The Duke basketball standout is unlikely to pass up being a top pick, but he is clearly enjoying his time in Durham.
Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound Duke basketball freshman, cement his status as the anticipated top overall choice in the 2025 NBA Draft with each game he plays.
This was certainly the case on Monday night. The 18-year-old guard/forward led Jon Scheyer’s No. 2-ranked Blue Devils (27-3, 18-1 ACC) to a 93-60 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in what many believe was his final Duke basketball home game. He had 28 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks.
Nonetheless, top ESPN NBA Draft insider Jonathan Givony isn’t completely dismissing the notion that Flagg has stated that he wouldn’t mind returning for another Duke season.
“You never say never,” Givony stated during a Tuesday afternoon appearance on NBA Today. “I was a student at the University of Florida in 2006 when Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer all declined top-10 draft picks after winning a national title. They came back to win a second national championship.
“So, you really never know. But, with that stated, I doubt Cooper Flagg will return to Duke for his sophomore season.
“I believe he would like to go back if he could. The fact that he’s even talking about it shows how much he’s enjoying his college experience, what a unique team this Duke group is, and how much the college landscape has evolved. Cooper Flagg is earning millions of dollars right now.
“But, ultimately, I believe it will be impossible for him to return. Delaying the second NBA contract might cost him up to $50 million. And that’s not even getting into the prospect of him getting hurt — knock on wood.”
Cooper Flagg and the high-powered Blue Devils are now gearing up for their regular season finale, a road bout versus the archrival UNC Tar Heels at 6:30 p.m. ET Saturday (ESPN).
