Who in their right mind thought that Cooper Flagg, the hottest name in college basketball, would want to come back for another year? The Duke star made the NCAA landscape shake with just seven words. “Sh-t, I wanna come back next year.” No one expected it, but the Blue Devils nation certainly welcomed the thought! Fans have been putting their hopes and dreams for an encore performance from Flagg, and it’s not out of the realm of possibilities!
However, there are some major concerns about him staying. Firstly, he’s a top NBA prospect. Scratch that- he’s THE top prospect in his draft class. There is no doubt that Cooper Flagg would go first overall in this year’s draft if he were to declare. And with the pro league comes pro money. NIL is letting him earn a ton of money, but NBA salaries are different.
Bruce Pearl, the head coach of Auburn, sat down for an interview on the Dan Patrick Show. When asked how he would get Flagg to stay if he were in Scheyer’s position, he had interesting insights to give. “I would only try to convince him to do it if I truly felt like it was in his best interest, not just in mine.” The Tigers coach said. However, he had a troubling scenario in his head.
There is one factor that Pearl would ask the six-foot-nine forward to consider. “It’s not how much you make, it’s how long you can make it. So the question for Cooper Flagg could be, what is the best position for you to be in for your second and third contract?” He said, pointing out that the first major contract extension is a big deal.
Notably, the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic away this season not wanting to hand him a supermax contract that he was eligible for. It goes to show that no matter someone’s production, at the end of the day it’s a business. And athletes will always get the short end of the stick.
Bruce Pearl posed the very important question to Cooper Flagg, the one that would decide his future. “Would waiting another year put him in a better position to sign that second and third contract that takes him from being rich to wealthy?” Even if he chose to stay, the finances wouldn’t be that far off from his first year in the league. He might even make more staying in college because of NIL deals.
However, at the end of the day, Flagg is NBA bound. Whether it be this year or the next, he’s going to the league. Still, Duke fans are holding out hope, and a lot of money, to retain their star player. The run that Jon Scheyer and Cooper Flagg have been on has made them fan-favorites. And it seems like the Cameron Crazies are hell-bent on keeping them together for another year.
Duke supporters shell out big money to keep Cooper Flagg for another year
After rocking the ACC conference in his first year, Cooper Flagg has created suspense behind his return. With how much he has contributed to Duke’s success, fans are desperate to keep him at Durham for his sophomore year. So much so that they’re taking big steps to ensure his return.
According to the FanStake website, a platform where fans can help put together NIL deals for college stars, Cooper Flagg is in high demand. Duke supporters have been piling money in support of giving him a deal that he just can’t refuse! The total, as shocking as it is, has reached upwards of $70,000. One anonymous donor was responsible for about twenty-five thousand dollars by themselves!
Nov 22, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) celebrates a three pointer made during the second half against the Arizona Wildcat at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
The people have spoken, and they want another year of the Maine Event. Whether he decides to stay, however, is something only he knows. If he decides to return, it will be a monumental occasion for college basketball. But the odds of that happening are quite low.
Nevertheless, we have an entire postseason to look forward to with the Duke forward. The question that’s popping up now is whether Cooper Flagg can take his team to the promised land. Jon Scheyer has done an amazing job with scouting and assembling his rotations. Now, the Duke team are facing a trial by fire.
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