Jon Scheyer Gives Honest Answer About Cooper Flagg Potentially Returning to Duke: Could the Blue Devils Star Return Next Season?
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer recently addressed the burning question surrounding Cooper Flagg, the highly-touted freshman recruit, and the possibility of his return to Durham next season. As one of the most promising players in the 2024 recruiting class, Flagg has been a central figure for the Blue Devils this season. However, given his exceptional talent and projected status as a top NBA Draft pick, the question remains: could he stay another year at Duke, or is his departure to the professional ranks inevitable?
In an honest and candid statement, Scheyer expressed his doubts about the likelihood of Flagg returning to Duke for a sophomore season. While he didn’t outright dismiss the possibility, he made it clear that the expectation is for Flagg to move on after this season. “It’s not going to be to graduate, maybe someday he’ll come back, I don’t think so. But maybe, maybe, someday, maybe,” Scheyer remarked. His words reflect the reality that, while there’s always a chance for a player to decide otherwise, it’s highly improbable that Flagg will remain in college for another year.
Flagg’s performance on the court has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 6-foot-8 forward has consistently impressed throughout the season with his scoring ability, versatility, and defensive prowess. Known for his well-rounded game, Flagg has been a force for Duke, posting eye-popping stats in key matchups. His recent performance in the NCAA Tournament, where he led the Blue Devils to a thrilling 100-93 victory over Arizona, cemented his status as one of the top players in the nation. In that game, Flagg contributed 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three blocks—an all-around stat line that showcases his potential as an NBA star.
This type of performance has solidified Flagg as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. He is widely expected to be a top-five pick, and many analysts believe he has a legitimate chance to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick. Given this trajectory, it seems almost certain that Flagg will declare for the draft and begin his professional career after this season. The NBA is calling, and for a player of Flagg’s caliber, the decision to leave college for the pros is an obvious one.
However, while Scheyer is realistic about Flagg’s future, he also acknowledged that there is always room for unexpected decisions. College basketball, particularly under the current landscape with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, has seen players reconsider their professional paths, sometimes opting to return to school for another year. But in Flagg’s case, his talent and marketability are undeniable, making the pull of the NBA far too strong to ignore.
Scheyer’s comments also highlight the broader reality of college basketball in the era of one-and-done players—where top-tier talent often spends just a single season in college before making the leap to the NBA. While it’s clear that Flagg has the potential to leave an indelible mark at Duke, his ambitions are likely to lead him to the professional ranks sooner rather than later.
In conclusion, while Duke fans can cherish the remainder of Cooper Flagg’s time in Durham, it seems highly unlikely that he will return for another season. With the NBA Draft looming and his potential shining through, Flagg’s departure to the pros is almost a certainty. As Scheyer aptly stated, the chances of Flagg returning are slim, but in the unpredictable world of college basketball, anything can happen. For now, fans can enjoy watching Flagg finish out what has been an incredible season at Duke.
