If Cooper Flagg declares for the NBA Draft, he would instantly develop into the favourite to be the primary general choose.
Nevertheless, Flagg has mentioned he desires to return, and a previous prime choice desires him to just do that.
Larry Johnson, the primary general choose of the 1991 NBA Draft, mentioned Flagg ought to keep “one more year” at Duke.
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Duke Blue Devils ahead Cooper Flagg cuts the web after successful the 2025 ACC championship recreation towards the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Heart. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Photographs)
“It’s tough to turn down that money when you know you’re going to be No. 1, but he’s at a great program, Duke,” Johnson informed TMZ Sports activities.
“To go back to Duke and spend one more year, just get them skills together a little bit more. I think that would be a pretty good idea. But, again, knowing you’re gonna be No. 1 coming out as a freshman, that’d be hard to turn down.”
Johnson additionally dismissed the thought Flagg could be risking an damage if he stayed in school, which might have an effect on his draft inventory.
“You can get hurt doing anything,” he mentioned.
Johnson had a possibility to exit on a excessive word. He was on his approach to the NBA after successful the nationwide championship with UNLV in 1990, however he returned for yet one more yr.
Duke Blue Devils ahead Cooper Flagg reacts within the second half at Dean E. Smith Heart. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Photographs)
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Returning for his senior yr did not alter his path a lot. He nonetheless went first general to the Charlotte Hornets the subsequent season.
Regardless of his Rebels dropping within the Last 4 in his last season with the group, Johhson had no regrets.
“Heck no,” he mentioned.
In February, Flagg mentioned he “want[ed] to come back” to Duke.
“I want to come back next year,” the freshman mentioned. “I still feel like a kid. This is the only way I’ve ever known college. That’s how I see it. I really wouldn’t know how kids felt before, and if this feels different, if this feels more like being a professional. I mean, it’s the same thing for kids in high school, too, getting paid a lot of money. I don’t know. I feel pretty normal.”
Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) high-fives head coach Jon Scheyer throughout the second half towards North Carolina State in Durham, N.C., Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photograph/Ben McKeown)
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Flagg and the Blue Devils will tackle Houston in Saturday’s Last 4 at 8:49 p.m. ET in San Antonio.
Flagg, who returned from an ankle damage he sustained within the ACC match, is averaging 19.5 factors, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists within the match, numbers much like what he posted throughout the common season.
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