With Cooper Flagg headed to the 2025 NBA Draft, the Duke Blue Devils lose one of the most dominant freshmen in recent college basketball history. Flagg won nearly every major award, including AP National Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year.
He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. His +15.0 box plus-minus ranked among the best ever for a freshman, comparable to Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis.
But his impact extended beyond the numbers. Flagg led Duke in every key category, from scoring and rebounding to steals and blocks. He set the tone on both ends and served as the team’s leader on and off the floor. With his departure, Duke must replace not only elite production but also its identity and structure on both sides of the ball.
How Will Cooper Flagg’s NBA Departure Set Up Duke for 2025?
The Duke Blue Devils are entering a period of transition. Along with Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach entered the NBA Draft, while Sion James graduated. That leaves returners Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Patrick Ngongba II, and Maliq Brown as the holdovers from last season’s core.
Cameron Boozer now becomes the focal point. A top-three national recruit and son of Duke alum Carlos Boozer, the 6’9″ forward arrives with high expectations. He is not a one-to-one replacement for Flagg but brings excellent footwork, scoring ability, and natural feel for the game. Duke will rely heavily on his development to stabilize the frontcourt.
’25-26 1st look 👀 –> @CameronBoozer12 📹 pic.twitter.com/HRhz5UjBGu
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 19, 2025
Originally, Duke had secured Washington State transfer Cedric Coward to boost the wing, but he decided to stay in the NBA draft. In response, the Blue Devils added Italian guard Dame Sarr, a 6’7″ prospect with professional experience from FC Barcelona. He impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit and is expected to play a major role on the wing.
Jon Scheyer’s projected starting lineup might include Sarr, Foster, and Evans in the backcourt and Boozer and Ngongba in the frontcourt. Cayden Boozer and five-star forward Nikolas Khamenia will add support off the bench, and Brown, a proven role player, will provide defense and leadership.
Replacing Cooper Flagg’s all-around presence will not be easy. Duke may see a dip in early-season efficiency as the roster settles. A slight drop in win total is likely, with the team expected to land between 25 and 27 victories and a finish near the top four in the ACC.
Keep Reading: Projected No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg Boldly Names His Top 3 NBA Players but Leaves Out LeBron James, Michael Jordan
Still, the pieces are there to compete. Boozer has the potential to become a dominant frontcourt presence. Sarr gives the team a versatile scoring threat and adds defensive flexibility. With Foster and Evans bringing back stability, Duke maintains a solid foundation.
all about the squad pic.twitter.com/YvTt9c2fsn
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 22, 2025
A Final Four run may be less likely without Flagg’s star power, but the team has the talent to reach the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight. If the young players grow into their roles quickly and chemistry develops, Duke could still be playing deep into March.