Cooper Flagg Shocks Basketball World Opts to Return to Duke
Duke superstar Cooper Flagg announced Tuesday morning that he will not declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, instead choosing to return to Duke University for his sophomore season.
The 18-year-old forward, widely projected to be the No. 1 overall pick, made the announcement via a heartfelt video posted on social media, captioned: “Unfinished business.” The decision has stunned the basketball community, with analysts and fans scrambling to make sense of one of the boldest choices in recent college basketball history.
“Duke has meant everything to me,” Flagg said in the video. “I love this place, these fans, and this brotherhood. I’m not done here yet — I want a national title, and I want it with these guys.”
Flagg averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, leading Duke to the Final Four and earning First-Team All-American honors in his freshman year.
A Bold Move in the NIL Era
Cooper Flagg’s decision bucks the modern trend, especially in an era where top NBA prospects often leave college after one year. Flagg’s return is seen by many as a defining moment for college basketball’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, where players can now earn substantial income while staying in school.
Sources close to the program suggest Flagg has already secured seven-figure NIL deals with national brands, including apparel, tech, and sports nutrition companies. His marketability has skyrocketed, with Duke’s global reach boosting his brand to near NBA levels.
“This isn’t about money,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. “Cooper is driven by legacy, by team, and by a competitive fire that’s rare. He wants to finish what he started.”
Analysts note that returning to school does carry risks — including potential injuries or draft stock fluctuations — but Flagg’s decision sends a strong message about his values and his confidence.
Blue Devils Now the National Title Favorites
With Cooper Flagg returning, Duke instantly becomes the consensus favorite to win the 2026 NCAA Championship. He will lead a veteran squad including rising juniors Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, along with a top-5 incoming recruiting class.
The move has sparked comparisons to Tim Duncan, who famously stayed four years at Wake Forest despite being a projected top pick. Others are calling it a cultural reset for elite college basketball prospects.
“This could be a defining moment,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “Flagg’s decision shows that college basketball can still be the place where legacies are made.”
Ticket sales for Cameron Indoor Stadium skyrocketed within hours of the announcement, and “FlaggBack” trended on social media nationwide.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, one thing is clear — Cooper Flagg isn’t just building his résumé. He’s building a legacy. And for now, that story continues in Durham.
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