Choosing to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft was not an easy decision, and it came with a wave of emotions. But through it all—every moment of doubt, joy, and reflection—I kept coming back to what this place, these people, and this journey have meant to me. Duke wasn’t just a chapter in my story. It was the story that gave my dreams a foundation, that made the unbelievable feel possible, and that turned a kid from Maine into a Blue Devil.
When I first committed to Duke, I knew I was stepping into something bigger than myself. There’s a legacy here that stretches decades, made up of legends whose banners hang from the rafters and whose names are etched in the very soul of Cameron Indoor Stadium. I didn’t come to rewrite that legacy—I came to honor it. I wanted to leave my own mark, yes, but I also wanted to be worthy of the jersey I wore every night. And now, as I take the next step toward the NBA, I can honestly say that Duke gave me everything I needed to chase that dream with confidence, clarity, and heart.
My time here has been nothing short of magical.
From the very first time I stepped on the court in front of the Cameron Crazies, I felt something different. It wasn’t just the noise—though believe me, that noise still rings in my ears—it was the energy, the passion, the love. You all made me feel like I belonged before I even scored a point. And when I finally got going, you rode every high and low with me. That matters more than you’ll ever know.
Every morning workout, every film session, every late-night ice bath, and every moment spent in the locker room with my brothers—those are the things I’ll carry with me. We laughed, we cried, we bled for each other. We fought for every inch. And whether we won or lost, we did it as one.
To Coach Scheyer—thank you for believing in me.
You took a chance on a young man with big dreams, and you never tried to change who I was. Instead, you helped shape who I became. You pushed me harder than I thought I could be pushed. You challenged me to be not just a great player, but a great teammate, a great leader, and a better man. You trusted me in the biggest moments, and you held me accountable in the quiet ones. That balance is rare. And I’ll always be grateful for it.
To my teammates—you are my brothers for life.
No one outside truly understands what we go through. The pressure, the expectations, the sacrifices. But you were there for it all. You saw me on my worst days and still had my back. You celebrated my best days like they were your own. That’s family. Whether we were in the weight room, running sprints, grabbing food at WU, or just hanging out at the apartment playing 2K, those are the moments I’ll treasure. I love you guys, and I’ll be cheering for each and every one of you no matter where life takes us.
To the Duke staff—thank you for everything behind the scenes.
From the trainers who kept my body right, to the academic staff who kept me grounded, to the media team who captured our memories—y’all are the heartbeat of this program. You don’t get the spotlight, but you deserve it. Your dedication, your consistency, your love for what you do—it showed in every little detail. I never took that for granted.
To the fans—you are the soul of Duke basketball.
You didn’t just show up—you showed out. Home or away, rain or shine, win or lose. You stood with us. You believed in us. And when I looked up into the stands and saw the painted faces, the signs, the chants—I felt it deep in my bones. You reminded me every game that I was playing for something bigger than myself. I wasn’t just representing a school. I was representing a family, a tradition, a legacy. And that’s a responsibility I took seriously every single time I stepped on the court.
To my family—thank you for everything.
You’ve been there since day one. You drove me to early morning practices. You watched me grow, stumble, and grow again. You prayed with me, cried with me, celebrated with me. You kept me humble. You reminded me who I was when the world started whispering about who I could be. I wouldn’t be here without you. And though I’m stepping into a new chapter, everything I do is still for you.
To everyone who doubted me—I see you too.
I don’t hold grudges, but I remember. The critics, the comparisons, the whispers that I wasn’t ready, that I wouldn’t live up to the hype. Those voices fueled me. But more importantly, they reminded me that greatness is never given. It’s earned. Every day. With work, with focus, with heart. That’s something Duke taught me better than any scouting report ever could. You either put in the work, or you get left behind. Period.
And that’s why I’m ready.
I didn’t come to Duke just to be a one-and-done. I came to grow. To learn. To lead. I came to be part of something that mattered. And I can honestly say, I did all of that and more. It wasn’t perfect. There were setbacks. There were games I wish I could replay, moments I wish I could redo. But through it all, I stayed true to myself. I gave everything I had. Every ounce of sweat, every second of focus, every bit of my heart.
Now, it’s time to chase the dream I’ve had since I was a little kid. The NBA.
It feels surreal even writing that. Because while this decision is filled with excitement, it’s also filled with real emotion. Leaving Duke feels like saying goodbye to a part of my soul. This place raised me. It believed in me. It helped turn potential into performance. And while I may be walking away from the court at Cameron, I’ll never walk away from what Duke means to me.
This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. But the pages we wrote together will live forever.
I’ll never forget the roar of the crowd during that comeback win. I’ll never forget the feeling of hitting a big shot in a rivalry game. I’ll never forget the hugs, the tears, the grind. Those memories are etched in my heart. And wherever I go next, I carry Duke with me.
To every young hooper dreaming of wearing that Duke jersey—do it. Embrace the grind. Respect the tradition. Be ready to work, to sacrifice, to grow. Because if you do, this place will give you back tenfold what you put in.
To the incoming class—you’re up next. Don’t take it for granted. There’s something special about putting on that jersey, about walking through the tunnel, about playing for Coach Scheyer and this staff. Leave it better than you found it. That’s what it means to be a Blue Devil.
To the NBA—I’m ready.
I’m not perfect. I’m still learning, still growing. But I’ve been shaped by the best. I’ve faced adversity. I’ve answered pressure with poise. I’ve battled every night against some of the best in the country. And I’m bringing that same fire, that same hunger, that same heart with me to the next level.
This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about legacy. It’s about impact. It’s about doing something bigger than yourself. And I learned that right here, in Durham.
So once again—to the students, the alumni, the coaches, the trainers, the staff, my teammates, my professors, and every single fan who ever screamed my name or wore my jersey: thank you.
I love you all. I’ll never forget you. And no matter where life takes me…
I’ll always be a Blue Devil.
Forever grateful,
Cooper Flagg
