Is Cooper Flagg going to the NBA? 5 BIGGEST hints that confirm Duke star will declare for the Draft

The buzz surrounding Cooper Flagg, Duke’s sensational freshman, has been nearly impossible to ignore throughout the 2024–25 college basketball season. As the year winds down and the NBA Draft conversation heats up, the million-dollar question echoes louder with each passing week: Is Cooper Flagg going to the NBA?

While Flagg hasn’t officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft just yet, a series of major clues point to one inevitable conclusion—he’s bound for the big league. Below, we break down the five biggest hints that all but confirm Flagg’s jump to the pros after just one electric year in Durham.

1. Dominant Freshman Season That Turned Heads Across the Nation

From the moment Cooper Flagg stepped onto the court wearing Duke blue, he showed why he was the most hyped prospect in years. A consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 player in the 2024 class, Flagg didn’t just meet expectations—he exceeded them.

He averaged:

• 17.5 points per game
• 8.5 rebounds
• 3.7 assists
• 1.6 steals
• 1.3 blocks

His 42-point explosion against Notre Dame not only set a Duke freshman record but also showcased the kind of takeover ability usually reserved for NBA-level talent. He was the engine behind Duke’s tournament run and a matchup nightmare for every team that faced him. His ability to defend multiple positions, make smart decisions with the ball, and score from all three levels has scouts salivating.

When you dominate college basketball as a freshman, especially at a blue-blood program like Duke, the NBA naturally comes calling. There’s no doubt that his on-court performance places him firmly at the top of draft boards—and makes it increasingly unlikely he returns for a sophomore season.

2. Universal No. 1 Pick Projections Across All Major Mock Drafts

While many college stars enter the NBA Draft amid uncertainty about their landing spot, that’s not the case with Cooper Flagg.

Every major draft projection—from ESPN, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, to The Athletic—has him locked in as the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. And it’s not just media hype. Scouts, executives, and general managers around the league have all quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) admitted that Flagg is the kind of franchise-altering talent you build around.

Teams currently projected to land a top pick—like the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, or San Antonio Spurs—have reportedly already begun preparing for the possibility of adding Flagg to their roster. Even whispers around the NBA Combine suggest that executives are eager to see Flagg’s declaration made official so they can begin building their draft strategy around him.

When you’re already being penciled in as the No. 1 pick, the risk of returning to college only increases. One injury or dip in form could cost millions. The path forward is clear.

3. Support From Duke Legends and Coach K Himself

While current head coach Jon Scheyer has done an excellent job handling Duke’s star-studded roster, one of the most telling signs of Flagg’s NBA intentions came from Duke royalty: Coach Mike Krzyzewski.

In a recent interview, Coach K commented on Flagg’s future, saying:

“You want to make a decision that’s right for your life—not just your basketball career. Cooper is ready for the next step. He’s got all the tools.”

That’s high praise from arguably the greatest college basketball coach of all time. And he’s not the only one. Former Duke stars, now thriving in the NBA—like Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero—have spoken about Flagg’s poise and maturity, suggesting he’s destined for the league.

When a player has not only the support of his current staff but the blessing of legends like Coach K and the admiration of NBA alumni, it often signals the writing is on the wall.

4. NIL Deals Are Big—But NBA Money Is Bigger

There’s no doubt that Cooper Flagg has taken advantage of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college sports. At Duke, he secured partnerships with major brands, and it’s estimated he made well over $1 million during his freshman year.

But while NIL earnings are impressive, they pale in comparison to an NBA rookie deal and the endorsement opportunities that come with being the No. 1 overall pick.

• The 2025 No. 1 overall pick is projected to earn around $10–12 million over his first two seasons.
• Companies like Nike, Adidas, and Gatorade are already rumored to be preparing major endorsement deals for Flagg once he officially turns pro.
• His marketability as a clean-cut, hard-working star with global appeal makes him a dream for sponsors.

With that much money and long-term financial security on the line, Flagg has every incentive to move forward. Returning to college, even for one more year, simply doesn’t make financial sense.

5. Cooper Flagg’s Game Is NBA-Ready—Right Now

Perhaps the most important clue of all isn’t found in headlines or interviews—it’s in Flagg’s game itself.

He plays like an NBA veteran already:

• He makes advanced reads in pick-and-rolls.
• He can switch 1 through 5 defensively.
• He shoots at a high percentage from deep.
• He communicates and leads like a seasoned pro.

NBA scouts often talk about “plug-and-play” prospects—guys who can contribute from day one. Cooper Flagg is exactly that. He doesn’t need a year or two of development. He’s ready to join a rotation and make an immediate impact.

Additionally, Flagg has grown into his 6-foot-9 frame, added muscle during his freshman year, and played with a level of physicality that mirrors the modern NBA style—positionless, fast-paced, and versatile.

There’s no reason to wait. His game fits the league, his confidence is sky-high, and he’s shown that he’s capable of handling the spotlight with poise.

So, Is Cooper Flagg Going to the NBA?

Unless something drastically changes, all signs point to yes.

• A dominant freshman year ✔️
• Consensus No. 1 pick ✔️
• Backing from Duke legends ✔️
• Financial incentives ✔️
• NBA-ready skillset ✔️

The only thing missing is the official announcement.

Of course, Duke fans will hold out hope for a shocking return. And Cooper Flagg has said all the right things when asked about his future—emphasizing his love for Duke, his teammates, and the college experience.

But in the modern era of basketball, when a player checks every single box like Flagg has, the window of opportunity is clear—and it doesn’t stay open forever.

Final Thoughts

Cooper Flagg’s rise has been meteoric but measured. He’s lived up to every ounce of hype, carried the burden of being a top recruit, and elevated Duke back into the national spotlight.

Now, it’s time for him to take that next step.

If the whispers from scouts, the projections from analysts, and the subtle comments from legends are any indication, it’s not a matter of if Cooper Flagg will declare for the 2025 NBA Draft—it’s a matter of when.

And when he does, expect the basketball world to stop, celebrate, and prepare for the arrival of its next superstar.