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With the top recruits officially committing to the Duke Blue Devils, the buzz around programs is real. But that’s not all. There’s a chance we might see a once-heated high school rivalry transform into a powerhouse college duo. Yes, we’re talking about Cameron Boozer and Cooper Flagg. While the Boozer brothers are locked in for next season, the question looms: will Flagg stick around at Duke?

For now, Cooper Flagg himself is singing praises about his former on-court nemesis. On Tuesday night, the Duke commit five-star sat in the stands of Cameron Indoor Stadium, taking in the action as the Blue Devils wrapped up their year with a solid 88-65 win over Virginia Tech.

“He’s an incredible player,” Flagg said about Boozer when asked in the locker room, adding, “He has such a good feel for the game. That’s just a prototype player that you like to see at Duke. He just does all the right things, does all the little things.” 

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He even described Boozer as someone who makes the right play while still racking up his own stats—a true team player in every sense. Now, that’s the kind of chemistry Duke fans dream of!

However, Flagg and Boozer weren’t always about all love. The two have faced off countless times in high-stakes high school matchups, including one where Flagg’s Montverde Academy crushed Boozer’s Christopher Columbus squad, 89-61. 

But despite the competitive history, there’s no bad blood. Flagg’s comments make it clear that he respects Boozer’s game, proving that fierce rivalries can give way to camaraderie—especially when Duke is involved. And how could he not appreciate him?

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Could Cooper Flagg's NBA Draft decision make or break Duke's dream team aspirations with the Boozer twins?

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He’s a two-time gold medalist with USA Basketball, an MVP at both the FIBA U16 and U17 Championships, and a consistent double-double machine. The kid’s been a beast, ranking in the top three for points and rebounds on the EYBL circuit. His commitment to Duke, alongside his brother Cayden, is a big win for the program.

Meanwhile, the Duke freshman’s future at Duke is uncertain. He reclassified to the 2024 recruiting class, making him eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft. And that draft is shaping up to be a big one. Scouts are already pegging Flagg as the likely No. 1 pick, with his elite skills and franchise-player potential setting him apart.

Through 13 games this season, he’s averaging 16.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks. Sure, his shooting percentages (42.1% from the field, 25% from three) need work, but his overall impact is undeniable. But where might Flagg land if he declares for the draft? 

Which team will snag Cooper Flagg?

Historically, the NBA Draft lottery is as unpredictable as it gets. The team with the worst record doesn’t always get the top pick—just ask the Detroit Pistons, who finished dead last in 2023 but ended up picking fifth. Still, the worst teams will have the best odds to snag Flagg, and fans are already placing their bets.

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As of now, the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz are tied with the best odds (+500) to draft Flagg. The Wizards have been, well, struggling to put it mildly. They’ve lost 22 of their last 25 games, and their defense is practically non-existent. Utah isn’t faring much better, with only two more wins than Washington and a string of losses in recent weeks. 

Both teams could desperately use a player like Flagg to turn things around. But they’re not the only ones in the running. The Portland Trail Blazers (+600) and New Orleans Pelicans (+600) are also strong contenders. Then there’s the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets (+700), as well as the Toronto Raptors (+750).

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Long shots like the Chicago Bulls (+1900) and Detroit Pistons (+2200) still have a chance, though they’ll need a bit of lottery luck to make it happen. So, will Flagg make the leap to the NBA? Or will he stick around at Duke, team up with the Boozer twins, and create the ultimate dream team in college basketball? 

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Could Cooper Flagg's NBA Draft decision make or break Duke's dream team aspirations with the Boozer twins?