With the finish line for conference tournaments in sight, basketball fans can feel the excitement of March Madness brewing. It’s a thrilling time in collegiate sports, and while the spotlight is usually on the glitzy NCAA tournament, there’s more on the horizon than just bracket busters and Cinderella stories.
April 27 marks a pivotal deadline for players considering an early entry into the NBA Draft. Among the players making waves this year is Cooper Flagg, a standout from Duke, who is already generating significant buzz as one of the top prospects we’ve seen come out of college in quite some time. The question on everyone’s mind: Will he declare for the draft after just one season, or is another year in college on the table?
When analyzing Flagg’s freshman campaign, it’s hard to overlook how much he has achieved. The Blue Devils have wrapped up the regular season with an impressive 28-3 record, including a dominant 19-1 in conference play. Flagg’s contributions have been formidable; he has garnered accolades galore, named Player of the Week a dozen times and winning both the ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. This places him in elite company alongside Duke legends like Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley, and Jahlil Okafor.
As we dive into his stats, it’s clear Flagg has been a force on the court. Averaging 30.9 minutes per game, he compiled numbers that reflect his impact:
- 19.4 points per game
- 7.6 rebounds per game
- 4.2 assists per game
- 1.5 steals per game
- 1.3 blocks per game
With such an impressive first season, one might question why Flagg would consider returning to Duke instead of opting for the NBA, where he is projected to be a top pick. It’s a fair point. However, several factors could influence his decision to stay for another year.
The landscape of college basketball has changed dramatically with the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements, allowing players to monetize their brand. For an 18-year-old like Flagg, who reclassified to enter college early, staying at Duke could mean capitalizing on his stardom while at a prestigious program. His NIL valuation sits at an impressive $4.8 million, the highest in college basketball and second overall in college sports, trailing only Arch Manning. With endorsement deals from major brands like Fanatics and Gatorade — contracts that some established pros still covet — the financial incentive to remain in college is considerable.
Moreover, should he decide to enter the 2026 NBA Draft instead of 2025, Flagg would still only be 19 years old, similar to many one-and-done players. This strategic choice could allow him to further refine his game and enhance his appeal for scouts, ideally landing him on a roster that presents a more stable future.
When it comes to the NBA Draft lottery, teams like the Wizards, Jazz, and Hornets currently hold the highest odds for securing the top picks. These franchises face significant rebuilding challenges, making the decision to wait for a potentially better opportunity quite compelling. The allure of playing for a more established team could weigh heavily in Flagg’s decision-making process.
Ultimately, Flagg will likely declare for the NBA Draft in the coming weeks, but the prospects of continuing his development at Duke — combined with the lucrative NIL landscape — could make a return to college a worthwhile gamble. For now, the basketball world will keep a close eye on his next move, with March Madness set to showcase the abilities of this rising star one last time before he makes his decision.
