Duke head coach Jon Scheyer had high praise for freshman forward Cooper Flagg, comparing his impact to that of former Blue Devils stars like Paolo Banchero, Zion Williamson, and Jayson Tatum. Flagg, projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, has been a dominant force in college basketball, but fans aren’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
A Rising Star at Duke
Flagg made his debut for Duke against the Maine Black Bears last November and has been a standout ever since. The freshman is averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 49.4% from the field. His performances have helped Duke reclaim the No. 1 spot in the rankings for the first time since 2021, making him an integral part of the team’s success.
Duke Fans Are Willing to Pay to Keep Flagg
In a surprising twist, Duke fans and alumni have been making financial contributions in an effort to convince Flagg to stay another year. According to the FanStake website, one fan recently contributed $7,550, bringing the total amount pledged to $71,555. The most notable contribution reportedly came from an anonymous Duke alum, who staked a massive $25,000 in hopes of persuading the star freshman to return.
This movement started when Flagg hinted in an interview with The Athletic that he was considering staying for another season. Since then, fans have been doing everything possible to keep him in a Duke uniform. While the likelihood of Flagg passing up the NBA for another year in college remains slim—estimated at less than 5%—the passion of Duke’s fanbase is undeniable.
Duke’s Future Remains Bright
Even if Flagg ultimately declares for the NBA Draft, Duke is well-positioned for continued success. Head coach Jon Scheyer has already secured the nation’s top recruiting class for 2025, marking his third consecutive No. 1-ranked group.
The upcoming class is led by Cameron Boozer, the No. 2 overall prospect, along with highly touted recruits Shelton Henderson (No. 15), Nikolas Khamenia (No. 19), and Cayden Boozer (No. 21). These players will ensure that Duke remains a powerhouse in college basketball.
Still Pursuing Top Talent
Duke isn’t done adding talent just yet. The program is actively recruiting Nate Ament, the last remaining uncommitted top-10 player in the 2025 class. Former Duke and NBA player Austin Rivers has even joined the effort, inviting Ament onto his podcast and making a strong case for why he should choose Duke. Rivers emphasized the exposure and opportunities that come with playing for the Blue Devils, pointing out that Duke games receive more national television coverage than some NBA teams.
Can Fan Support Keep Flagg at Duke?
Duke fans are holding out hope that their support might influence Flagg’s decision, but the reality is that the NBA remains the most likely next step for the young star. With a stacked recruiting class and continued efforts to secure top talent, however, Duke’s future remains bright regardless of Flagg’s decision.
His impact on the program has already been significant, and whether he stays or departs for the NBA, his time at Duke will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent history.