BREAKING: Duke Fans in Jubilation as Rising Star Cooper Duke Declared Non-Eligible by NBA — Set to Return to Blue Devils
In a shocking twist that’s sent shockwaves across the college basketball landscape, Cooper Duke—one of Duke’s breakout stars—has been declared non-eligible for the upcoming NBA Draft due to age and classification technicalities, paving the way for his dramatic return to Durham next season. And for Duke fans, it’s nothing short of jubilation.
After a standout freshman season in which he averaged 16.8 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, Cooper Duke quickly became a fan favorite and was widely expected to declare for the NBA Draft. Many analysts projected him as a late first-rounder or early second-round steal. His court vision, explosive first step, and ability to control the tempo of the game made him one of the most polished young guards in college hoops.
However, the NBA issued a surprise ruling this week, stating that Duke was not eligible to enter the 2025 Draft due to a classification irregularity. The ruling stems from a reclassification during his high school career, which technically left him one academic year short of eligibility under current NBA guidelines. The decision is final, and Cooper Duke will remain ineligible until the 2026 Draft.
While the ruling has sparked debate across the basketball community, the reaction in Durham has been pure elation.
Within hours of the announcement, social media lit up with reactions from Duke fans, players, and alumni alike. “Let’s run it back!” tweeted teammate Trey Johnson, while Coach Jon Scheyer simply posted: “Year 2 loading…” with a devil emoji. Cameron Indoor Stadium is already buzzing at the thought of Cooper’s return, and expectations for next season have skyrocketed.
Duke’s 2025-26 roster, which already includes incoming five-star recruits and high-profile transfers like Elijah Ransom, just became a legitimate national title contender. The backcourt duo of Duke and Johnson will be among the best in the country, combining high-level playmaking with elite scoring and defensive toughness. Add to that the presence of Kaden Parks in the paint, and the Blue Devils suddenly have the makings of a powerhouse.
Cooper Duke’s return also gives him an extra year to fine-tune his game and push his draft stock even higher. With another full season under his belt, many believe he could move into lottery-pick territory by 2026.
For now, though, the focus is firmly on Duke basketball. What began as a postseason of uncertainty—after Caleb Flagg’s departure and shifting roster dynamics—has suddenly transformed into a celebration of opportunity. The unexpected return of Cooper Duke doesn’t just bring back a star—it reignites belief in a championship run.
Duke is back in the spotlight. The fire is burning once again in Cameron. And the Blue Devils just got their floor general back.
