Cooper Flagg Teases a Return to Durham: Jon Scheyer Gives His Thoughts on the Freshman Phenom’s Future
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament nears its climax, the basketball world is abuzz with the possibility of Cooper Flagg, Duke’s standout freshman, potentially returning to Durham for another season. Flagg, who has dominated on both ends of the court and has solidified himself as one of the most highly regarded young prospects in college basketball, has sparked speculation about his future in recent interviews. With an NBA career seemingly within his reach, Flagg has hinted at the possibility of staying at Duke for another year, much to the surprise of many who expect him to declare for the NBA Draft. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has watched Flagg’s meteoric rise up close, recently weighed in on his thoughts regarding the future of his phenom freshman.
Flagg’s Impact and Possible Return
Flagg’s impact at Duke has been undeniable. From the moment he arrived in Durham, the 6-foot-8 forward has shown his versatility, leading the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots. His performances during the NCAA Tournament have only increased his stock, as he delivered standout performances, including a 30-point, 7-assist, and 6-rebound effort in Duke’s victory over Arizona in the Elite Eight. His exceptional talent, combined with his high basketball IQ, has many analysts projecting him to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
However, despite the obvious path to professional basketball, Flagg has recently teased the idea of returning to Duke. In interviews, he mentioned that a return to college basketball is a possibility, although it seemed more of a playful suggestion than a firm decision. This has led to significant speculation about what Flagg’s next move will be, especially as he has the potential to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Jon Scheyer’s Perspective
In response to the growing rumors surrounding Flagg’s future, Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer recently spoke candidly about what he believes is the best path forward for his star freshman. While Scheyer has always been an advocate for his players’ professional aspirations, he acknowledged that Flagg’s development at Duke has the potential to accelerate his growth, both as a player and as an individual.
“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 said, reflecting on the possibility of Flagg’s return. His words were measured and realistic, understanding that the allure of the NBA is incredibly strong for a player of Flagg’s caliber. Despite acknowledging the slim chances of Flagg staying at Duke, Scheyer emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the player. “Cooper has an amazing future ahead of him, and we want him to make the decision that’s best for him, whatever that might be.”
Scheyer also noted that Flagg’s time at Duke, no matter how short it may be, has set him up for future success. “If he stays, it would be a huge benefit to our program, and it would be amazing for his development. But we also understand that this is about his future, and we will support him in whatever decision he makes.”
The Bigger Picture: College Basketball in the Era of One-and-Dones
Flagg’s situation highlights a broader trend in college basketball, particularly with the rise of one-and-done players. Top-tier recruits like Flagg are often faced with a difficult decision: stay in college for the development and experience or move on to the NBA, where the financial and professional rewards are immediate. For players with as much potential as Flagg, the allure of the NBA is undeniably strong.
However, there are undeniable benefits to staying in college, especially at a program like Duke, where top-notch coaching and player development are cornerstones of the program. For Flagg, staying another year could further refine his skills, sharpen his basketball IQ, and prepare him even better for the challenges of the NBA.
Conclusion
As the speculation surrounding Cooper Flagg’s future continues, Duke fans and basketball enthusiasts alike are left wondering what the young phenom will decide. Will he stay for another season at Duke, or will he declare for the NBA Draft, where he is projected to be a top pick? Jon Scheyer’s support for Flagg’s decision, combined with the coach’s understanding of the broader landscape of college basketball, reflects a sense of trust in his player’s judgment.
Ultimately, Flagg’s decision will have major implications not just for his career, but for the future of Duke basketball. Whether he stays or goes, there’s little doubt that his time at Duke has been impactful, and whatever path he chooses, the basketball world will be watching closely.
