Duke Star Cooper Flagg Declares for NBA Draft as Projected No. 1 Pick

In a highly anticipated move within the basketball world, Cooper Flagg, a standout freshman at Duke University, has officially declared for the NBA Draft, signaling his readiness to transition into professional basketball. A video announcement shared on social media highlights Flagg's gratitude for his experience at Duke, where he garnered the Wooden Award and led the Blue Devils to a remarkable 35-4 record along with a Final Four appearance. Flagg thanked the 'Brotherhood' at Duke and expressed his excitement for the journey ahead. Labelled as a generational talent, Flagg, who stands at 6-foot-9, averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his sole season, making him a frontrunner for the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Coach Jon Scheyer praised Flagg, highlighting his statistical achievements and the positive impact he had on team dynamics, noting, 'Never about statistics or anything other than creating an environment and helping his team to win.' Flagg's journey began with high expectations as he reclassified from the 2025 recruiting class, allowing him to join Duke early. His performance underscored his ability as a versatile player who often operated as Duke's de facto point guard. Moreover, Flagg's scoring prowess was epitomized by a record-setting game against Notre Dame, where he scored 42 points, setting an ACC freshman record. Despite a setback due to an ankle injury during the ACC tournament, Flagg rebounded strongly with key performances in the NCAA tournament, including a significant outing against Arizona in the Sweet 16. With NBA teams now angling for the lottery on May 12, the expectation is clear: whichever franchise secures the No. 1 overall pick will likely welcome Flagg to their roster. His declaration adds to the growing narrative of Duke as a factory for elite basketball talent, enabling Flagg to potentially join former Duke stars like Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero as recent No. 1 draft picks. As speculation swirls around his future, the stage is set for an exciting NBA Draft cycle that will continue to evolve with decisions from other key players across college basketball. In his tender age and rapid ascent to collegiate stardom, Flagg embodies the future of basketball, not only as a promising athlete but also as a significant figure within the sport's cultural narrative, reflecting on the transformative influence of NIL deals and the younger generation's pathway to professional sports.