As the 2024 NCAA Tournament came to a heartbreaking conclusion for Duke, with a narrow 70-67 loss to Houston in the Final Four, the question on everyone’s mind is whether star freshman Cooper Flagg will make the leap to the NBA. This loss, coupled with his stellar performance throughout the season, has left fans and analysts speculating about his future. With a brutal ending to the season, Flagg’s decision now appears to be even more complex.
Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, has been a standout for Duke, dominating the court with his all-around game. Averaging 19.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, Flagg was instrumental in leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made him one of the most highly regarded players in the upcoming NBA Draft, with many projecting him as a potential No. 1 pick. Yet, his recent loss to Houston has added a layer of uncertainty to his future.
Despite the prospect of a lucrative NBA career, there have been rumors swirling that Flagg could return to college basketball for his sophomore season. With the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, some speculated that Flagg might stay at Duke and earn millions while continuing to develop his game. Estimates suggested that he could secure as much as $6 million to $8 million by staying in school. These possibilities have complicated the decision for Flagg, who has shown a strong connection to Duke and its basketball program.
Adding fuel to the fire, recent odds from sportsbooks like Bovada have indicated that it might be more likely for Flagg to return to Duke than enter the NBA Draft. This shift in expectations has left many wondering what his next move will be, especially considering the intense scrutiny on him after Duke’s heart-wrenching loss. His performance, however, remains top-tier, making his draft stock incredibly high regardless of the outcome of this season.
Cooper’s mother, who has been a supportive but private figure in his journey, has recently spoken out to clarify the situation. She emphasized that the decision will be made with careful consideration of Cooper’s well-being and future. “We are taking everything into consideration,” she said in an interview. “Cooper’s well-being and future are our top priorities, and we will support him no matter the path he chooses.” This statement has provided some reassurance to fans, indicating that the family is focused on what is best for Cooper in both the short and long term.
As the NBA Draft deadline approaches, Flagg’s choice remains a topic of intense discussion. His potential departure from college basketball could significantly affect the landscape of both the NBA and NCAA. While the lure of professional basketball is strong, the opportunity to refine his skills at Duke and possibly benefit from NIL deals could make his decision even more difficult.
For now, fans and analysts will have to wait and see how Flagg and his family navigate this pivotal moment in his career. Whatever decision he makes, it’s clear that Cooper Flagg’s future in basketball is incredibly bright, whether it’s in the NBA or another year at Duke.
