Cooper Flagg’s extraordinary season lifted the Duke Blue Devils to heights not seen since 2022, guiding them to a coveted Final Four appearance. But despite dropping 27 points in a hard-fought loss to Houston in the semifinals, Flagg couldn’t push Duke into the championship game.
Still, the heartbreak has turned into celebration for Duke fans, as there’s good news now.
Fans Happy With Cooper Flagg’s Draft Decision
In a bittersweet moment that marks the end of a short but brilliant chapter, Flagg — who carried Duke’s title hopes — officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on Monday, April 21.
League next. Duke forever.
Thank you @Cooper_Flagg‼️💙💙😈 pic.twitter.com/PLapqqvZnj
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 21, 2025
Duke fans flooded social media with emotional tributes to their departing star.
In just one season, Flagg redefined what a freshman could accomplish at Duke. He led the team in points, rebounds, and blocks, earned NABC Freshman of the Year honors, and was a consensus first-team All-American. His defense and clutch moments made him a fan favorite and one of the most decorated freshmen in Duke history.
“What a ride. Best freshman we’ve ever seen. Go be great Coop! Thanks for everything!” wrote one fan.
What a ride. Best freshman we’ve ever seen. Go be great Coop! Thanks for everything!
— Bentley Weeks (@BentleyWeeks) April 21, 2025
Flagg has long been projected as the No. 1 overall pick. This season, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game — all while shooting over 48.1% from the field. His play quickly caught the attention of NBA scouts.
“Hot take: He goes No. 1 Overall in the MNBA Draft,” wrote another user.
Hot take:
He goes No. 1 Overall in the MNBA Draft
— Colby Marchio (@C_Marchio2) April 21, 2025
While Duke continues to land top-tier talent every year, the championship drought now stretches back to 2015. With one-and-done players like Flagg leaving after one season, it’s been tough to build lasting chemistry. Some fans think holding onto star players longer might be the key to another banner.
“Duke needs to get away from lottery picks it’s hurting at a chance for a title,” wrote one user.
Duke needs to get away from lottery picks it’s hurting at a chance for a title
— James Miller (@Jaymills8888) April 21, 2025
While most fans celebrated Flagg’s decision and showed love, one fan didn’t hold back, pointing to the Final Four loss as proof that Flagg couldn’t finish the job.
“this guy sucks lmao Houston destroyed him AHAHH,” said the fan.
this guy sucks lmao Houston destroyed him AHAHH
— COOOOGS HOUSE (@N3onTruth) April 21, 2025
Still, even those with doubts recognize Flagg’s legacy. He gave Duke fans a season to remember, with clutch shots, highlight dunks, and steady leadership. Most of all, he left behind a blueprint for greatness, even in just one year.
Duke’s Coach Leaves Heartwarming Message for Flagg
There’s no question Flagg hit another level in his freshman season. And while he gets the credit, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer deserves some, too.
After Flagg declared, Scheyer quickly shared a heartfelt message.
“Really proud of Cooper for the special season that he had this year. You know, I think the accolades speak for itself with what he did, you know, winning every national player of the year award. His highlights, his statistics, the way he has impacted the game on both ends of the floor, really in every category, was off the charts. As good of a freshman season that the guy has had here.
“But to me, the separator of the joy of coaching Cooper is the person he was every day and the teammate that he was. Never about statistics or anything other than creating an environment and helping his team to win. And we won a lot of games and had a lot of success and a lot of times that environment’s created from your best player, and Cooper did an incredible job in every facet of our program,” Scheyer said.
Scheyer took over as head coach in 2022. This is the second time under him that the Blue Devils have reached the Final Four—proof the program is still in good hands.