Cooper Flagg Drops Cryptic Three-Word Message—Should NBA Teams Be Worried?
Cooper Flagg has long been projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but his recent actions at Duke’s Senior Night have sparked an unexpected debate: Could he actually return for another year of college basketball?
After a dominant performance in Duke’s 93-60 blowout win over Wake Forest, where Flagg posted 28 points, seven assists, and eight rebounds, the freshman sensation received a well-deserved standing ovation from the Cameron Indoor Stadium crowd. But when fans started chanting “One more year,” Flagg responded with three words that sent shockwaves through the basketball world:
“Run it back.”
Was he joking, or could there actually be a possibility that he delays his NBA future? Here’s what we know.
Could Cooper Flagg Really Skip the 2025 NBA Draft?
For the past two years, Flagg has been the consensus top prospect, with scouts drooling over his elite defense, scoring ability, and basketball IQ. The assumption has always been that he would declare for the NBA Draft after his freshman season.
However, his “Run it back” comment has fueled speculation that he may be considering an alternative route—one that could shake up the entire draft landscape.
Why Would Flagg Consider Staying at Duke?
While the idea of Flagg returning to Duke still seems unlikely, there are some legitimate reasons why he might at least entertain the thought:
- Avoiding NBA Bottom-Feeders – Reports suggest that Flagg does not want to be drafted by struggling franchises like the Washington Wizards or Charlotte Hornets. Staying in college (or forcing a trade) could give him more control over his future.
- NIL Money is Changing the Game – With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, Flagg could make millions by staying at Duke, removing the financial pressure to go pro immediately.
- Building His Legacy at Duke – Another year could allow him to cement his place among all-time college greats, potentially leading Duke to a national championship.
- Waiting for a Better NBA Draft Situation – If he isn’t thrilled with the 2025 draft class or lottery teams, he could wait a year for a better opportunity.
NBA Insiders Weigh In
While Flagg hasn’t publicly confirmed any serious intention of returning to college, insiders like Andy Staples of On3 have hinted that he could use his leverage to influ iience where he ends up.
“Flagg doesn’t have to return to college, but if he’s not keen on joining the team with the top pick, he can leverage his position to secure a move elsewhere.” Staples explained.
In today’s era of player empowerment, we’ve seen NBA prospects make bold moves to land in better situations. If Flagg truly dislikes the idea of playing for a struggling franchise, he could opt to delay his NBA debut or push for a trade before even stepping on the court.
What’s Next for Flagg?
Flagg has until May 28 to officially withdraw from the NBA Draft, which is two weeks after the May 12 NBA Draft Lottery. This means he could wait to see which team lands the No. 1 pick before making a final decision.
While most experts still expect him to declare, nothing is certain in today’s unpredictable basketball landscape.
