The Duke Blue Devils ended their common season on a excessive be aware, securing a vital win over North Carolina in Chapel Hill. This victory not solely solidified their No. 1 seed within the ACC Match but additionally strengthened their case for a prime seed within the NCAA Match on Choice Sunday.
Whereas Duke‘s postseason aspirations stay the first focus, a bigger dialog looms within the background-Cooper Flagg‘s future. The freshman sensation has been nothing wanting spectacular, main Duke in a number of statistical classes and firmly establishing himself as the highest prospect within the 2025 NBA Draft.
But, regardless of being broadly projected because the No. 1 total decide, hypothesis has surfaced relating to a possible return to Duke for a second season.
With NIL earnings reaching unprecedented ranges, some consider Flagg might delay his NBA journey and proceed to develop in school. Nevertheless, not everyone seems to be satisfied that staying at Duke is a practical chance.
A prime prospect
From the second he stepped on the court docket, Flagg lived as much as the immense hype that adopted him into Durham. The 6-foot-9 ahead rapidly grew to become Duke’s go-to participant, ending the common season averaging 19.6 factors, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per recreation.
Flagg‘s impression has been felt in each side of the sport. A latest B/R Hoops publish highlighted that he leads Duke in factors, minutes, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game-a uncommon accomplishment for a first-year participant. His versatility, defensive prowess, and excessive basketball IQ make him an ideal match for the trendy NBA, which is why many consider he’s a lock to be the primary identify referred to as on draft evening.
Given his NBA-ready ability set, Flagg‘s draft inventory could not be larger. This has led most analysts to consider {that a} return to Duke is extremely unlikely, no matter how a lot cash he might make in NIL endorsements.
Whereas some experiences have advised that Flagg would possibly think about coming again for a second season, NBA Draft knowledgeable Krysten Peek rapidly shut down these rumors.
“Anybody who thinks he is coming again to school for an additional 12 months (miracle NIL be it) is totally delusional. Cooper‘s had an unbelievable season. He is prepared for the NBA. He is earned that No. 1 slot. Let’s cease the clickbait please,” Peek wrote.
