Projected 2025 no.1 Pick Cooper Flagg’s Allegiance to Duke Gets a Nod From Bryce James and Alum Jayson Tatum

All eyes are on the 6’9″ forward from Maine, who is touted to be the first overall pick in the 2025 Draft. Cooper Flagg has cemented his position as the best basketball player in the high school sphere with his incredible virtuoso performance at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam in July. He averaged 25.4 points, 13 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 6.9 blocks at the Peach Jam, with a double-double in all seven games, including three triple-doubles.

With various media houses pegging him as the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 Draft class, everyone’s attention was on his next move. Flagg reclassified from the 2025 class to 2024 back in August, which led to an out-pour of offers from various top colleges.

However, it looks like Duke’s Blue Devils won the race as the 16-year-old confirmed his commitment to The Brotherhood on Monday. His decision to join Duke received a nod of approval from fellow 16YO Bryce James and Duke alum, Jayson Tatum.

Cooper Flagg commits to Duke

There was much anticipation of which college Flagg would commit to in order to resume his basketball journey. Both the Duke Blue Devils and the UConn Huskies were at the forefront of the Cooper sweepstakes. However, Cooper announced his commitment to Duke on the cover of Slam.

As soon as he visited the Duke Campus, he felt in his heart that it was the place for him. He said, “After I had gone on campus, I really started to envision myself in Durham… All the love I felt made me really excited. Seeing all the Crazies and the atmosphere in Cameron. … I’m honored that I have the opportunity to join the Brotherhood. Let’s go Duke.”

Fellow basketball players received his decision well to join the Brotherhood. The list of celebrities congratulating Flagg as he sets out on a new journey includes Bryce James and former Duke player, Jayson Tatum. Both stars shared SLAM magazine’s post on their story to show their support.

Why was Duke the right choice for Flagg?

The Blue Devils have bagged themselves a versatile player that they can build a team around. Flagg will be joining the likes of five-star wing Isaiah Evans (No. 8) and top-50 guards Kon Knueppel (No. 22) and Darren Harris (No. 45) in the tow. They are also actively recruiting five-star prospects V.J. Edgecombe (No. 5) and Pat Ngongba (No. 19).

Read More: Committing to Coach K’s Prestigious NCAA Team, Hot Prospect Cooper Flagg Pledges to the “Brotherhood”

Meanwhile, Duke has been in a championship drought since 2015, but Cooper is expected to change that. He fits seamlessly into the program, given Duke’s history of providing versatile players the right kind of environment to grow. He will have lots of chances to play in space, on the perimeter, above the rim, in transition, and anywhere else he wants to, thanks to Coach Jon Scheyer. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf pointed out, “The Duke system is built for Flagg, and vice versa. He just committed to a school with a strong track record of refusing to put players like him in a box”. 

What are your thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s decision to join the esteemed Duke institution? Let us know in the comments!

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