Roughly a couple of weeks ago, Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils fell 70-67 against the Houston Cougars in the March Madness Final-Four. It was one of the most brutal collapses in college basketball history. Despite that, the 18-year-old posted incredible numbers as a freshman. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his first season of collegiate basketball. All of this while shooting an insane 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc. With his freshman year all wrapped up, there has been a lot of speculation about the Duke star’s future.
Many expected him to stay and experience college basketball for another year and potentially win a national championship. Meanwhile, others want him to play in the NBA as soon as possible. After several weeks of silence, Cooper Flagg has finally made up his mind. So, what’s his decision? Flagg is headed to the NBA. The 18-year-old has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft! “Duke fans, my teammates, the Brotherhood, and everybody that was along for this journey. It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life,” Flagg said in an emotional goodbye video for the Blue Devils fans.
“I have so much gratitude. I feel so blessed for all the opportunities that I was given. Duke has always been a dream for me, but I’m excited to announce that I’ll be entering my name into the 2025 NBA Draft. Today is just the beginning, but I have the Brotherhood with me for life.” Flagg has been the consensus favorite to be this year’s No. 1 pick. But, despite that, many people thought that he could’ve stayed back for another year, won a championship, and cemented his legacy as one of the best players to ever wear the Blue Devils uniform. So, what made the Duke forward declare for the NBA draft?
What factors made Cooper Flagg declare for the NBA Draft?
Cooper Flagg had a spectacular season in Durham, apart from the rough Final-Four loss against Houston. His incredible performances earned him the Naismith National Player of the Year award, in addition to the prestigious Wooden Award and National Player of the Year honors. The Maine native fulfilled the enormous expectations set for him being the top player in the 2024 recruiting class. He won almost every individual accolade that was to be won in just one season. So, that might’ve played a factor in him declaring for the NBA Draft. Though he has declared for the draft, Flagg has until May 28th to make a final decision.
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