In the world of college basketball, there are few names hotter right now than Cooper Flagg. The Duke Blue Devils freshman phenom has captivated fans, confounded opponents, and caught the attention of NBA scouts across the country. But amid whispers that the Dallas Mavericks may be preparing an aggressive push to secure his NBA services as early as possible, Duke University is making its stance crystal clear: Cooper Flagg isn’t going anywhere—not yet.
Sources close to the Blue Devils program say the message from head coach Jon Scheyer and the Duke basketball staff to the Mavericks and the rest of the NBA is simple: Hands off. Not only is Flagg seen as a foundational piece for Duke’s national championship aspirations, but the program is also fully committed to preserving the traditional college basketball experience for its stars, even in the evolving age of NIL and early exits.
The Mavericks’ interest in Flagg, while not formally documented due to NBA draft eligibility rules, has been the worst-kept secret in NBA front offices. With Luka Dončić entering his prime and Dallas continuing to build a contender around him, there’s no denying that a two-way forward like Flagg would fit beautifully alongside the Mavericks’ core. The buzz around the league is that several franchises—including Dallas—are already positioning themselves to be “Flagg-ready” by the 2026 NBA Draft, if not sooner through any possible legal gray areas or overtures.
But the problem for those NBA hopefuls? Cooper Flagg doesn’t appear ready to go anywhere just yet—and neither does Duke.
In fact, insiders say Duke is not just passively resisting the NBA’s pull on its superstar; it’s actively sending a message. Scheyer has reportedly doubled down on building the team’s identity around Flagg, empowering him both on and off the court. The coaching staff has designed schemes that maximize Flagg’s unique skill set, giving him the green light to take over games, initiate offense, defend multiple positions, and serve as the emotional center of the locker room.
“Cooper is not just a player for us,” one Duke assistant said. “He’s the heartbeat of what we’re doing. The idea that he’s some rental before heading to the pros is insulting. He came here to win. He came here to build something. He came here to be legendary—and that’s exactly what he’s doing.”
If his freshman campaign is any indication, Flagg is already well on his way. The Maine native has posted eye-popping stats while demonstrating a rare blend of maturity, competitiveness, and humility. He leads Duke in scoring, rebounding, and blocks, and his clutch performances in high-stakes games have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing coaches.
Still, the looming shadow of the NBA is hard to ignore. The G League Ignite may be gone, but NBA scouts are still omnipresent. Conversations about draft boards, player ceilings, and pro readiness start earlier than ever, and for a once-in-a-generation talent like Flagg, the temptation to jump is always there. And yet, Flagg has repeatedly downplayed those conversations, emphasizing his love for Duke, his desire to win a national title, and the unique experience college basketball offers.
“I’m focused on Duke,” Flagg said after a recent win. “That’s where my heart is. That’s what matters right now. The rest will take care of itself.”
Those words have resonated with the Duke faithful, but actions speak louder than quotes. Flagg’s commitment to the Blue Devils has extended beyond his own stats and accolades. He’s been a mentor to younger teammates, a tireless worker in practice, and a vocal leader even in moments of adversity. When the team suffered a shocking early-season loss, Flagg was the first to call a players-only meeting. When they went on a late-season tear, he was the first to deflect praise to his teammates.
NBA evaluators love his skill, but what truly sets Flagg apart is his mentality. And that’s exactly what makes Duke so protective of him.
“We’ve had greats come through here—Zion, Tatum, Ingram, Kyrie, you name it,” said a Duke official. “But there’s something about Cooper. He brings this old-school pride about Duke basketball, and he understands the weight of that jersey. He’s not just here for the highlight reels. He’s here for the legacy.”
That legacy is something Duke isn’t willing to relinquish just yet. In fact, sources say the university’s athletic department and NIL collective have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that Flagg is both financially secure and personally fulfilled during his time in Durham. With the help of alumni and boosters, Duke has built one of the most robust NIL ecosystems in college sports, offering players like Flagg opportunities that rival—if not exceed—what the NBA can provide in their rookie seasons.
Endorsements, branding, community initiatives—Flagg has access to all of it. But more importantly, he has control. In college, he’s not just another player on a roster. He’s a centerpiece, a culture-setter, and a symbol of what modern college basketball can look like when tradition meets innovation.
That’s not to say the NBA won’t eventually come calling louder. It will. Flagg’s name will be atop draft boards, and teams like the Mavericks will continue to monitor every move he makes. But if Dallas was hoping for any kind of shortcut—or even subtle encouragement—they’re getting the exact opposite.
Duke has no interest in entertaining outside distractions, and their recent messaging, both privately and publicly, reflects that.
“This isn’t a developmental pit stop for Cooper,” Scheyer reportedly told close staff. “This is a destination.”
That kind of messaging matters in a recruiting landscape where players are constantly weighing their options. Duke wants to set a tone not just for Flagg’s future, but for every high-profile recruit who considers donning the blue and white. The pitch is no longer just about making it to the NBA. It’s about thriving at Duke—being part of a legacy that’s bigger than one player or one season.
If Flagg stays multiple years—a rarity for someone of his talent—it could redefine what top prospects consider possible. In an era of instant gratification and one-and-done expectations, his patience and purpose-driven approach are refreshing. And it’s clear that Duke is doing everything in its power to make that vision sustainable.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks—and other franchises—are left to play the long game. They can watch, evaluate, and dream, but for now, they’ll have to admire from a distance. Because Duke isn’t budging.
As one source put it bluntly: “Dallas might love him, but Duke needs him. And they’re not letting go anytime soon.”
So while NBA scouts line the sidelines and front offices start planning for a future with Cooper Flagg, the present belongs to Duke. In Durham, he’s not a prospect. He’s a player. A leader. A symbol of what college basketball can still be when done right.
And if the Mavericks or anyone else thinks they can fast-track that story?
Duke has a message for them: Hands off.