Duke’s Cooper Flagg declares for NBA draft

Field Level Media|published: Mon 21st April, 11:12 2025

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-Houston at Duke

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) walks off the court after losing to the Houston Cougars in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Wooden Award winner and Duke freshman Cooper Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.

He is the projected No. 1 overall pick in the June 25 draft in New York. Flagg made the announcement in a post to Instagram.

"It was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life," Flagg said in a video. "I have so much gratitude. 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's just the beginning, but I have the brotherhood with me for life."

Flagg also became just the fourth freshman to win the Naismith Trophy, joining Texas' Kevin Durant (2007), Kentucky's Anthony Davis (2012) and Duke's Zion Williamson (2019).

The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 37 games, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. He was also named the ACC Player of the Year.

Flagg joins fellow freshman and Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, who declared for draft last week. He's projected as a lottery pick by ESPN.

--Field Level Media

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