If Cooper Flagg enters the NBA Draft, he may quickly become the leading prospect for the top overall pick.
Nonetheless, Flagg indicates he wishes to return, and former top picks hope he does so.
Larry Johnson, who was the first overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, suggested Flagg should remain at Duke for “another year.”
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The Duke Blue Devils Forward Cooper Flagg will cut the net after clinching the 2025 ACC Championship Game with the Spectrum Center Louisville Cardinals. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)
“It’s tough to decline that financial opportunity when you’re slated to be number one, but he’s in an excellent program,” Johnson remarked to TMZ Sports.
“Spending another year at Duke would allow him to refine some additional skills. That sounds like a solid choice. Yet, I understand that coming out as a freshman makes it challenging to turn down.”
Johnson also brushed aside the concern of potential injury should Flagg opt to stay in college.
“Injuries can happen in any scenario,” he stated.
Johnson had the chance to leave on a high note. He was set to go to the NBA following a National Championship win at UNLV in 1990, yet chose to return for another year.
Duke Blue Devils Forward Cooper Flagg reacts during the second half at the Dean E. Smith Center. (Bob Dongnan/Image Image)
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Returning to the fourth grade did not significantly alter his trajectory. He still went first overall to the Charlotte Hornets the next season.
Even though his team fell in the Final Four during their last season together, Johnson felt no regrets.
“Absolutely not,” he said.
In February, Flagg expressed “wished to return” to Duke.
“I desire to come back next year,” the freshman shared. “I still view myself as young. This is my only experience of college. That’s my perspective. I don’t truly comprehend how previous students felt. If this experience feels distinct, like it’s more professional, then I assume it’s similar for high school graduates.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) on January 27, 2025, during the second half of the High Five against head coach John Shayer and North Carolina in Durham, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Ben McKeun)
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Flagg and the Blue Devils are set to compete against Houston in Saturday’s Final 4 at 8:49pm ET in San Antonio.
Flagg, who recently recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the ACC tournament, averaged 19.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the tournament, with comparable stats during the regular season.
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