Cooper Flagg is headed to the NBA — and he’s bringing sky-high expectations with him.
After briefly weighing the idea of returning to Duke for a second season, Flagg made it official Monday morning with an announcement on Instagram: he will declare for the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-9 freshman has been widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick since before his first game in a Blue Devils uniform — and nothing about his freshman campaign changed that. A do-it-all forward with elite instincts and advanced feel, Flagg stuffed the stat sheet all season, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc.
“This brother is the total package,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Monday on First Take. “And he is going to be the No. 1 overall pick in this upcoming NBA Draft. It is no secret what he was going to do because there’s no reason for him not to. He’s that dude.”
While Flagg’s season didn’t end with a national championship, his star was never in doubt. From highlight-reel blocks to timely threes and leadership well beyond his years, he looked every bit like a future franchise cornerstone.
If selected first overall, Flagg would become the sixth No. 1 pick in Duke history, joining a list that includes Zion Williamson (2019), Kyrie Irving (2011), Elton Brand (1999), and others. Like Williamson, Flagg enters the league with massive expectations — and hopes for better injury luck.
With the decision now official, all eyes turn to May 12, when the NBA holds its annual draft lottery. The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets hold the best odds to land the top pick and a shot at a potential superstar.
Flagg’s future is locked in. Now, 14 teams are hoping the ping-pong balls bounce their way.
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