It is not a huge secret that Cooper Flagg is moving on to the next chapter of his career.
In a video posted on social media on Monday, April 21, the 18-year-old basketball phenom announced his decision that he will be going to the next level and entering the 2025 NBA Draft. “New fans, my teammates, the brotherhood and everybody that was along for this journey, it was an incredible year,” Flagg said after a highlight reel from his freshman season at Duke was shown.
“I have so much gratitude,” Flagg continued. “I feel so blessed for all the opportunities I was given.”
Despite an expected and disappointing elimination from the Final Four in March Madness for the Blue Devils, Flagg said, “Duke has always been a dream for me, but I’m excited to announce 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 said to conclude his announcement.
Words of encouragement and supportive messages about Flagg’s decision to leave Duke and pursue going professional bombarded the replies after his announcement on Monday. Blue Devils player Ryan Young joked, “Congrats Coop, hope someone will take a chance on you in the mid to late second round,” poking fun at how Flagg is largely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the draft in June.
“Really proud of Cooper for the special season that he had this year,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. “I think the accolades speak for itself, with what he did, winning every National Player of the Year award. His highlights, his statistics, the ways he impacted the game on both ends of the floor, really in every category, was off the charts. As good of a freshman season that a guy has had here.
Embed from Getty Images“But to me, the separator and the joy of coaching Cooper is the person he was every day, the teammate that he was. Never about statistics or anything other than creating an environment and helping his team to win. And we won a lot of games and had a lot of success and a lot of times that environment is created from your best player. And Cooper did an incredible job in every facet of our program, on and off the court, with what he’s done.”
Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons commented too, calling Flagg a “Duke legend,” and fitness coach Jess Sims wrote, “One of one. Congrats coop! Can’t wait for the next chapter 🔥.”
A former teammate of Flagg’s said, “imma miss playing with you!! Go be great #2.”
Flagg played just a single season for the Duke Blue Devils but quickly became a legend. The Maine native is also a twin to brother Ace Flagg, who committed to the University of Maine, where their mother Kelly played college hoops.
In March, Kelly told PEOPLE she is very superstitious. “I have to sit in the same seat,” she said.
“Usually, I like to sit by the same person or in the same seating order. My husband is also superstitious. He can’t wear spirit gear on game days, but he can wear it any other day,” she continued. “On game days, he wears anything but Duke gear.”
Flagg suffered a mild ankle injury during the ACC tournament but returned to action in the NCAA tournament, including a 30-point, 6-rebound, 7-assist effort in a Sweet 16 win over the Arizona Wildcats.
He was the consensus National Player of the Year and became only the fourth freshman to win the John R. Wooden Award.
