Since entering college basketball this season, Cooper Flagg has become an unstoppable force who mesmerizes fans. Flagg immediately took command of the Duke program, dominating opponents with a combination of freakish genetics, skill and size. Flagg posts phenomenal averages of 19 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, and has established himself as one of the best players in the country.
However, this season hasn’t been without its struggles for Flagg. During an ACC Tournament game against Georgia Tech, Flagg sprained an ankle while attempting to grab a rebound and missed the remainder of the tournament. He’s returned to his old ways since returning for the NCAA Tournament, but fans and analysts are still weighing in on his next move.
Analyst Chris Mannix Gives an Update on Cooper Flagg’s Next Move
Mannix jumped straight to the point, stating that staying at Duke for another season would be a mistake for the 6-foot-9 forward. According to him, staying at Duke would expose Flagg to unnecessary risks—particularly the possibility of injury—which could significantly impact his draft stock in the NBA and long-term earning potential.
“Hell no. I haven’t talked to people in Flagg’s orbit about this, but no one in the NBA believes Flagg won’t be in the draft this June… The reason is two-fold. He could get hurt. There really isn’t a career-ending injury anymore, but if Flagg got hurt playing for Duke next year it could damage his draft stock and could cost him time when he turns pro. There’s money.” wrote Mannix.
Mannix’s claims hold weight. There are countless examples where a similar scenario has played out. One is Nerlens Noel, a former Kentucky standout who was projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. However, a devastating ACL tear in his freshman year caused him to slide to the sixth overall pick, leading to a much less lucrative rookie contract.
Scouts predict Flagg will be the No. 1 pick in 2025, so he could maximize current financial opportunities by entering the draft right away instead of risking more college exposure.
Ultimately, Flagg’s decision will come down to long-term security versus short-term development. If Mannix’s assessment is correct, Flagg should take his talents to the NBA before fate deals him a bad hand. But Mannix wasn’t the only one to speak on Flagg’s future.
Blue Devils Coach Updates on Flagg’s Future
As the NBA season slowly comes to an end, analysts are busy making predictions about the future of rising stars—and Duke’s Cooper Flagg is at the center of discussions. At the start of his freshman season, Flagg confirmed to The Athletic that he wanted to remain at Duke, but according to recent comments from his coach Jon Scheyer, the situation has become uncertain.
Scheyer recently spoke about Flagg’s impressive season, emphasizing the impact he has made on the team. He hinted that while Flagg has been instrumental in Duke’s success, his future might lie beyond college basketball.
“Cooper is about to move on with something incredibly special with the next step he’s going to go after this. But happiness doesn’t necessarily equate to just becoming a pro or just making money, although they’re making money either way now,” said Scheyer.
Flagg’s recent performance of 30 points against the Arizona Wildcats in the NCAA Sweet 16 has only intensified speculation. His dominance on the court suggests that he may have already made up his mind about making the leap to the NBA, setting the stage for an exciting draft night.