Cooper Flagg Bids Farewell to Duke, Thanking the Blue Devils Family as He Declares for the 2025 NBA Draft

To the Blue Devils family, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you. Declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft was not an easy decision. It came with a wave of emotions, deep reflection, and plenty of conversations with those closest to me. But through it all, one thing remained constant—the unconditional love and support from Duke University, the coaching staff, my teammates, and every member of this incredible fan base. You’ve stood by me from day one, and now as I turn the page to the next chapter of my basketball journey, I want to take a moment to reflect on what Duke has meant to me, and to express my appreciation to the community that shaped me both as a player and as a person.

When I first committed to Duke, I did so with a sense of purpose. I came here not just to play basketball at the highest level, but to grow, to learn, and to be part of something bigger than myself. Coach Jon Scheyer and the entire coaching staff believed in me when I was still just a kid from Maine with big dreams. They challenged me to become the best version of myself and gave me the tools, the support, and the opportunity to do exactly that. Their trust and their guidance changed the course of my life, and I will forever be grateful for the chance to wear the Duke jersey with pride.

There is something incredibly special about Duke. From the moment I set foot on campus, I felt the legacy, the history, and the expectations that come with being part of this program. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I knew there would be pressure, and I knew I would have to earn every minute, every bucket, every bit of respect. But I also knew that this was exactly where I was meant to be. The brotherhood here is real. It’s not just a word we throw around—it’s a bond. A bond forged in the fire of competition, of practices that pushed us to our limits, of games in Cameron Indoor Stadium where the noise was deafening and the stakes were sky-high.

To my teammates—thank you for embracing me, challenging me, and believing in me. Every day in the locker room, on the court, and off of it, you reminded me of what it means to be part of a team. We held each other accountable, we celebrated each other’s successes, and we lifted each other through the hard times. I grew because of you. I matured because of you. And no matter where this path leads, I’ll always be proud to say I played alongside you.

To Coach Scheyer—you were more than just a coach to me. You were a mentor, a motivator, and someone who always had my back. You taught me how to lead, how to stay humble in victory and resilient in defeat. You prepared me for the next level, not just with your playbook, but with your values. You believed in me not just for my talent, but for who I am as a person. And that belief meant the world to me.

To the Cameron Crazies—you are the heartbeat of this program. You packed the arena every night, rain or shine, win or lose. You painted your faces, you memorized our stats, you sang our names, and you made every home game an experience I will never forget. I played for you. Every dunk, every block, every chase-down steal—I did it for you. Your passion fueled us, your energy carried us, and your loyalty inspired us. Duke fans aren’t just fans. You’re family.

There were times during this season when the pressure felt like it could crush me. The spotlight was intense. The expectations were enormous. Every game felt like a statement. But I never felt alone. The love I received from all corners of this university gave me strength. I heard you cheering even when the shots didn’t fall. I felt your support when I walked to class after a tough game. I saw your messages, your signs, your unwavering faith in me. That’s what makes Duke different. That’s what makes Duke home.

This decision to enter the NBA Draft is one I’ve made with careful thought and full heart. I know it means leaving behind a place that has given me so much in such a short time. I know it means stepping into a new world where nothing is guaranteed. But I also know that I’m ready—because of everything I experienced here. Duke prepared me for this moment. Duke made me stronger. Duke made me smarter. Duke made me better.

I’m proud of what we accomplished this season. I’m proud of how we battled through adversity, how we stayed together through ups and downs. I’ll never forget the locker room celebrations, the hard-fought road wins, the moments when we stared down doubt and came out stronger. I’ll never forget the grind of early-morning workouts, the intensity of ACC battles, or the roar of Cameron as we stormed the court after a big win. Those memories are etched into me forever.

But even more than the highlights or the stats, I’ll remember the people. The trainers who kept us healthy. The academic staff who helped us stay sharp. The media team that captured every moment. The alumni who reached out with advice and encouragement. The professors who treated me like more than just an athlete. The students who welcomed me with open arms. The little kids who wore my jersey and believed in me before I even played a college game. You all played a part in this story.

To my family—thank you for always being in my corner. Mom, Dad, my brothers—you kept me grounded. You reminded me of who I am and where I come from. You made sacrifices so I could chase this dream. And now, I’m chasing it harder than ever, with everything I’ve got.

To every kid out there who watched me and dreamed of being in my shoes—don’t ever stop believing in yourself. I was once that kid too. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Surround yourself with people who care, put in the work, stay humble, and chase greatness with everything you have. Because dreams do come true.

So, what’s next? I’ll be preparing for the NBA Combine, working with my team, staying focused on getting better every single day. I’m ready to prove myself all over again. I know the journey won’t be easy, but I’ve never backed down from a challenge. I welcome it. I embrace it. And I’ll carry Duke with me every step of the way.

This isn’t goodbye. This is thank you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for letting me be part of this incredible tradition. No matter where this game takes me, I will always be a Blue Devil. I will always be part of the brotherhood. And I will always carry that pride with me, on and off the court.

With all my heart—thank you, Duke. Thank you for everything.

– Cooper Flagg