Just like Paige Bueckers lit up women’s college basketball, the men’s side had its own sensation this season: Cooper Flagg. The 6-foot-9 forward was at the center of the college basketball world, making headlines all year with his standout play.
In the 2024-25 season, Flagg led the Duke Blue Devils on a deep March Madness run, all the way to the Final Four. In a close semifinal, Flagg poured in 27 points, but Duke narrowly lost to Houston, 70-67. Now, just weeks later, Flagg has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft — and his coach had a powerful message for him.
Duke Coach Jon Scheyer Has Message for Cooper Flagg
Just after Flagg announced his decision to enter the draft, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer shared a heartfelt message on social media.
“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,” said Scheyer in the video.
An absolute winner. Best player in the country. The #1 pick. 🙏 @Cooper_Flagg
🗣️ @JonScheyer pic.twitter.com/ICbS1wnYDT
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 21, 2025
Flagg committed to Duke in October 2023, and from Day 1, he lived up to the hype. He found success right away, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game in the regular season. Flagg’s rare combination of size, quickness, and basketball IQ made him a standout who quickly earned praise from all over.
Looking at his accolades, the young forward was named the 2025 NABC Freshman of the Year, National College Player of the Year (2025), and a consensus first-team All-American — becoming the first freshman to win the award since Zion Williamson.
But behind every great player is often a great coach, and Scheyer has shown he’s that guy. After serving as an assistant under Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer took over in 2022 and has already led Duke to multiple Elite Eight and Final Four runs.
With the support of his coach, teammates, and Duke fans, Flagg is ready for what’s next.
Flagg Might Change His Mind Last Moment
Even though Flagg has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, he still has time to change his mind. The NCAA allows early entrants to withdraw by May 28, giving players like Flagg a chance to return to college if they choose.
The idea of Flagg pulling out of the draft isn’t out of the question. Back in February, he told The Athletic that he wanted to stay in college longer.
“I want to come back next year. I still feel like a kid… This is the only way I’ve ever known college. That’s how I see it. I really wouldn’t know how kids felt before, and if this feels different, if this feels more like being a professional. I mean, it’s the same thing for kids in high school, too, getting paid a lot of money. I don’t know. I feel pretty normal,” Flagg said.
The first round of the 79th edition of the NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25. Until then, all eyes will be on Flagg as fans, scouts, and executives wait for his final decision.