Duke‘s Final Four exit at the hands of Houston may have ended their national title hopes, but it’s sparked a new conversation, one that could shape the future of college basketball‘s brightest star.
Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, now finds himself at the center of a growing online campaign: fans pleading for him to come back and finish what he started.
Saturday night’s 70-67 loss was a gut punch for the Blue Devils, who led by six points with under a minute to play before Houston stormed back with a game-winning run.
Flagg, the freshman phenom, did everything he could to keep Duke alive-dropping 27 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out four assists-but it wasn’t enough to stop the Cougars from sealing a trip to the title game.
In the aftermath, Flagg reflected on the year that was: “Didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but still an incredible year.”
Despite the heartbreak, the 18-year-old has little left to prove in the college ranks.
Flagg led Duke in points, rebounds, and assists during the season, averaged 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, and collected multiple national honors, including the Wooden Award, AP National Player of the Year, and NABC National Player of the Year.
Fans launch campaign to keep Flagg in Durham
But for many Duke faithful, the journey isn’t over-at least, not if they have any say.
“COME BACK COOPER FLAGG,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “@Cooper_Flagg please come back for one more year. I will give you the best hug you’ve ever had if you do.”
The messages range from hopeful to borderline desperate, with one user declaring, “If Cooper Flagg doesn’t come back I’m ending it all.”
Some fans envision a full redemption arc in 2026: “Hot hot take… Cooper Flagg and Kon come back and FINISH this next season.”
But reality may not align with fan wishes. Flagg is projected to be the top pick in the upcoming draft, and Jon Scheyer himself hinted that his star forward is ready to make the leap: “He’s about to move on with something special, the next step after this.”
NBA stardom awaits for Flagg
While the dream of another year in blue and white sounds poetic, the financial and physical risks of staying in school can’t be ignored.
An injury in college could cost Flagg millions in future earnings. And with a potential rookie max contract and endorsement deals looming, the professional path is likely too enticing to pass up.
Still, the legacy question remains. Could another year at Duke elevate Flagg from top prospect to legendary status in the college game? Fans certainly think so.
Whether Flagg listens or not, one thing is clear: his impact on Duke and college basketball has been undeniable-and if this was his only season, he made it count.
