As Duke keeps dancing, their run with the Maine Event is nearly over—just one game away from the championship game. Cooper Flagg knows he could enter the NBA draft with an NCAA title to his name. And he’s played like a true Player of the Year throughout the tournament. Will his journey with the Blue Devils continue? There are plenty of people hoping Flagg’s run doesn’t end anytime soon!
“I want to come back next year,” said Flagg in an interview with The Athletic. Since then, Duke fans have been holding onto hope that they’ll get to see Flagg in blue next season. Want to see just how desperate they are? Check out his Fanstake page. If Flagg does return, he’s in for a $71,555 payday. Fans have been pouring in money, hoping to make the return happen. But it’s not just the fans who are desperate. A Duke alum has gone on record saying he wants Flagg back!
Christian Laettner, widely considered one of the greatest players in NCAA history, recently spoke about how thrilled he is to see Duke play so well. But he didn’t stop there! He had high praise for Cooper Flagg and expressed his wish that Flagg would stay for another season.
“I wish he would stay one more year, that’s for sure. But whatever he does as long as he stays healthy, he’s going to be a good basketball player,” said Laettner about Flagg. Of course, that’s a given. Who wouldn’t want him to stay? This is the same guy who is averaging close to 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists this season. But that’s not the end of the Flagg mania. He took it a notch higher with his performances in the big dance—80 points, 35 rebounds, and 21 assists. He has been everywhere!
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Semifinal – Duke vs North Carolina Mar 14, 2025 Charlotte, NC, USA Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg 2 walks to the bench during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Spectrum Center. Charlotte Spectrum Center NC USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxDedmonx 20250312_lbm_db2_309
For Laettner, though, the only Duke alum he’s truly loved watching in recent years is none other than Zion Williamson! That’s high praise coming from a guy who was the only college player selected in the “Dream Team.” He also gave his reasons for it! “The one that had a huge impact on me the last few years would be Zion. Because when Zion was there, my son was like 15-16. And Zion helped my son fall in love with Duke basketball even more, so he’s one of my favorites!”
No matter what Flagg decides for his future, one thing’s clear—if he stays healthy, he’s in for a huge career ahead. The same was said about Zion Williamson too, but injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential. So, does it make sense for Flagg to delay? Staying another year in college would push back his second NBA contract by a year.
A rookie deal lasts four years, meaning if Flagg enters the 2025 draft, his second contract won’t start until the 2029–2030 season. That second deal could be massive! Assuming a 10% cap increase, Flagg’s second contract could be worth up to $398.5 million over five years, nearly $80 million per year! But good news for Flagg keeps on coming. Let’s take a look at that!
Cooper Flagg wins Freshman of the Year
There’s no denying that Flagg has been sensational this season. He has led the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and minutes played this season. As a result, he cemented himself as one of the best two players in the country. His incredible performances haven’t gone unnoticed!
Earlier today, the Duke Blue Devils website announced that Cooper Flagg has won both the Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year awards. “Duke men’s basketball freshman Cooper Flagg has been named the winner of the 2024-25 Oscar Robertson Trophy as the National Player of the Year and the 2024-25 Wayman Tisdale Award recipient as the National Freshman Player of the Year, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) announced on Tuesday, March 25.”
This puts Flagg in the elite company! He’s now just the fourth player ever to sweep both awards, joining the likes of Zion Williamson (2019), Anthony Davis (2012), and Kevin Durant (2007). Not bad for a freshman! It remains to be seen if Flagg delays his NBA contract by a year, but for now his focus will be on beating Houston and reaching the championship game! Stay tuned for more updates!
The post Christian Laettner Wishes to Stop Cooper Flagg’s $400M Cheque as He Names Current NBA Star as His Favorite Duke Wildcat appeared first on EssentiallySports.