Duke Blue Devils freshman star Cooper Flagg has long been rumored to be the overall first pick for the 2025 NBA draft, but there has been some buzz in the rumor mill that he might not go for the draft this year and choose to play for one more college season instead. This was the same prediction by one analyst, except for one difference in reason.
In one of the recent episodes of his podcast, analyst and insider Kevin O’Connor discussed the idea of Cooper Flagg not going for the NBA Draft this year, but for entirely different reasons than originally rumored.
“Betting odds out there say he’s more likely to return to Duke than to play for the Hornets,” O’Connor said in the podcast. “I don’t buy that he’s more likely to come back to Duke. However, there will be a day I think we’d see a projected No. 1 pick decide to go back to school because the NIL money is just so significant that they’ll say, ‘You know what? I’ll take some losses for one year in order to live a college life again.”
Cooper Flagg has been a standout player and the long-time apparent first pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6’9″ forward from Duke University has been turning heads with his exceptional skills and versatility on the court.
Flagg is known for his defensive prowess, shot-blocking ability, and polished offensive game and has comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Garnett.
Cooper Flagg Called a “Generational” Talent
Earlier this year, in a post-game interview, Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes gave high praises for Cooper Flagg, following a game where the Blue Devils defeated the Deacons 63-56.
“Generational,” Forbes said when asked to describe Flagg. “I’ll give you an example – their leading scorer last year was the first pick in the second round. This guy will be the first pick in the first round. Big difference.
Steve Forbes calls Cooper Flagg a “generational” talent.
You’ll want to hear the players Forbes associated Flagg with — including Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant — and his stories facing them. pic.twitter.com/1mkH6ZCAO0
— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamShow) January 26, 2025
“He’s a tough guy to guard. He’s got all the tools. The great thing about him… is his unselfishness. That he really wants other people to succeed.”
During his freshman season at Duke, Flagg averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. His impressive performance has made him the consensus No. 1 pick in various mock drafts, with many experts believing he can instantly change the trajectory of any NBA franchise.
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