
via Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Championship – Duke vs Louisville Mar 15, 2025 Charlotte, NC, USA Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg 2 during the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game at Spectrum Center. Charlotte Spectrum Center NC USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxDedmonx 20250315_szo_db2_0003

via Imago
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Championship – Duke vs Louisville Mar 15, 2025 Charlotte, NC, USA Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg 2 during the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game at Spectrum Center. Charlotte Spectrum Center NC USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxDedmonx 20250315_szo_db2_0003
Is there something Cooper Flagg can’t do? The Duke superstar had a tremendous freshman season, winning National Player of the Year honors and making a solid case for the NBA draft. There’s no doubt that Flagg’s game will immediately translate to the pros, but the Cameron Crazies have made it clear that they want to run it back.
The second half of this year has been bittersweet for Blue Devils fans. Chants have rumbled across stadiums—“One more year!”—after Flagg talked about wanting to come back for his sophomore year.
For Duke fans, Cooper’s more than just a star—he’s the heart of something special. They’re dreaming of a national title, something Duke hasn’t snagged since 2015, and they think Flagg’s the guy to get them there.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Those chants hit differently after Duke’s crushing 77–74 Final Four loss to Houston. Cooper looked gutted, scoring just 12 points and struggling against Houston’s tough defense. Fans see a chance for redemption, especially with a new star, Khaman Maluach, joining the squad next year. They’re picturing Cooper and Khaman dominating together, maybe even finishing what they started.
Obviously, nothing is set in stone, and there are big decisions to make. The six-foot-nine prospect is all set to go #1 in this year’s draft class, and choosing to stay could hurt him in the long run. Even with NIL earnings, nothing can match a top-3 pick NBA contract.
On SportsCenter with Sean Farnham, Cooper Flagg discussed what the future holds in store for him. ”I think, kind of what you said, just evaluating. Reflecting.” The Blue Devils star said. “It was an incredible year. I met a lot of incredible people, made a ton of great relationships I’m gonna have for the rest of my life. And I think now it’s time for me to reflect, y’know?”
It is a huge decision for the eighteen-year old from Maine. On one hand, a prosperous NBA career awaits him—the dream of every kid growing up. And on the other hand, a second year in college could really lock in the fundamentals he might need to succeed.
What’s your perspective on:
Should Cooper Flagg risk it all for the NBA, or give Duke fans one more year?
Have an interesting take?
Not only that, Cooper Flagg and Jon Scheyer have a humiliation to avenge! The Final Four loss against Houston ruined a would-be fairytale ending for the duo, and running it back gives them another chance at glory.
The six-foot-nine phenom dominated nearly every matchup this season aside from the Final Four. One memorable race that he won was against Auburn’s super star, Johni Broome. But what does Cooper Flagg feel about his decisive victories? Let’s find out!
Cooper Flagg shares his emotions after beating Johni Broome in NPOY race
Throughout this year, only two names have popped up in NPOY conversations—Johni Broome and Cooper Flagg. For a brief period of time, it was neck and neck. The Auburn forward is a ready made package with a deep offensive bag, but Flagg’s potential is unmatched!
Broome was no slouch, putting up 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, but Cooper’s all-around game—scoring, defending, you name it—blew people away. When Duke beat Auburn 88–79, Cooper dropped 24 points and grabbed 12 boards, showing he’s built different. That game pretty much locked up the Wooden Award for him, and it’s got NBA scouts buzzing even louder.There is no doubt that both the players are deserving of having their names enshrined in history. After all, Duke and Auburn were incredible this season, and it was all because of their centerpieces.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad

via Imago
Dec 4, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) controls the ball in front of Auburn Tigers center Johni Broome (4) during the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images
However, Cooper Flagg ended up with a clean sweep. He snagged the Wooden award away from the Tigers’ senior, and it wasn’t close when all was said and done. Flagg, in the SportsCenter interview with Farnham, talked about how amazing the last few days have been even after the Houston loss.
”It’s been incredible. Obviously, losing that game was really hard for me and all my teammates and what not.” The six-foot-nine phenom said. “But I think just trying to reflect back on the season now, and all the recognition I’ve been able to get. It’s truly a surreal feeling, and its such an honor for me. I just feel really grateful and blessed.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Flagg’s freshman season will definitely go down in the history books. Even though his future at the collegiate level is in limbo as of now, there’s no doubt that the Duke star will end up dominating at whatever level he chooses to play.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Should Cooper Flagg risk it all for the NBA, or give Duke fans one more year?