the NBA?
Flagg averaged an impressive 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Flagg has not only put up incredible numbers but has also been instrumental in Duke’s overall success. His shooting efficiency—49.7% from the field and 38.2% from beyond the arc—has made him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball.
Duke has reaped the benefits of Flagg’s stellar play, boasting a remarkable 27-3 record and an unblemished 17-0 record at home. Their final regular-season home game, a dominant 93-60 victory over Wake Forest, served as a fitting sendoff for what many believe will be Flagg’s only year with the Blue Devils.
The Cameron Crazies, well aware of what might be at stake, erupted in chants of “One more year!” in a desperate plea for their star to delay his inevitable leap to the professional ranks.
Flagg, however, remained noncommittal about his future. When asked about the possibility of returning to Duke, he carefully navigated the question.
“Listen, I’m just living in the moment, I’m going day-by-day with this team, practice by practice, and we’re just going to finish out this year,” Flagg told ESPN.
When pressed about his overall experience at Duke, he was unequivocal in his praise. “Everything I could’ve expected and way more,” he said. “It’s been the best year of my life, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Could Flagg Stay at Duke?
The idea of Flagg delaying his NBA career is an enticing one for Duke fans, but it remains highly improbable. Financially, the gap between NIL deals and an NBA rookie contract is significant.
If Flagg declares for the draft and is selected first overall—an outcome nearly every expert predicts—he would earn over $13 million in his first season alone. While Duke’s boosters and NIL opportunities could provide a lucrative counteroffer, it is difficult to imagine Flagg walking away from that kind of guaranteed money.
With the conclusion of the men’s college basketball regular season on the horizon, the focus will soon shift to the upcoming conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament. While March Madness will determine a national champion, NBA scouts and executives are already analyzing which collegiate stars are ready to leap to the professional level.
Flagg remains the consensus No. 1 pick, though Auburn’s Johni Broome has made a compelling case for Player of the Year honors, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the debate.
Meanwhile, Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, along with Texas’ Tre Johnson, are all projected as top lottery selections. Michigan State’s Jase Richardson has also gained traction among scouts for his poised play and ability to hit big shots.
Still, none of these players have generated the same level of excitement as Flagg, whose all-around dominance has set him apart.
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As Duke heads into the postseason, the basketball world eagerly awaits Flagg’s next move. If Duke makes a deep tournament run or even wins the national championship, it may cement his decision to declare for the NBA Draft.
However, if the Blue Devils fall short, could that leave the door open for a return? The possibility is slim, but as long as Flagg himself hasn’t ruled it out, speculation will continue to swirl.
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