Cooper Flagg, the 18-year-old Duke freshman, has formally declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, marking the following important step in his promising basketball profession.
In an emotional Instagram video shared on April 21, Flagg expressed his gratitude for his time at Duke, describing it as “the very best 12 months of my life” and acknowledging the assist from followers, teammates, and the Duke basketball group.
A stellar freshman season
Flagg’s debut season with the Blue Devils was nothing in need of exceptional. Standing at 6-foot-9, he averaged 19.2 factors, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per sport, main Duke to the Last 4. His all-around efficiency earned him the celebrated Wood Award and the ACC Participant of the 12 months honors, making him solely the fourth freshman in historical past to win the Naismith Trophy.
His versatility on each ends of the ground has made him a consensus high decide for the upcoming draft. ESPN’s newest large board ranks him because the No. 1 general prospect, highlighting his distinctive mixture of depth, instincts, and explosiveness.
Flagg’s resolution to enter the draft comes after a season that noticed him set a Duke and ACC single-game freshman document with 42 factors towards Notre Dame. His potential to shoot from past the arc, mixed together with his defensive prowess, has drawn comparisons to a few of the sport’s greats.
Because the NBA Draft approaches, groups just like the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Utah Jazz, all with the worst information within the league, have the best odds of securing the No. 1 decide. Flagg’s entry into the draft has intensified the anticipation for what guarantees to be an thrilling choice course of.
With the NBA Draft Lottery scheduled for Could 12, the basketball world eagerly awaits to see the place Cooper Flagg will proceed his journey. His transition from school standout to skilled prospect is a testomony to his onerous work, dedication, and the intense future that lies forward.