Duke Phenom Cooper Flagg Declares for 2025 NBA Draft After Record-Smashing Freshman Year

Cooper Flagg is officially making his leap from Duke’s blue to the NBA’s bright lights. After just one electrifying season, the 18-year-old sensation announced Monday on social media that he’s declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. The buzz? He’s expected to go No. 1 overall—hardly a surprise if you’ve caught even a minute of his highlight reels.

"It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life," Flagg said in his Instagram video, radiating both gratitude and confidence. "I have so much gratitude, I feel so blessed for all the opportunities I was given." Duke was always a dream, but with "the brotherhood" behind him, he’s ready for the next chapter—and let’s be honest, NBA fans have been drooling over this announcement since November.

Flagg didn’t just play for Duke—he dominated. He led the team in every major stat category: racking up 709 points, 278 rebounds, 155 assists, 52 steals, and averaging 1.4 blocks per game. The dude was basically a one-man highlight factory. His standout moment? A jaw-dropping 42-point performance against Notre Dame in January, setting a new ACC freshman record and making defenders question their life choices.

Coach Jon Scheyer wasn’t shy about his praise, calling Flagg’s season "off the charts" and as good as any freshman Duke has ever had. The numbers—and the trophy case—back that up. Flagg finished his year with a semifinal run in the NCAA men’s tournament and became just the fourth freshman to win the Naismith Player of the Year Award. That’s rarified air, folks.

Looking ahead, the NBA Draft lottery takes place next month. The Utah Jazz, owners of the league’s worst record, have a 14% shot at snagging the top pick. Somewhere in Salt Lake City, execs are probably lighting candles and crossing every finger and toe they have for Flagg’s arrival.