Cooper Flagg potentially returning to Duke for his sophomore season has sparked considerable excitement among basketball fans, especially considering the prospect of him playing alongside the highly touted Boozer brothers, Cameron and Cayden. As one of the most highly regarded high school basketball players in recent memory, Flagg’s decision could significantly impact Duke’s future.
However, while the rumors have generated plenty of buzz, the chances of Flagg returning for another season at Duke ultimately depend on several factors. One key consideration is Flagg’s current draft stock. As of now, he is widely projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with some analysts even considering him a potential number one overall selection. If his performance continues to impress throughout the rest of the high school season and into the spring, it would be hard for Flagg to pass up the opportunity to turn pro.
On the other hand, Flagg’s connection with the Boozer brothers and the potential for a dynamic trio at Duke could provide a strong draw for him to return. The opportunity to develop further under Coach Jon Scheyer, play in the competitive ACC, and build upon the foundation of a potentially historic team could entice Flagg to delay his professional aspirations for one more year. Playing with two top-level recruits like the Boozer brothers, along with the possibility of a deep NCAA tournament run, could help solidify Flagg’s reputation as one of the best players in college basketball, providing valuable exposure for his NBA future.
Additionally, there’s the aspect of personal development. Flagg may choose to return to college in order to fine-tune specific areas of his game, such as his perimeter shooting or decision-making under pressure. College basketball, especially at a program like Duke, offers the chance to work on these skills in a highly structured environment before making the jump to the NBA.
However, the lure of financial security and the opportunity to start his professional career sooner may still prove too tempting, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. While NIL offers players like Flagg the chance to profit from their name and image in college, the NBA’s endorsement deals and salaries are hard to ignore.
The Boozer brothers’ arrival at Duke in 2025 adds an exciting dynamic for the Blue Devils, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to sway Flagg into staying for another year. Duke’s recruiting class, which includes the Boozers, will undoubtedly be one of the best in the nation, but whether Flagg sees the value in playing with them over entering the NBA will likely be determined by a combination of his development, draft projections, and personal goals.
In short, the chances of Flagg returning to Duke for his sophomore season hinge on a variety of factors—his current draft status, his development goals, and the opportunity to play alongside a highly talented team. While the idea of playing with the Boozer brothers is certainly appealing, it may not be enough to outweigh the financial and professional incentives of turning pro, especially if his stock remains as high as it is now. As of now, it remains a tantalizing possibility, but not an entirely likely one.