1 MORE YEAR? Cooper Flagg makes honest admission to Duke fans as decision deadline nears

1 MORE YEAR? Cooper Flagg makes honest admission to Duke fans as decision deadline nears

David Ben 10:03 - 12.04.2025

The Duke star has admitted he will not solely decide his future and will only settle on what’s best for him

Cooper Flagg just left Duke fans on edge with a shockingly honest revelation about what lies ahead, and the clock is ticking.

Following a stellar freshman season that exceeded sky-high expectations, the 18-year-old sensation from Maine is officially weighing his next move.

Flagg sat down with ESPN’s SportsCenter after being named the men’s John R. Wooden Award winner.

Is Cooper Flagg going to the Draft?
Cooper Flagg | Credit: Instagram

When pressed about whether he’s heading to the NBA or sticking around for one more year at Durham, the freshman phenom said:

“Yeah I mean…it’s kind of what you said, just evaluating, reflecting. It’s an incredible year. I met a lot of incredible people, made a fin of great relationships that I’m going to have for the rest of my life.”

He continued: “And I think now it’s time for me to reflect, take a couple of days, take a week, take a month [whatever it is] for me. Talk to my parents, talk to my coaches, and just really decide what’s best for me.”

Fans hoping for a quick announcement are going to have to be patient as it would seem Flagg is clearly not rushing anything.

The Race to decision deadline

Is Cooper Flagg going to the Draft?
Cooper Flagg | Instagram

Cooper Flagg has until April 26 to declare for the NBA Draft, with many predicting he’ll be the No. 1 overall pick by the Utah Jazz.

As the deadline nears, he will likely consider whether to enter the draft or return to Duke for another year to strengthen his legacy.

Flagg’s crucial decision will have a major impact on both his future and Duke’s basketball program, especially as NIL opportunities change the landscape of college sports.

History-making season, heartbreaking finish

Is Cooper Flagg going to the Draft?
Flagg is expected to go No. 1 in the 2025 NBA Draft | Credit: Imago

Flagg’s debut year was nothing short of iconic.

Averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, the Maine native lived up to every bit of the hype.

Duke stormed through the season with a 35-4 record, finally making it back to the Final Four — but fell just short of glory.

The Blue Devils were ousted by Houston in a brutal 70-67 loss at the Alamodome after the Cougars went on a 9-0 run in the final 35 seconds.

Still, Flagg’s individual accolades were massive: ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and most recently, a huge milestone — the John R. Wooden Award.

Is Cooper Flagg going to the Draft?
Cooper Flagg | Credit: Instagram

Cooper Flagg is only the fourth freshman in history to win it, joining an elite list that includes Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson.

He edged out Auburn’s Johni Broome in a tight vote — 1,979 to 1,801 points.

Is Cooper Flagg going to the Draft?

Is Cooper Flagg going to the Draft?
Cooper Flagg is set to make a big decision on his future at Duke | Credit: Getty

With the NBA Draft slated for June 25, fans and scouts alike are watching Flagg’s every move.

The NBA Draft Lottery will be held May 12, with the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets leading the race for the No. 1 pick.

Flagg is projected to go first overall, and let’s be real, no one’s shocked.

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