As the April 26th deadline for NBA draft decisions quickly approaches, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg, the talented forward from Duke University, as he contemplates whether to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, who has been heralded as one of the top high school prospects in recent memory, has been at the center of basketball conversations for months, and his eventual decision will carry significant weight. Former Duke star Jay Williams recently shared his insight on Flagg’s situation, offering a closer look at the key factors that could influence his decision.
Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, is a multi-dimensional player with an exceptional skill set. He is known for his versatility, defense, and high basketball IQ, making him a potential game-changer at the next level. Flagg’s combination of size, skill, and basketball smarts has made him one of the most highly regarded prospects in recent years. As he prepares to enter the professional ranks, his decision will be influenced by several key considerations, according to Williams.
“I think the biggest thing for Cooper right now is his readiness for the NBA,” Williams said during a recent interview. “At this point, it’s clear that he has the talent, but what’s critical is understanding if he’s mentally and physically prepared for the grind of the NBA. College basketball is one thing, but the NBA is a whole different beast.”
Williams also noted that Flagg’s development under Duke’s legendary head coach, Jon Scheyer, has been a major advantage. Scheyer, a former Duke player and assistant coach under Mike Krzyzewski, has brought a fresh approach to the program since taking over as head coach. Flagg’s time under Scheyer has allowed him to refine his skills in a structured, competitive environment, and Williams believes that staying in college could help him continue to grow before making the leap to the NBA.
“Duke is the perfect environment for someone like Cooper to continue to develop,” Williams explained. “He’s surrounded by high-level competition every day in practice, and that’s going to continue to push him. He’ll have more opportunities to fine-tune his game and strengthen areas that NBA scouts will be looking at, like his shooting consistency and decision-making.”
However, Williams also acknowledged that Flagg’s potential to impact the NBA right away could weigh heavily on his decision. Flagg has the tools to make an immediate impact, particularly on the defensive end. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to improve defensively. Additionally, his offensive game is improving, and he has the ability to stretch the floor with his improving shooting touch.
The decision will also come down to whether Flagg believes he can continue to improve in college, or if jumping to the NBA now is in his best interest. As Williams pointed out, Flagg will need to balance his immediate future with his long-term career goals.
“At the end of the day, this is a business decision for Cooper,” Williams said. “He has to weigh the long-term benefits of staying in college versus entering the NBA and potentially earning a significant contract. He’s got to make sure he’s making the decision that’s best for his career, not just for his immediate future.”
With the April 26th deadline looming, Flagg’s decision will likely come down to how ready he feels for the next level and whether staying at Duke will offer him the opportunity to further develop his game. Whether he decides to stay in school or declare for the draft, one thing is certain: Cooper Flagg’s future in basketball is incredibly bright, and his decision will have major implications for his career and the landscape of college and NBA basketball.
