Duke Blue Devils fans might need to brace themselves — the Cooper Flagg era at Durham appears to be over.
While many hoped the 18-year-old sensation would return for another season, former Duke star and NBA player Jay Williams has all but confirmed that won’t happen. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, Williams shut down speculation about Flagg’s college future.
“I just can’t see Cooper Flagg staying at Duke,” Williams said plainly.
“Think about how many max contracts he can get, and I imagine he would be trying to start that process as soon as possible.”
Duke’s recent Final Four exit to the Houston Cougars already had fans questioning whether that was Flagg’s last game in a Blue Devils jersey. If so, it was an unforgettable ride.
The 6’9” freshman phenom more than lived up to the hype, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks per game, and shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc.
Although Flagg hasn’t officially declared for the NBA Draft, his recent comments suggest he’s leaning that way.
“It would be a blessing for me to get drafted [by any] team in the NBA,” Flagg told NJ.com.
“That’s a dream of mine, to play in the NBA. I would feel completely blessed and honoured to play for any team.”
Not exactly the words of someone planning another year in college.
With Flagg projected to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, it’s easy to see why Jay Williams is so confident. For Duke fans, it may be time to say goodbye — and thanks — to a generational talent.
