Duke’s Flagg Confirms NBA Draft Entry: A New Chapter for a Blue Devil Legend

After months of speculation, highlight reels, and a season that captivated college basketball fans nationwide, Cooper Flagg — the 6-foot-9 phenom from Maine who took Duke basketball by storm — has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.

In a statement released via social media and the Duke Athletics Department, Flagg confirmed what many had long anticipated, bringing an end to one of the most electric freshman campaigns in Blue Devil history.

“After deep thought, prayer, and conversations with my family and coaches, I’ve decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft,” Flagg said. “I came to Duke to grow as a player, a competitor, and a person — and I’m proud of everything we accomplished this season. The brotherhood is forever.”

With those 67 words, a new chapter began — for Flagg, for Duke, and for the NBA team lucky enough to land one of the most gifted prospects of the modern era.

A Freshman Year That Lived Up to the Hype

Flagg arrived in Durham in the fall of 2024 as the No. 1 recruit in the nation — the most heralded high school player to commit to Duke since Zion Williamson. From the moment he stepped onto the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, it was clear the hype wasn’t just justified — it might have undersold him.

Flagg averaged 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 51.4% from the field and 37% from three. He led Duke in nearly every statistical category and was widely considered the team’s heartbeat — emotionally and strategically.

His performances against ranked opponents were legendary. A 29-point explosion against North Carolina. A near triple-double in the ACC Tournament semifinal. And a pair of clutch blocks that sealed Duke’s Sweet 16 win over Houston.

“He’s the best two-way freshman I’ve ever coached,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “And maybe the most mature.”

One-and-Done, But Far From Forgettable

While Flagg’s journey at Duke lasted just one season, his impact is destined to linger. He’s already being etched into Blue Devil lore alongside names like Grant Hill, Shane Battier, and Jayson Tatum.

The difference? Flagg managed to feel like both an instant legend and a long-term staple — despite only being on campus for a year.

“Coop’s legacy isn’t about time — it’s about presence,” said former Duke great and current ESPN analyst Jay Williams. “Every time he stepped on the court, you felt something big could happen.”

His decision to delay his draft entry — which had been eligible after high school due to age — and instead experience college basketball also revitalized the game at a time when many elite players were skipping school altogether.

Flagg chose Duke. And Duke gave him the platform to shine — on the biggest stages, under the brightest lights, and against the best competition.

What His Departure Means for Duke

Flagg’s announcement wasn’t unexpected, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sting. Duke fans had clung to hope — however faint — that the freshman might run it back for one more season. And following the team’s heartbreaking loss in the Final Four, Flagg’s return could’ve meant unfinished business.

Instead, Duke will now look ahead, armed with one of the top recruiting classes in the country and key returning players like Caleb Foster, Sean Stewart, and possibly Jared McCain, depending on his own NBA Draft decision.

Still, replacing Flagg’s production — and his leadership — won’t be easy.

“There’s no such thing as another Cooper Flagg,” Scheyer admitted. “You don’t replace a guy like that. You honor him by continuing to uphold the standard he helped set.”

NBA Scouts: “No. 1 with a Bullet”

From an NBA perspective, Flagg’s entry into the draft reshapes the entire board. Many executives consider him the best prospect since Luka Dončić — a generational talent with positional versatility, elite instincts, and a defensive motor that never quits.

“He’s No. 1 with a bullet,” said an NBA general manager who spoke anonymously. “This kid has franchise cornerstone written all over him.”

Flagg is expected to dominate pre-draft workouts and interviews, though most teams have already seen enough. His unique blend of size, speed, and basketball IQ makes him a mismatch at the next level — a point-forward who can guard all five positions and orchestrate an offense like a seasoned pro.

“Cooper’s not just an athlete,” said ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. “He’s a technician. He breaks the game down like a chessboard.”

Moments That Defined the Flagg Era at Duke

Though brief, Flagg’s time at Duke delivered enough unforgettable moments to fill a career. Here are just a few that will live on in Blue Devil history:

• Opening Night vs. Michigan State: Flagg recorded 22 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in a dominating performance that set the tone for his season.

• The UNC Game in Chapel Hill: Flagg dropped a career-high 31 points, including a poster dunk that became an instant viral sensation.

• ACC Tournament Semis: With Duke trailing by four and under a minute left, Flagg hit a contested three, stole the inbounds pass, and found McCain for the game-winner.

• Sweet 16 vs. Houston: Flagg finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, and the game-saving swat with 11 seconds remaining.

Each moment wasn’t just spectacular — it was symbolic. Flagg didn’t just perform. He owned the stage.

Reactions Pour In

The basketball world didn’t wait long to weigh in on Flagg’s announcement.

Jon Scheyer:

“I’m incredibly proud of Cooper — as a player, but more importantly, as a person. He’s ready for the next level, and he’s going to be a star.”

LeBron James:

“Big-time game. Big-time mentality. Cooper Flagg is the future. Let’s get it young king.

Jayson Tatum:

“One of the coldest to wear that jersey. Salute. Go eat in the league, bro.”

Coach K:

“Cooper honored this program with how he competed. He reminded us what makes Duke special. I’ll be watching his journey closely.”

Even NBA legends like Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Steph Curry posted stories acknowledging Flagg’s arrival on the professional scene — a rare feat for a college freshman.

Flagg’s Final Words to Duke Fans

As part of his announcement, Flagg included a personal note to the fans, coaches, teammates, and the Duke community.

“To the Cameron Crazies — thank you for making every game feel like a dream. You welcomed me with open arms and gave me a home away from home. I’ll never forget the roar, the chants, the love.

To Coach Scheyer and the staff — thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and pushing me to grow. You didn’t just make me a better player. You made me a better man.

To my brothers in the locker room — we fought together, we bled together, and we lifted each other up. That’s something I’ll carry forever.

This isn’t goodbye. It’s thank you. Duke forever.”

What’s Next: Combine, Draft, and the Unknown

Flagg will now shift his focus to pre-draft preparation. He’s expected to be a full participant in the NBA Combine in Chicago, where he’ll meet with team representatives, undergo measurements, and possibly participate in drills — though top prospects often opt out.

Draft experts have Flagg locked in as the projected No. 1 overall pick, with franchises like the San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons in position to win the lottery and build around him.

“Any team that gets Cooper isn’t just getting a talent,” said former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy. “They’re getting a culture-changer.”

Legacy at Duke

While some will always debate how much one season can truly define a legacy, Flagg’s impact at Duke is undeniable. In just a few months, he inspired a team, carried a program, reignited a fanbase, and became the face of college basketball.

His jersey will likely hang in Cameron one day. His story will be passed down to future recruits. His highlights will be played on loop for years to come.

And when the NBA comes calling, Flagg won’t just represent himself — he’ll represent Duke, the brotherhood, and the belief that even in an era of quick exits, you can still make college basketball matter.

“Built for This”

In his final game in a Duke jersey — a narrow Final Four loss to Arizona — Flagg walked off the court to a standing ovation. Tears in his eyes, he pointed to the Duke logo on his chest, kissed his fingers, and raised them to the sky.

That moment — raw, real, and resonant — summed it all up.

Cooper Flagg was built for the big stage.
He was built for Duke.
And now, he’s built for the NBA.