The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils are doing well as the NCAA Tournament looms in less than three weeks. However, there is growing chatter about Cooper Flagg, a freshman star and expected No. 1 pick. He reportedly hinted at returning to Duke for his sophomore season, despite being one of the top players in the country.
“I want to come back next year,” Flagg said, reflecting on the joy he has had playing for Duke throughout his freshman season since landing in Durham.
While many believe this is doubtful, considering Flagg’s status as a generational talent and near-certainty for the first choice, the rise of name, image, and likeness licensing arrangements, as well as the desire to wind up in the proper NBA situation, make this possibility more likely.
Former Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski offered insight on the subject, offering advice to Flagg as he makes this critical decision.
“There are a lot of factors at play, but in Cooper’s case, he should do whatever he feels is best for him,” Krzyzewski said on his SiriusXM show. “My thing is just be smart. Be smart for you. You only get to do this once, and you’re only going to have this opportunity for a certain amount of time. And really, you’re talking about generational wealth — real generational wealth — if you do it the right way.”
This season, Flagg is a strong contender for National Player of the Year, with Auburn forward Johni Broome. He averages 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocked shots per game. Flagg leads the Blue Devils in minutes played, points scored, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and field goal %.
Flagg led Duke to a 100-65 victory over Florida State on Saturday, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals to move to 26-3. With two games left in the regular season, the Blue Devils lead the ACC standings.
