The college basketball world was stunned when Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 prospect in the country and Duke’s crown jewel recruit, announced he would forgo college basketball altogether and declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. Just weeks earlier, Flagg had reaffirmed his commitment to Duke, promising to “bring a title back to Durham.”
Now, some Duke fans — and even insiders within the program — are calling it a betrayal. And for the first time since the announcement, Cooper Flagg is speaking out.
“It wasn’t easy. But I had to be honest with myself,” Flagg told The Players’ Tribune in an exclusive interview. “Everything changed so fast — the workouts, the conversations, the opportunity. I couldn’t stay just to make people happy.”
Sources close to Duke’s coaching staff say the decision blindsided many within the program. One assistant reportedly told a recruit, “We didn’t see this coming. Not at all.” Social media exploded with reactions from Blue Devil faithful, with some fans calling Flagg a “quitter” and accusing him of chasing money over legacy.
But Flagg insists the move wasn’t about dollars — it was about growth.
“I grew up dreaming of Duke, but I also dreamed of the NBA,” he said. “The chance to go pro, to compete at that level now — it’s something I couldn’t ignore.”
Flagg’s stock skyrocketed after a dominant performance at the McDonald’s All-American Game and a string of elite scrimmages with NBA-level talent. Scouts projected him as a potential top-three pick if he entered the draft this year. That projection, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Duke’s upcoming season, was enough to sway him.
Still, the backlash has been intense. Duke fans who once hailed him as a future legend now question his loyalty.
“I get it,” Flagg said. “I know people are disappointed. But this is my path, and I’ve got to walk it — even if some people don’t like it.”
As the NBA Draft approaches, one thing is certain: Cooper Flagg’s story is just beginning. Whether he becomes a superstar or another what-if tale, his decision has already shaken college basketball to its core.
