“Today’s Just the Beginning”: Cooper Flagg Declares for 2025 NBA Draft After Monumental Freshman Season at Duke
After a season that felt more like the launch of a legend than a mere freshman campaign, Duke University star Cooper Flagg has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. The announcement, confirmed by both Flagg and Duke via social media, marks the end of a historic college chapter and the beginning of what many expect will be a transformative NBA career.
“Duke has always been a dream for me,” Flagg wrote in a reflective Instagram post. “But I’m excited to announce that I’ll be entering my name into the 2025 draft.”
The official Duke basketball social media echoed the sentiment in just six words that carried the weight of a program’s pride: “League next. Duke forever. Thank you, Cooper Flagg!!”
At just 18 years old, Flagg’s name is already etched into Duke lore—a rare feat in a school steeped in basketball royalty. In only one year in Durham, the 6-foot-9 forward captured the hearts of fans, the respect of teammates, and the fear of opponents. And he did it all before he could legally buy a beer.
A Year That Felt Like Destiny
Flagg arrived at Duke as the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2024, reclassifying early and skipping his senior year of high school at Montverde Academy to begin what many believed would be a short but seismic stay in college basketball. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was clear he wasn’t just another five-star talent—he was something else entirely.
In his 37 games as a Blue Devil, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. His statistics were impressive, but it was the intangible qualities—his court vision, his leadership, his motor—that separated him. Flagg had the aura of a player destined not just for the NBA, but for greatness within it.
Though still just a teenager, Flagg’s presence often made him look like a senior among underclassmen. His instincts on defense allowed him to seamlessly switch across all five positions. Offensively, he could initiate from the top, operate in the mid-post, or create off the dribble. Few freshmen have ever shown such a complete package—and even fewer have delivered in high-pressure moments like Flagg did.
A Final Four to Remember
Duke’s season ended in the Final Four, a heartbreaking 70–67 loss to the Houston Cougars, who mounted a stunning late-game comeback. Yet even in defeat, Flagg made history. His stat line—27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals—was the first time in NCAA tournament history (since the inclusion of defensive stats in 1986) that a player led his team in all five categories in a Final Four game.
It wasn’t just a performance—it was a declaration.
“That game, that moment, it felt like the culmination of everything I’d worked for,” Flagg said after the loss. “We didn’t get the ending we wanted, but I gave it everything I had. We all did.”
Awards, Accolades, and Unfinished Business
Despite Duke’s title hopes falling just short, Flagg walked away with nearly every individual honor possible. He was named a First-Team All-American and swept five of the six National Player of the Year awards recognized by the NCAA. He became just the second freshman in the modern era—joining Kevin Durant in 2007—to achieve such national recognition in his first (and only) college season.
“Cooper is the kind of player who elevates everyone around him,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “Not just with his talent, but with his work ethic, his humility, and his love for the game. He’s going to be an incredible professional, and we were lucky to have him.”
Flagg’s impact wasn’t just statistical—it was cultural. His energy galvanized Duke’s locker room, his competitiveness ignited Cameron Indoor Stadium, and his humility endeared him to fans across the nation.
Next Stop: The NBA
Flagg is widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with scouts praising not only his versatility and size, but his maturity and basketball IQ. His ability to play and defend multiple positions, handle the ball, and make reads at an elite level has drawn comparisons to generational talents like Luka Dončić and Scottie Barnes.
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, scheduled for May 12, will determine which franchise will win the right to select Flagg and potentially reshape their future. Several rebuilding teams, including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers, are salivating at the chance to land the Maine native.
“I’m excited for what’s next,” Flagg said. “But I’ll never forget where I came from and what Duke gave me. The brotherhood is forever. This place changed my life.”
A Legacy in Just One Year
In an age of one-and-done players, very few manage to leave a legacy. Cooper Flagg did more than that—he left an imprint on a storied program, raised expectations for what a freshman could be, and brought fans back to the essence of why college basketball can still feel magical.
The next chapter is about to be written. But one thing is already certain: Cooper Flagg’s story is far from over. In fact, it may be just beginning.
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