Duke's Flagg confirms NBA draft entry
Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg, the projected No.1 pick and Wooden Award winner, announced on Monday that he will officially be entering the NBA Draft.
Flagg was also the No. 1 prospect in the 2024 high school class and has been considered the favorite to be drafted first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft since he became eligible upon reclassifying in August 2023.
During his lone season at Duke, he led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks; he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
The 6-foot-9 forward shot 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range, and helped the Blue Devils to a 34-5 record, won the ACC regular season and tournament titles, and reached the Final Four for the first time since 2022.
His statement performance during ACC competition came against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in January, when he set the ACC freshman record for points in a game, scoring 42, and getting six rebounds and seven assists in their win.
"Duke fans, my team-mates, the brotherhood, everybody that was along for the journey," Flagg said in a video on social media.
"It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life, and I have so much gratitude, and 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."
He was the consensus National Player of the Year and became only the fourth freshman to win the Wooden Award.