‘Year of my life’ – Cooper Flagg fires starting gun for NBA Draft race with emotional declaration
There will be no drama in Durham.
Cooper Flagg has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
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Flagg is the overwhelming favorite to be the first pick in the draftCredit: GettyThe star forward who just finished his first (and only) season at Duke, with one of the best seasons in college basketball history for a freshman, officially announced that he will be taking his talents to the NBA.
Flagg posted an emotional video on Instagram, declaring his intentions.
“Duke fans, my teammates, the Brotherhood, and everybody that was along for this journey,” Flagg began.
“It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life. I have so much gratitude.
READ MORE NBA”I feel so blessed for all the opportunities that I was given.
“Duke has always been a dream for me, but I’m excited to announce that I’ll be entering my name into the 2025 NBA Draft.
“Today is just the beginning, but I have the Brotherhood with me for life.”
The 18-year-old is far and away the favorite to hear his name called first at the Barclays Center on June 25th.
For which team?
That is still to be decided, as the lottery will take place on May 12.
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Flagg is headed to the NBACredit: GettyTheĀ Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte HornetsĀ all have the highest odds (14%) of landing the No. 1 pick and with it, the almost certain prize of a generational talent.
Flagg is coming off his lone year in Durham in which he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game.
He helped lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four, falling just two wins shy of a national championship.
However, it was a historic run for Flagg, as the 6-foot-9 forward became the first player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in a Final Four game since defensive stats became official in 1986.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer posted a message to social media after Flagg’s decision.
“Really proud of Cooper for the special season that he had this year,” Scheyer said.
Discover Cooper Flagg’s hidden talent that can give the NBA their next LeBron James
“I think that accolades speak for itself with what he did. Winning every National Player of the Year award. His highlights, his statistics, the way he impacted the game on both ends of the floor.
“It was off the charts as good of a freshman season that guy has had here… Cooper did an incredible job in every facet of our program.”
