A chance to bring the sixth championship to Durham and a chance to end the collegiate season on a high. All the hopes were dashed as Duke couldn’t hold on to their lead, which gave Houston enough opportunity to make a sensational comeback. Their star freshman performed once again when the lights were brightest. But his miss at the end might give him sleepless nights. If not him, a national reporter is certainly not able to sleep now, as the Blue Devils’ loss only clarifies Cooper Flagg’s NBA draft status.

“I just can’t believe we don’t get to watch Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach and Tyrese Proctor play basketball in a Duke uniform again. That is why I’m up at 2 AM still. I’m so depressed.” Riley Gates stated on X. The associate managing editor of On3Sports expressed his disappointment in the heartbreaking loss for the Blue Devils. For the longest time, the freshman forward for Duke has been the consensus number 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Despite the loss at the hands of the Houston Cougars, it does not necessarily change that status. Along with that, there are rumors of other teammates of Cooper Flagg declaring for the draft.

As per the latest NBA mock draft results, Cooper Flagg is still number 1. Next high on the mock draft board is none other than South Sudan’s Khaman Maluach. Despite being 7-feet-2 and reported 250 pounds, he offers defensive mobility, elite finishing, and physical screening. Currently, it is the OKC Thunder at number 7, who might be tempted to add the defensive disruptor to their team. Rounding up the top 10 picks is Kon Knueppel.

With his quick-release threes, attack closeouts, and finish plays in transition, the forward has enough admirers. With Portland Trail Blazers being the reported one at #10. The 19-year-old’s shot-making has been easy to buy, based on his balance and accuracy in every shooting situation.

Were there any hints regarding Cooper Flagg’s NBA Draft after the loss?

The Final Four game felt like a back-and-forth chess game. There were times when Duke went on multiple runs to establish their lead. But every time, Houston would find a way to come back and reduce the deficit. Despite the loss, Cooper Flagg balled out and made contributions on both ends of the floor. The 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and added four assists, three blocks, and two steals.

The AP National Player of the Year got

emotional after the loss during the press conference. “It was an incredible season. Incredible people, incredible relationships that I’m going to have for the rest of my life. Didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but, still an incredible year.” It pretty much sounds like goodbye from the Maine native. Did his teammate say the same?

“I thought we had a phenomenal year,” Knueppel said. “It was a joy to be apart of. I would just hope that the fans and everybody appreciates how we gave it our all every night, and appreciate how we played together.” Even Knueppel pretty much confirmed the end, not only the end to his collegiate career but also an end to this partnership with Cooper Flagg. Although Duke fans won’t probably see them in Blue Devils jerseys, both stars will have enough support as they potentially begin their professional careers.