Cooper Flagg of Duke reportedly replies to chants of “one more year” by “running it back” on the bench.
Cooper Flagg of Duke Reportedly Replies to Chants of “One More Year” by “Running It Back” on the Bench: A Reflection on the Future of a College Basketball Phenomenon
The world of college basketball is never short of excitement, and one of its most talked-about players in recent years is Cooper Flagg, the highly-touted freshman from Duke University. With the blue-chip prospect’s arrival in Durham, expectations for the Duke Blue Devils have reached astronomical heights. Flagg, already regarded as one of the best high school players in the nation, has showcased a rare combination of skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ that have led many to believe that he could soon be on the verge of NBA stardom.
But as his freshman season at Duke progresses, Flagg has been met with an interesting phenomenon—a chorus of adoring fans urging him to stay for one more year before making the leap to the professional ranks. These chants of “one more year” from the crowd during games have sparked intrigue, with Flagg’s reported response of “running it back” on the bench adding another layer of drama to his already high-profile college career.
This response has led to much speculation about Flagg’s future, as well as a broader discussion about the college-to-NBA pipeline, the pressures of being a highly touted freshman, and the relationship between college players and fans. In this article, we will examine Cooper Flagg’s rise to prominence, the context behind the “one more year” chants, and what this response could mean for the future of college basketball and Flagg’s career trajectory.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg: A Talent Like No Other
Before delving into the specifics of the “one more year” chants and Flagg’s reply, it’s important to understand the exceptional nature of Cooper Flagg as a player. Flagg’s rise to national prominence began in high school, where he became widely regarded as one of the most gifted players in his class. With a combination of size, athleticism, basketball IQ, and versatility, Flagg was a force on both ends of the floor. At 6’9” and with a wingspan that seems to stretch forever, he possesses the ability to impact a game in multiple ways, whether it’s by scoring, rebounding, or defending at a high level.
Flagg’s skill set is not that of a typical high school player. His shooting range, court vision, and leadership abilities stood out, but it’s his defensive prowess that truly sets him apart. His ability to guard multiple positions—often locking down opposing players with his elite shot-blocking ability and positional awareness—has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He has been compared to some of the best players in the game, with many calling him a potential generational talent.
Flagg’s recruitment to Duke University was one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The Blue Devils, under coach Jon Scheyer, were eager to add a player of Flagg’s caliber to their roster. As Duke is a school that consistently produces top-tier talent for the NBA, it was no surprise that Flagg chose to continue his basketball journey there, looking to make an immediate impact in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and beyond.
Flagg’s Freshman Year at Duke: Living Up to the Hype
From the moment he hit the floor for his first official game at Duke, Cooper Flagg has lived up to the hype. His game has translated well to the college level, and his seamless adaptation to the demands of Division I basketball has made it clear that he is one of the most promising players in the country. Throughout his freshman campaign, Flagg has been a key contributor for the Blue Devils, playing a significant role on both sides of the ball.
On offense, Flagg has displayed his ability to score from all over the court. His jump shot has improved, allowing him to stretch the floor and space the floor for teammates. His basketball IQ shines through in his decision-making, often making the right pass or finding himself in the right spot at the right time to score. However, it is on defense where Flagg’s true impact is felt the most. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and defensive versatility has made him one of the best defensive players in the country.
Flagg’s performances have helped lead Duke to several impressive victories, and his individual stats reflect the immense promise he brings to the game. He has shown flashes of greatness, earning praise from coaches, analysts, and fans alike. It’s clear that Flagg has the potential to be a future NBA star, and his early success at Duke has only heightened the expectations surrounding his future.
The “One More Year” Chants: A Sign of Admiration and Hope
As the season has progressed, Duke fans have grown increasingly attached to Flagg and his play. The Duke fan base, known for its passionate support of the team, has come to see Flagg as the future of the program. During several home games, especially in moments of brilliance or clutch plays, fans in Cameron Indoor Stadium have begun chanting “one more year,” urging Flagg to return for his sophomore season rather than declaring for the NBA Draft after his freshman year.
These chants are a testament to the connection that Flagg has built with the fans in a relatively short amount of time. College basketball fans are often deeply invested in their teams, and it’s not unusual for them to want to see a star player stick around for another season. However, the “one more year” chants also reflect something deeper: the hope that Flagg can help Duke win another national championship and continue to build his legacy within the college basketball world.
Fans understand that a player of Flagg’s talent is unlikely to stay in college for long. The NBA is the ultimate goal for many top prospects, and Flagg is no exception. However, the “one more year” chants represent a form of wishful thinking—a desire to see him develop further under Coach Scheyer and to enjoy the college basketball experience for just a little longer before making the leap to the professional ranks.
Flagg’s Reported Response: “Running It Back”
In what has become one of the more talked-about moments of the season, Cooper Flagg reportedly responded to the chants of “one more year” by saying he would be “running it back.” This simple phrase—“running it back”—has since taken on a life of its own, with many fans interpreting it as Flagg’s acknowledgment of the possibility of staying for another season at Duke.
The phrase itself is commonly used in sports circles to describe a team or player returning to compete in the next season after a successful campaign. For Flagg, this response could be seen as a playful and affectionate acknowledgment of the fans’ desires. It is possible that Flagg, while fully aware of his NBA prospects, is not yet ready to commit to a decision and is savoring his time at Duke. His response was delivered in a light-hearted manner, suggesting that he enjoys the admiration and support of the fans but is also focused on the task at hand—helping Duke achieve success during the current season.
There are a few possible interpretations of Flagg’s remark:
- A Sign of Enjoyment and Commitment to Duke: Flagg’s response could signify that he is enjoying his time at Duke and the experience of being a part of such a prestigious program. This could be seen as his way of showing that he is fully invested in the present moment and focused on contributing to the team’s success.
- A Humble Acknowledgment of the Fans’ Support: Flagg’s comment could also be an expression of gratitude toward the fans. By saying “running it back,” he acknowledges their support and shows appreciation for the connection they have built with him in such a short amount of time.
- A Hint at Future Uncertainty: Although the phrase was lighthearted, it could also indicate that Flagg is not yet certain about his future and is taking his time in making the decision. With the pressure to enter the NBA Draft looming, Flagg’s statement could suggest that he’s still weighing his options and considering what is best for his development both as a player and as a person.
The Impact of Flagg’s Decision on College Basketball and the NBA Draft
Cooper Flagg’s potential decision to either stay at Duke for another season or declare for the NBA Draft will have significant implications for both college basketball and the NBA. If Flagg decides to stay for his sophomore year, it would create another year of excitement around Duke basketball, giving the team a chance to further develop under his leadership. His presence in college basketball for another year would elevate the competition and add more depth to the 2026 NCAA tournament, as Flagg is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the nation.
On the other hand, if Flagg chooses to declare for the NBA Draft, it would further solidify his status as a top-tier prospect and add to the growing trend of elite players making the jump to the professional ranks after their freshman year. With his talent, Flagg is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, where his unique blend of skills and potential would make him a highly coveted asset for any team looking to build for the future.
