Run it Back or Head to the Draft?: Cooper Flagg's Big Decision Looms

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After a devastating loss to Houston in a battle of the No. 1 seeds in the national semifinal at the Final Four on Saturday, Cooper Flagg's college career is most likely over. After becoming one of the most anticipated and dominant players currently in college basketball and stamped as the future No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg's next destination is on an NBA roster as a potential franchise player. Having averaged 18.9 points and 7.5 rebounds for the season, the idea of spending another year with Duke is an interesting thought to have. With the possibility of Flagg returning to Duke being nearly impossible, exploring the possible outcomes if he did fascinating.

If Flagg was to return to Duke for another year, he would be able to become a college legend, redeeming himself after his missed game-winning shot opportunity versus Houston and overcoming it with a potential championship win. Also, Flagg can add to his accolades by earning John R. Wooden, Naismith Men's College Player of the Year, and ACC Player of the Year awards, all of which he has already obtained this season. Earning these rewards twice would certify him as arguably one of the greatest college basketball players to ever step on the court at the highest collegiate level. Considering this idea, these achievements can only add to his NBA draft stock and hype.

Despite having an NIL valuation of an estimated $4.8 million, Flagg can continue to be the highest-earning college basketball player and increase his NIL value to later guarantee a big payday when he arrives in the NBA. In addition, another year as a Blue Devil means more time to mature physically and mentally as both a player and person, better preparing him for the NBA. After making his presence known in the NCAA tournament, averaging 21 points, 7.6 rebounds and five assists through five games, Flagg can finish what he started this season by adding to his toolbox as a consistent player to have a better transition into the NBA. Since becoming one of the top high school prospects in his class, Flagg has become very familiar with mass media as the star player of whatever AAU or high school team he played for, which transitioned into college.

With another year of experiencing media coverage as a high-profile star player, Flagg can transition into the NBA more prepared for the NBA pressures and mental obstacles that wait for him on draft night when his performance determines whether he has a job or not. Although his performance has served him well and has led to his successful college career, the transition to the NBA is a whole different ball game where just having a love for the game won't cut it with ruthless expectations from NBA owners, especially on franchise players.

As the inevitable future No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Flagg declaring for the NBA Draft can guarantee millions of dollars with a future NBA contract, fueled by his NIL deals he was able to obtain during his time in college that helped display his ability to obtain a fan base. Staying a Blue Devil increases exposure to injuries that could tank his draft stock with a lack of stability financially and as a player.

Many people would argue that it is by far the better option to arrive at the big league at the peak of your game to get the most out of your time in the NBA. Flagg is at the highest point you can be as a college player, excluding the achievement of becoming one of the best one-and-done players ever since he is leaving college without a championship. As far as development goes, NBA teams provide better facilities, trainers, and competition than any college can offer and ultimately, playing in the NBA is the ultimate goal for the majority of basketball players in the world. So, why not take the guaranteed opportunity when it is presented right in front of you? Most importantly, NBA scouts have so much footage of Flagg, especially after his performance at the highest level in college basketball and already see him as an elite player. Another college year wouldn't do much more but add more criticism about his performance if his dominant presence on the court were to decrease after seeing his full potential during his first year a Duke.

Overall, it is safe to say that Flagg is the future face of a franchise in the NBA and is bound to become one of the NBA's newest stars. The 6'9", 205-pound freshman forward out of Newport, Maine is set to transition into a league where many college players either become memorable or forgotten. Considering the new pressures and challenges that await him, Flagg has shown early signs in his career that he is qualified to serve as a star player and continue to live up to the hype. Only time will tell how long Flagg's time as The Maine Event" on and off the court will last.