It’s extremely unlikely to occur, however this definitely isn’t what any of the NBA bottom-feeders need to hear.
Cooper Flagg, Duke’s star freshman, who’s projected to be the No. 1 decide within the 2025 draft, is teasing staying at school for a second season.
“S–t,” Flagg instructed The Athletic in an interview this week. “I want to come back next year.”
Getting into Saturday, Flagg was averaging 19.8 factors, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per recreation for the No. 3-ranked Blue Devils, producing top-of-the-line freshman seasons in latest reminiscence.
He was the No. 1 recruit within the 2024 class after starring on the famed Montverde Academy.
“I still feel like a kid,” Flagg instructed the outlet. “That is the one means I’ve ever recognized school. That’s how I see it. I actually wouldn’t know the way youngsters felt earlier than, and if this feels totally different, if this feels extra like being an expert. I imply, it’s the identical factor for youths in highschool, too, getting paid some huge cash. I don’t know. I really feel fairly regular.
“I always wanted to play in college at the highest level and compete for a national championship. That sort of thing is what I dreamed about.”
Even along with his profitable NIL earnings — he has a $4.3 million NIL valuation, in line with On3 — it’s arduous to imagine Flagg would bypass the draft.
Listed at 6-foot-9 and 205 kilos, the 18-year-old Flagg possesses the construct and two-way skillset that NBA executives usually crave.
He’s the heavy favourite to win the Picket Award as the very best participant within the nation.
