Duke University’s star freshman, Cooper Flagg, may have played his final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium before making the highly anticipated leap to the NBA. The 18-year-old forward has been a dominant force all season. He lived up to the lofty expectations that surrounded him before he even set foot on Duke’s campus.
Will Cooper Flagg Stay at Duke or Declare for NBA Draft?
In a commanding performance against Wake Forest, Flagg dropped 28 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out seven assists, and collected three steals. As the Blue Devils steamrolled their opponent 93-60, the Cameron Crazies erupted with chants of “one more year,” urging their young phenom to delay his NBA dreams. But will he listen?
The biggest question looming over Flagg’s future is whether he will enter the NBA Draft or shock the basketball world by returning to Durham for a second season. College sports analyst Andy Staples weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Flagg may consider using his draft eligibility as leverage to avoid certain NBA destinations.
“Players have until June 15 to withdraw from the draft. The lottery is on May 12… Team Flagg can send out all sorts of smoke signals, Staples writes. “If the Wizards or Hornets win the lottery, they’d better trade the pick or the Maine Event is headed back to Durham.”
NEW: Should Cooper Flagg threaten to run it back at Duke to avoid becoming a Wizard or Hornet? 🤔
“Players have until June 15 to withdraw from the draft. The lottery is on May 12…
Team Flagg can send out all sorts of smoke signals. If the Wizards or Hornets win the lottery,… pic.twitter.com/zqOkiMvRL7
— On3 (@On3sports) March 4, 2025
The possibility of Flagg returning to college rather than joining a struggling NBA franchise has sparked debate among basketball fans and analysts. The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets have been perennial bottom-dwellers.
Now, for a player as talented as Flagg, joining a dysfunctional team could mean years of frustration before seeing real success.
Flagg has been projected as the No. 1 overall pick long before he even donned a Duke jersey. His skill set, basketball IQ, and versatility make him one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory.
However, there remains a small but real chance that he will put off the NBA for another year and run it back as a Blue Devil.
A Special Season for Duke Blue Devils
Duke has been on a tear this season, boasting a 27-3 overall record, an 18-1 mark in the ACC, and a No. 2 national ranking.
Winning a national title would be the perfect way for Flagg to cap off his freshman campaign and move on to the NBA with no regrets. But what if Duke falls short? What if they suffer an early exit in March Madness?
In what may have been his final game at Cameron Indoor, Flagg was reflective when asked about his future.
“I mean, I’m living in the present right now, living in the moment, taking it day by day,” he said. “I don’t know what the future holds.”
The idea of a sophomore season for Flagg at Duke remains a long shot, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.
While most top prospects make the NBA jump as soon as they are eligible, there have been cases where elite players have opted to stay in college for an extra year to refine their game and avoid landing in an unfavorable NBA situation.
Flagg clearly has great respect for the Duke program and the experience he’s had playing under head coach Jon Scheyer. After the Wake Forest game, he spoke about his love for the school and his teammates.
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in Men’s College Basketball
“I mean, this is the best place in college basketball for sure,” he said. “I’ve loved every single minute of being here. I’ve loved everybody I’ve met, everybody I’ve been around for this whole year. It’s been an amazing year.”
For now, all eyes are on the NCAA Tournament. If Duke captures a national title, it seems almost certain that Flagg will declare for the draft and begin his NBA journey. With the NBA Draft lottery set for May 12 and the draft withdrawal deadline on June 15, Flagg has time to weigh his options.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
