Cooper Flagg Announces Unexpected Timeline For NBA Draft Decision
Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils had the Final Four win over Houston secured for the first 39 minutes. But a final-minute collapse led to a premature ending to the 2024-25 season for Duke.
Duke was unable to score a point in the final 1:13, allowing the Cougars to go on a 9-0 run in the final 33 seconds to take the lead and secure the win.
Now, the Blue Devils are getting prepared to undergo some major changes for the 2025-26 season. Flagg, along with Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, are projected lottery picks in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
But Flagg has become the clear favorite to go No. 1 overall after averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his freshman season.
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Late Friday night, Flagg joined ESPN’s “SportsCenter” to discuss his freshman season at Duke. When asked what is next for him in his basketball process, Flagg gave an unexpected answer, saying it may take him up to a month to decide on his NBA future despite the likely No. 1 pick guarantee.
“I think kind of what you said, just evaluating, you know, reflecting,” Flagg said. “It was an incredible year. I met a lot of incredible people. Made a ton of great relationships that I’m going to have for the rest of my life, and I think now it’s time for me to reflect. You know, take a couple days; take a week; take a month. Whatever it is for me. Talk to my parents, talk to the coaches and just really decide what’s best for me.”
Flagg, a consensus All-American in his lone season at Duke, has become the favorite to go No. 1 overall on many different mock drafts. The Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets have the best odds to win the top pick.
If Flagg were to return to Duke, he would team up with the incoming Boozer twins (Cameron and Cayden), two of the best prospects in the 2025 class
