Duke forward Cooper Flagg has announced his intention to enter the 2025 NBA Draft, capping off an impressive freshman season that earned him unanimous National Player of the Year honors. The 18-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, becoming the first freshman in college basketball history to lead his team in every major statistical category.
Flagg’s impact extends beyond statistics, as he was used by Duke coach Jon Scheyer as the team’s de facto point guard, initiating the Blue Devils’ offense and freeing up teammates for their own looks. He also set the single-game ACC freshman scoring record with 42 points against Notre Dame in January.
Defensively, Flagg was a key cog in Duke’s unit, earning a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist nomination despite being just a teenager. His versatility made him one of the better help defenders in the country, and his rapid improvements this season have cemented his status as an NBA prospect.
Flagg’s decision to leave college early was not surprising, given his impressive freshman season and his growth into a top-tier player. He reclassified up a year and joined Duke last summer, and his rapid development has made him a generational talent. The Utah Jazz are currently the heavy favorites to earn the No. 1 pick in the draft.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6286051/2025/04/21/cooper-flagg-nba-draft-declares-duke