Cooper Flagg’s mother talks about the NBA Draft and Duke basketball’s chances of winning a national championship.

As college basketball continues to evolve and develop, new players rise to the top with the potential to alter the course of the game. One of those players is Cooper Flagg, a highly-touted high school prospect whose future in the NBA seems bright. However, what makes this young phenom’s story even more compelling is the journey that led him to where he is today, including his family’s involvement in his success. Recently, Flagg’s mother opened up about her son’s journey to the NBA Draft, as well as the future of Duke basketball and its chances of capturing another national championship.

The Flagg Family: A Strong Foundation of Support

Before delving into the specifics of Cooper’s future in the NBA Draft, it is important to recognize the support system behind him. Cooper Flagg comes from a basketball-oriented family, with his mother playing a significant role in his development. Throughout his journey, his mother has been a constant source of motivation and support, emphasizing the importance of education, discipline, and mental toughness—qualities that have shaped Cooper both on and off the court.

“My husband and I always made sure Cooper had the right balance,” she said. “Basketball is his passion, but we’ve always stressed the importance of academics, staying grounded, and maintaining a sense of perspective. We’ve taught him to be a competitor, but also to remain humble and respect the game.”

This balanced approach has clearly paid off for Cooper, as he has developed into one of the most coveted prospects in recent memory. As his basketball career progresses, his mother remains one of his biggest advocates, often offering insight into the pressures that come with being in the spotlight at such a young age.

“Cooper has always loved the game, but the path he’s on now is something we never imagined when he first started playing. It’s been incredible to watch, but also overwhelming at times,” she shared. “As a parent, it’s tough knowing the pressures he faces, but we remind him every day that the process is just as important as the destination.”

Cooper Flagg: A Future NBA Star

Cooper Flagg is considered one of the most promising young basketball players in the world today. He is an elite prospect with incredible basketball IQ, skill, and versatility, already drawing comparisons to some of the best players in the game. His recruitment has been a subject of great interest, and the question on many minds is where he will land once he enters the NBA Draft.

Flagg’s playstyle is characterized by his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. A 6’8″ forward, Flagg combines athleticism with a deep understanding of the game. He is an exceptional defender, capable of locking down multiple positions, and his offensive game has also shown great promise. He can score from almost anywhere on the court, with a diverse set of skills that make him a threat both inside and out. His vision, ball-handling ability, and high basketball IQ set him apart from other prospects in his class.

While Cooper is still in high school and yet to fully make his mark at the collegiate level, the buzz surrounding his potential NBA career is palpable. “His development has been remarkable,” his mother said. “He has always worked hard and put in the hours, but the best part is that he genuinely loves to compete. He wants to be the best, not for the accolades, but because he loves the game.”

As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Cooper Flagg’s name is already being mentioned as a top selection. While it remains to be seen how his game will translate to the next level, there is no doubt that his future is incredibly bright. His mother recognizes that the path to the NBA is not guaranteed and that his focus should remain on growth and development, both on and off the court.

“Cooper understands that success in the NBA will not come easily. It will require hard work, sacrifice, and continued dedication to the craft. We remind him every day that this is only the beginning, and there is still so much to learn and improve,” she added.

Duke Basketball: A Strong Contender for the National Championship

The topic of Cooper Flagg’s recruitment has also brought attention to Duke University, one of the premier programs in college basketball. With the Blue Devils under the leadership of head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has remained a powerful force in the ACC and the NCAA Tournament scene. As Flagg prepares to make his decision on where he will play college basketball, Duke is expected to be a top contender for his services.

When asked about her son’s recruitment and the possibility of him playing for Duke, Flagg’s mother expressed confidence in the program’s ability to develop players and prepare them for the NBA. “Duke has a great history of developing players,” she said. “They’ve shown time and again that they know how to bring the best out of their players and help them grow, not just as basketball players but as individuals. Cooper has always admired the program, and we’ve had some really great conversations with Coach Scheyer.”

With the growing excitement surrounding Duke basketball, it’s clear that the program’s future looks bright, especially if it secures a commitment from a player like Flagg. Under Scheyer, Duke has maintained its recruiting prowess, bringing in top-tier talent year after year. The combination of a storied program, elite coaching, and access to some of the best resources in college basketball makes Duke an attractive destination for Flagg—and for many other top recruits as well.

The Blue Devils are no strangers to competing for national championships. With a roster filled with highly ranked recruits and a coach who has proven himself capable of guiding a team to the highest levels, Duke is poised to remain a contender in the NCAA Tournament for years to come. Flagg’s mother sees this as an exciting opportunity for her son, one that would allow him to compete at the highest level of college basketball while also continuing his development in preparation for a professional career.

“Duke is a place where players can succeed at the highest level,” she said. “But more than that, it’s a program that emphasizes the importance of education, character, and personal growth. Cooper is not just looking for a place to showcase his basketball skills. He’s looking for a program that will challenge him, both on and off the court. Duke offers that.”

The National Championship Aspirations: Duke’s Title Chase

As the conversation about Duke basketball’s chances to win a national championship unfolds, it’s clear that the Blue Devils are a program with championship aspirations every season. With Jon Scheyer at the helm and a roster filled with talent, Duke has all the pieces in place to make a serious run at the title. Whether or not the Blue Devils will secure another national championship will depend on several factors, including the development of their younger players and their ability to compete in a tough ACC and NCAA tournament.

Cooper Flagg’s potential decision to join Duke would be a huge boost for the program’s championship aspirations. His versatility and elite skills would complement an already-talented roster, adding a dynamic component to an already potent offense and defense. The Blue Devils are primed to challenge for the championship, and Flagg’s presence could be the final piece that pushes them over the top.

Duke has a storied tradition of success in the NCAA Tournament, and the program’s rich history and winning culture continue to make it a perennial contender. However, each year presents new challenges, and with teams like Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina also vying for titles, the road to the championship is never easy. That said, Flagg’s mother is confident in Duke’s ability to continue its pursuit of greatness, regardless of the competition.

“Coach Scheyer has a great vision for this team, and we’re excited to see where this program goes in the future. It’s been a tough road for a lot of teams in recent years, but I truly believe Duke is in a great position to compete for a national championship. The players, the coaching staff, the culture—it’s all aligned for success,” she shared.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cooper Flagg and Duke Basketball?

As Cooper Flagg’s basketball journey continues to unfold, his future with the NBA and the possibility of playing for a program like Duke are incredibly exciting prospects. The decisions he makes in the coming months will shape not only his own future but also have a profound impact on the trajectory of Duke basketball. Whether Flagg ultimately chooses to play for the Blue Devils or another top program, one thing is clear: his potential is limitless.

For now, Duke fans can only wait with bated breath as they hope that Flagg will bring his talents to Durham and continue the program’s tradition of excellence. The future of Duke basketball—and perhaps even college basketball itself—appears to be in great hands with players like Cooper Flagg leading the way.

As for Flagg’s mother, she remains steadfast in her support of her son’s journey, no matter where it takes him. “At the end of the day, it’s about helping Cooper reach his dreams and guiding him to become the best version of himself, both as a player and as a person,” she said. “Whether that’s at Duke, in the NBA, or beyond, we’ll be there every step of the way, supporting him with all our hearts.”