Will Cooper Flagg Stay Another Year at Duke? His Mom Addresses That
Cooper Flagg, one of the most highly anticipated basketball recruits in recent years, has quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic talent with the potential to reshape college basketball. The 6’9″ forward from Maine, ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 class, shocked many when he chose Duke University as his destination after a standout career at Montverde Academy. His arrival in Durham has sent waves through the college basketball world, with many speculating about his future in college basketball and whether he will stay for just one season or leave for the NBA Draft.
While it’s common for top recruits to head to the NBA after one year of college, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Flagg will take that same path or stay another year at Duke. His impressive skills on both ends of the floor, including his shot-blocking ability, versatility, and scoring prowess, make him an immediate NBA prospect. But as many players before him have discovered, the decision isn’t always as simple as it may seem. Flagg’s mother, whose insight offers a glimpse into the family’s approach to his basketball future, recently addressed these questions and offered a perspective on what might come next.
In an exclusive interview, Cooper’s mother, Jennifer Flagg, spoke candidly about the decision-making process and how they are approaching the idea of Flagg’s one-and-done potential. According to Jennifer, while the NBA remains a significant goal for Cooper, the focus right now is on developing his skills and maximizing his college experience. She emphasized that Cooper is not solely driven by the idea of rushing to the professional ranks but is instead concentrating on becoming the best player he can be, which might mean spending more than just one season at Duke.
“We’re not going to rush anything,” Jennifer said. “Cooper loves the game and he’s excited about the opportunity to play at Duke. But we also know that this is a journey, and it’s not just about getting to the NBA as fast as possible. He’s committed to getting better every day, and if that means staying another year, we’re all okay with that. It’s not about the timeline; it’s about his growth.”
This statement sheds light on Flagg’s mindset, which is more about careful, strategic development than simply fulfilling the one-and-done narrative. Duke’s program, known for its ability to cultivate talent and help players refine their skills, could provide the perfect environment for Flagg to further elevate his game, especially under head coach Jon Scheyer, who has made it clear that player development will be a priority.
Despite the allure of the NBA, there are practical reasons why staying another year could benefit Flagg. While his talent is undeniable, the transition to the NBA can be challenging, and staying at Duke could allow him to further hone his skills, become more physically prepared for the rigors of professional play, and refine areas of his game that would benefit from another year of college competition. Moreover, he could become a key player for a Duke team that will likely be a national championship contender, giving him the platform to showcase his abilities on the grand stage of March Madness.
While Flagg’s future remains uncertain, Jennifer’s remarks point to a balanced approach to his decision. The world will continue to watch as the 2024 season unfolds, with all eyes on whether Cooper Flagg will make an immediate jump to the NBA or stay at Duke for another year to further develop his potential. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that Flagg’s journey will be one worth following, and his mother’s perspective shows that the family values long-term success over immediate decisions.
