Now, as for why Flagg chose to stay at Duke instead of transferring to another college with bigger NIL offers, here’s a solid take:
1. Legacy & Development: Duke is one of the best basketball programs in the country. Coach Scheyer has kept the program elite after Coach K, and Duke’s culture, resources, and NBA pipeline make it a great place to grow.
2. NBA Focus: Flagg is a near-lock for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. A year at Duke puts him on national TV constantly, in front of NBA scouts, and he’ll likely be the face of college basketball—more valuable for long-term brand-building than a quick NIL cash grab.
3. NIL is Still There: While other schools may have dangled more upfront money, Duke players still get strong NIL support, especially someone like Flagg. He’s probably not hurting for endorsement deals.
4. Comfort and Loyalty: He’s said Duke feels like “home.” Some players value stability, coaching, and fit over chasing the highest bidder.
If he balls out at Duke, the real bag is coming with that NBA rookie contract and sponsorships anyway.
Want a mockup of his potential NIL earnings vs. NBA rookie scale?
