In the wake of Duke’s heart-wrenching 70–67 loss to Houston in the 2025 NCAA Final Four, freshman phenom Cooper Flagg—fresh off winning the prestigious John R. Wooden Award—offered a candid reflection on the game that ended the Blue Devils’ championship aspirations. Despite delivering a stellar performance with 27 points and 8 rebounds, Flagg’s efforts weren’t enough to stave off Houston’s dramatic comeback. A Sea Of BlueESPN.com
Flagg’s freshman season was nothing short of extraordinary. Averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, he led Duke to both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles, culminating in their first Final Four appearance since the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. His exceptional play earned him the Wooden Award, making him only the fourth freshman to receive the honor, joining the ranks of Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson. John R. Wooden Award+3ESPN.com+3John R. Wooden Award+3
The semifinal clash against Houston was a rollercoaster. Duke held a commanding 14-point lead with under eight minutes remaining, but Houston’s relentless defense and clutch shooting turned the tide. L.J. Cryer spearheaded the Cougars’ resurgence with 26 points, supported by Emanuel Sharp and J’Wan Roberts, whose pivotal plays in the final moments sealed Duke’s fate. Duke Basketball ReportNCAA.com+3A Sea Of Blue+3ESPN.com+3
In a post-game interview, Flagg expressed a mix of pride and disappointment. “We gave it our all, but sometimes the game doesn’t go your way,” he said. He acknowledged the team’s efforts and the lessons learned from the experience, emphasizing the importance of resilience and unity.
As speculation swirls about Flagg’s future, he remains noncommittal about entering the NBA Draft. In a recent ESPN interview, he stated it’s a “time for reflection,” leaving fans and analysts alike pondering his next move. Duke Basketball Report
Regardless of his decision, Flagg’s impact on Duke basketball is indelible. His leadership, skill, and poise under pressure have set a new standard for excellence, and his contributions will be remembered as a defining chapter in the program’s storied history.
As the Blue Devils look ahead, the lessons from this season—both triumphant and challenging—will serve as a foundation for future success. And for Cooper Flagg, whether he returns to Cameron Indoor Stadium or takes his talents to the professional ranks, his journey is just beginning.