The moment college basketball fans had both eagerly anticipated and anxiously dreaded has arrived—Cooper Flagg has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
After one electrifying season at Duke, the 6-foot-9 phenom from Newport, Maine, is heading to the professional ranks. For Blue Devils supporters, Flagg’s announcement brings a sense of pride, knowing they witnessed the next great NBA star develop in Durham. For the rest of the college basketball world, his departure marks the end of an era that, while short, was utterly unforgettable.
Flagg’s decision was formally announced via a video message released on his social media channels early Wednesday morning. The message was as poised and polished as the young man himself. He thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and Duke fans for their unwavering support before declaring, “After careful consideration and discussion with those closest to me, I’ve decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. Playing in the NBA has always been my dream, and I’m ready to take the next step.”
It wasn’t exactly a surprise. From the moment he committed to Duke, Flagg was seen as a one-and-done player destined for the lottery. A generational talent, he lived up to every ounce of hype and then some. Throughout his freshman campaign, Flagg dazzled fans with jaw-dropping plays, unselfish decision-making, and an unparalleled competitive fire. He didn’t just dominate; he elevated everyone around him.
Flagg’s lone season at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 20.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game, leading the Blue Devils to a 32-5 record and a Final Four appearance. But beyond the stats, what set Flagg apart was his demeanor. He played with the calm intensity of a seasoned pro and the joy of someone who never took a single possession for granted.
His highlights were endless. Whether it was the thunderous poster dunk over North Carolina’s frontcourt in Cameron Indoor Stadium or the game-winning block against Kansas in the Maui Invitational, Flagg had a knack for rising to the occasion. And in the biggest moments, when the lights were the brightest, he never blinked. He relished the pressure and thrived under it.
But perhaps the greatest compliment that can be paid to Flagg is how universally respected he became in such a short time. Opposing coaches marveled at his basketball IQ. Analysts gushed about his two-way versatility. Fans, even those of rival programs, couldn’t help but appreciate his talent. And his teammates? They adored him. Not just for what he did on the court, but for how he carried himself off it.
“Coop’s not just a special player—he’s a special person,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said in a statement following Flagg’s announcement. “He’s the kind of guy who comes in early, stays late, lifts everyone around him, and never asks for anything in return. I’ve been lucky to be around some great players, but Cooper is in a class of his own. He’s ready for this next chapter, and the NBA is getting a true franchise cornerstone.”
It’s hard to overstate the impact Flagg had on Duke and the sport at large. He brought with him a wave of excitement and attention that few freshman players ever do. ESPN, CBS, and social media channels alike buzzed with every step-back jumper, every chase-down block, every look of fierce determination on his face. And yet, for all the stardom and celebrity, Flagg remained grounded.
His roots in Maine—a state not exactly known for producing basketball prodigies—were always a point of pride for him. He spoke often about the support of his twin brother, his mother (a former standout herself), and the close-knit community that helped raise him. In a landscape where young stars can easily lose themselves in the fame, Flagg was refreshingly humble and mature beyond his years.
That maturity will serve him well as he enters the NBA, where the spotlight only grows hotter and the competition steeper. Flagg is projected to be a top-two pick in the upcoming draft, with many experts pegging him as the potential No. 1 overall selection. It’s not hard to see why. He’s a prototype for the modern game—a long, athletic forward who can guard all five positions, shoot the three, create his own shot, and protect the rim.
But even more than that, he’s a winner. And it’s that intangible—the fire in his belly, the hunger to compete, the refusal to settle—that has scouts and executives salivating.
“You don’t find many players like Cooper Flagg,” one NBA general manager said anonymously. “He’s got all the tools, but what separates him is the motor. He plays every game like it’s Game 7 of the Finals. You can build a team around that kind of energy.”
Indeed, it’s easy to envision Flagg as the centerpiece of a rebuilding franchise—or even as the missing piece for a team on the verge. His impact will be immediate. His ceiling? Virtually limitless.
Still, his departure leaves a massive void in the college game. Flagg was more than just a box score filler; he was an icon in the making. He represented everything fans want in a star—skill, passion, humility, and authenticity. In an era when the sport often feels transactional and transient, Flagg made it feel personal again. He played for the love of the game, and it showed.
His presence at Duke elevated the program, his teammates, and the game itself. He helped usher in a new wave of excitement and reminded fans why they fell in love with college basketball in the first place. Whether it was a Tuesday night ACC showdown or a high-stakes tournament game, if Flagg was on the floor, it was must-see TV.
And though his time in Durham was brief, it will be remembered forever. In just one season, he etched his name alongside Blue Devils legends like Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, Shane Battier, and Zion Williamson. He may not have brought home a national title, but his legacy is secure.
As the NBA Draft approaches, the basketball world will watch with great anticipation to see where Flagg lands. He’ll bring with him not only extraordinary talent but also the hopes of a new generation of fans who see in him the future of the sport. And if his college career is any indication, the league is in for something truly special.
Of course, with all the excitement surrounding his next step, there’s a sense of bittersweet farewell. Duke fans, in particular, know they were lucky to have him, even if just for a season. They’ll replay the highlights, wear the jerseys, and tell stories of seeing Cooper Flagg in person. And in time, as his NBA career blossoms, those memories will only grow sweeter.
Because for all the phenoms that pass through college basketball, only a few truly capture the imagination. Only a few transcend hype and become legends. Cooper Flagg is one of those few.
So as he prepares to hear his name called on draft night, the sentiment from those who’ve followed his journey is unanimous: Thank you, Cooper. Thank you for the memories, the moments, the magic. The next chapter begins now—and we’ll be watching every step of the way.