Is Cooper Flagg returning to Duke in 2025? Looking at Duke Star's NCAA eligibility

Freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has been the player to watch this season. The forward came to Duke as the top recruit in the nation and is expected to be the top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Blue Devils exited March Madness following an epic collapse vs Houston, giving up a 9-point lead in the dying minutes of their Final Four matchup. Following the disappointing end to the season, it is expected that Flagg will bid farewell to his college career, but he hasn't officially confirmed his plans for next season.

Let's take a look into what Flagg's future might hold, and what factors could impact his decision.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round Practice - Raleigh - Source: Imagn

Will Cooper Flagg stay at Duke?

Most likely, Flagg will not return to Duke for another season. The Blue Devils are known for their one-and-done players, and Flagg has all the makings of the next basketball star to head to the NBA after his freshman season.

Many have compared Flagg to Zion Williamson, who played just one season at Duke before becoming the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Flagg could have the same fate.

The power forward has long been projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by several reliable publications. NBA's latest mock draft has Flagg getting picked first overall for the Utah Jazz.

It doesn't seem likely that Flagg will return for another season with the Blue Devils, but we can investigate some reasons why he could return to Duke.

Cooper Flagg’s Performance This Season

Analytics demonstrate that Flagg is having one of the strongest one-and-done seasons of all time, with his 16.4 box plus-minutes only beaten by Williamson and Anthony Davis.

Flagg leads Duke in every major stat category and is 3rd in the in the ACC in points per game with 19.2. The freshman has made 37 starts for the Blue Devils this season and averages 30.7 minutes on the court.

Cooper Flagg NBA vs. NIL money

Money can make a big impact on whether a player goes pro or remains in college. Flagg has found success in NIL, and On3 puts his NIL valuation at $4.8 million. His brand deals include Fanatics, Gatorade, and New Balance.

NIL has changed the game for college athletes, but it still doesn't compare to NBA money. In 2024, Zaccharie Risacher was the top overall pick in the NBA Draft. His year-one salary was $12.6 million. If Flagg receives a similar salary, this will significantly increase his net worth. Flagg can also collaborate with brands while in the NBA, making a professional career a good financial move for him.

ESPN Analyst Bobby Marks said that the freshman star will be costing himself between $75 million and $125 million if he remains in college. From a financial standpoint, it doesn't make sense for Flagg to return to Duke.

Cooper Flagg injury status

The Blue Devils won the ACC Tournament title this season, but they didn't have Flagg to guide them. In a quarterfinal tournament game against Georgia Tech, the freshman suffered an ankle injury.

Flagg fell to the floor after going up for a rebound and appeared to have landed on the foot of Yellowjackets player Darrion Sutton. The Duke star was helped to the locker room after sitting on the bench for several minutes. At halftime, he was taken to the X-ray room in a wheelchair.

The freshman phenom missed the remainder of the ACC Tournament but is expected to be available to play in Duke's first NCAA Tournament game on Friday. However, if Cooper Flagg reinjures the ankle or if the injury limits him in March Madness this season, it could persuade him to stay at Duke another season.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

Know More

Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey - who is NCAAW's highest-paid coach? Find out here

Edited by Gio Vergara