Earlier this year, a simple statement from Cooper Flagg — “I want to come back next year” — sent Duke fans into a frenzy. Many started hoping the freshman phenom would return for another season, with some even trying to raise money on FanDuel to help keep him in college. After all, Flagg had just wrapped up one of the most remarkable freshman seasons in college basketball history. He led Duke in all five major statistical categories and became one of the few freshmen ever to win the National Player of the Year award. Despite his brilliance, Duke fell just short of a national championship, missing the title by two wins. That kept the dream alive for some that Flagg might stay another year. But now, that dream is over — Cooper Flagg is officially headed to the NBA.
It’s rare for a player to meet immense expectations, let alone surpass them, but Flagg managed to do just that. Standing at 6’9″, he delivered a historic season before even turning pro. He led the Blue Devils in points (709), rebounds (277), assists (156), steals (52), and blocks per game (1.4). On top of that, he ranked among the top 10 in the ACC in four of those five categories: third in scoring, ninth in rebounds, eighth in assists, and sixth in blocks. He also made history by becoming the first player to win both ACC Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week in the same week — not once, but five times. No player had ever achieved that feat more than twice before.
League next. Duke forever.
Thank you @Cooper_Flagg‼️💙💙😈 pic.twitter.com/PLapqqvZnj
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 21, 2025
Following this stellar season, Duke’s basketball program has confirmed that Flagg will declare for the NBA Draft. He is projected to be the number one overall pick, bringing his collegiate career to a close after just one unforgettable season.
If Flagg does indeed go first overall, he will join an elite group of Duke players who have been selected with the top pick: Paolo Banchero (2022), Zion Williamson (2019), Kyrie Irving (2011), Elton Brand (1999), and Art Heyman (1963). He would also become the first player coached by Jon Scheyer to be selected at number one.
Now, all eyes turn to the NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine which team gets the top pick and the chance to draft Flagg. As it stands, three teams have the highest odds of landing the first pick — each with a 14% chance: the Utah Jazz, the Washington Wizards, and the Charlotte Hornets. While the Jazz had the worst record in the league and would automatically pick first under a non-lottery system, the lottery levels the playing field among the bottom three.
Technically, Flagg still has time to reconsider. Under NBA rules, prospects have until May 28 to withdraw from the draft and return to college, giving them time to go through the combine and evaluate their draft position. However, all signs indicate that Flagg is committed to the NBA path and unlikely to change his mind.
As the draft approaches, the big question remains: which team will win the lottery and get the chance to add Cooper Flagg to their roster? The basketball world is watching, and the excitement is building.