- Duke’s Cooper Flagg is the consensus pick to be #1 in the 2025 NBA Draft this summer.
- Flagg had a massive night in what could be his final home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium with 28 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals in a win over Wake Forest.
- Flagg didn’t confirm he was leaving for the NBA, while the crowd chanted “one more year”.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg is, far and away, slated to be the consensus #1 pick for the 2025 NBA Draft in June. The forward has had a great season for Duke, who are one of the favorites for March Madness.
Flagg did it all on Monday night for what might be his final home game at Duke, filling the box score in a 93-60 rout of Wake Forest.
Flagg Stars, Duke Clinches Share of ACC Regular-Season Title
It was a great team win for the Blue Devils, but Flagg was the star of the show against the Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The freshman led the team with 28 points, but added eight rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and a pair of steals in a virtuoso performance. Flagg left the game with 2:21 to go, to chants of “one more year” from the rabid “Cameron Crazies”.
The win gave Duke at least a share of the ACC regular-season title with an 18-1 conference record, and they’re now 27-3 overall. The Blue Devils also ended the regular season with a perfect 17-0 record at Cameron, arguably the toughest place to play in college basketball.
Flagg is averaging 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for the Blue Devils, along with 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. He is a popular selection in college basketball player props all season. His all-around game has made him a shoo-in for the #1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but his job isn’t done yet. Duke ends the regular season on Saturday at bitter rivals North Carolina, who are battling for a March Madness spot and a win would go a long way.
The 18-year-old wouldn’t say whether he was staying at Duke or leaving for the draft, saying he was “living in the present” after the game. But it would be a massive surprise if Flagg returned for another season with the NBA calling.
What Does Flagg Mean to Duke’s March Madness Chances?
The Blue Devils, along with Auburn, are at the top of the March Madness odds for the tournament, which starts on March 18. Flagg is the main reason why the Blue Devils are thought of so highly, but he gets plenty of help from guards Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor.
Duke is also one of the best defensive teams in the country, with length and athleticism all over the court. As good as Flagg is offensively, he’s also an excellent defender that knows where to be to help, he has active hands, and in college, his thin frame isn’t an issue.
The Blue Devils should go into the ACC Tournament with the #1 seed, and they should also be one of the four #1 seeds for March Madness. An important part of their success will be Flagg, who is looking to leave his mark on Duke before cashing in on the NBA.
