The Duke Blue Devils ended their regular season on a high note, securing a crucial win over North Carolina in Chapel Hill. This victory not only solidified their No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament but also strengthened their case for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday.
While Duke‘s postseason aspirations remain the primary focus, a larger conversation looms in the background-Cooper Flagg‘s future. The freshman sensation has been nothing short of spectacular, leading Duke in multiple statistical categories and firmly establishing himself as the top prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Yet, despite being widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, speculation has surfaced regarding a potential return to Duke for a second season.
With NIL earnings reaching unprecedented levels, some believe Flagg could delay his NBA journey and continue to develop in college. However, not everyone is convinced that staying at Duke is a realistic possibility.
A top prospect
From the moment he stepped on the court, Flagg lived up to the immense hype that followed him into Durham. The 6-foot-9 forward quickly became Duke’s go-to player, finishing the regular season averaging 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
Flagg‘s impact has been felt in every aspect of the game. A recent B/R Hoops post highlighted that he leads Duke in points, minutes, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game-a rare accomplishment for a first-year player. His versatility, defensive prowess, and high basketball IQ make him a perfect fit for the modern NBA, which is why many believe he is a lock to be the first name called on draft night.
Given his NBA-ready skill set, Flagg‘s draft stock couldn’t be higher. This has led most analysts to believe that a return to Duke is highly unlikely, regardless of how much money he could make in NIL endorsements.
While some reports have suggested that Flagg might consider coming back for a second season, NBA Draft expert Krysten Peek quickly shut down those rumors.
“Anyone who thinks he’s coming back to college for another year (miracle NIL be it) is completely delusional. Cooper‘s had an unbelievable season. He’s ready for the NBA. He’s earned that No. 1 slot. Let’s stop the clickbait please,” Peek wrote.
