BREAKING: Cooper Flagg Declares for NBA Draft, Issues Emotional Farewell to Duke
Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, ending weeks of speculation and delivering the news many Blue Devil fans feared was coming.
In an emotional statement released Thursday, Flagg confirmed his intention to take the next step in his basketball journey, bringing his electrifying — albeit brief — college career to a close.
“Duke will always be home,” Flagg wrote. “This past year has been the most unforgettable experience of my life. Coach Scheyer, my teammates, the fans — you all believed in me from day one. I gave everything I had to this program, and now I’m ready to chase my dream at the next level.”
Flagg’s announcement comes after a freshman season filled with highlight-reel plays, elite defensive performances, and leadership beyond his years. The 6’9″ forward arrived in Durham as the No. 1 recruit in the nation and quickly lived up to — and arguably exceeded — the hype. His blend of athleticism, basketball IQ, and competitive fire made him a projected top-three pick in this year’s draft, with many scouts considering him a contender for the No. 1 overall selection.
While some fans held out hope that Flagg might return for a second season, sources close to the program had long indicated that his NBA leap was inevitable. Head coach Jon Scheyer addressed the announcement with pride and appreciation.
“Cooper has been everything we hoped for and more,” Scheyer said. “He raised the bar on and off the court. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent, but more importantly, he’s a great teammate and leader. We’re incredibly proud of him and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes at the next level.”
Flagg’s departure leaves a sizable void for Duke, but the program has already begun to retool. With veteran guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster returning, along with forward Sean Stewart, Scheyer has a solid foundation to build on. Still, there’s no replacing a player like Flagg, who had a game-changing impact on both ends of the floor.
Social media erupted following the announcement, with some Duke fans expressing support, while others lamented the loss of a generational talent after just one season.
Flagg concluded his statement with a message for the Duke faithful: “This isn’t goodbye — it’s see you later. I’ll always be proud to be part of the Brotherhood. Thank you for embracing me and pushing me to be my best. I’ll carry that with me wherever I go.”
As the NBA Draft approaches, one thing is clear — Cooper Flagg’s next chapter is just beginning, and Duke’s loss will soon be the NBA’s gain.
