Breaking News: Cooper Flagg of the Duke Blue Devils says, “I’m Not Going Anywhere” — He will return for the 2025–26 season after making a bold decision, and head coach Jon Scheyer vows to assemble a winning team around him. Excitement is in the air at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham.

Durham, N.C. — In a move that has sent shockwaves across the college basketball world, Duke Blue Devils superstar Cooper Flagg announced Monday that he will return to Durham for the 2025–26 season. Amid intense speculation about a potential leap to the NBA or other professional opportunities, the 6-foot-9 freshman phenom ended all doubt with a simple, bold statement: “I’m not going anywhere.”

Speaking at an impromptu press conference inside the hallowed walls of Cameron Indoor Stadium, Flagg made his intentions clear, while head coach Jon Scheyer vowed to build a national championship contender around his generational player. The announcement immediately electrified the Duke fanbase and sent social media into a frenzy, with “Flagg Stayin'” trending nationwide within minutes.

“This is my home,” Flagg said, addressing a packed media room. “I love Duke. I love my teammates. I love the fans. We have unfinished business, and I’m not leaving until we take care of it.”

Flagg’s decision comes on the heels of one of the most remarkable freshman seasons in Duke history. Averaging 19.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game, Flagg lived up to the immense hype that surrounded him as the consensus No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class.

Beyond the gaudy numbers, it was the way Flagg played that made him must-see TV. His defensive instincts, high basketball IQ, clutch shot-making, and unrelenting motor drew comparisons to legends like Kevin Garnett and Kawhi Leonard. NBA scouts were salivating, with several outlets projecting him as the potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft if he had chosen to declare.

Yet for Flagg, the allure of Cameron Indoor Stadium and the pursuit of a national title outweighed the call of the professional ranks.

“I believe in what we’re building,” Flagg said. “Coach Scheyer, the staff, my teammates — we’re on a mission. I want to leave a legacy here that’s about more than just a year.”

Standing beside Flagg during the announcement, head coach Jon Scheyer didn’t hide his emotions. Visibly energized, Scheyer addressed the media with a clear, confident message.

“Today is a great day for Duke Basketball,” Scheyer said. “Cooper Flagg is one of the most special talents I’ve ever been around — not just because of his skills, but because of his heart, his toughness, and his love for this place. He’s set the standard for what it means to be a Duke Blue Devil.”

Scheyer also made a vow: to assemble a roster capable of delivering another national championship to Durham.

“We’re going to be aggressive,” Scheyer said. “In recruiting, in the portal, whatever it takes. We’re going to surround Cooper with elite talent and build a team that represents everything Duke stands for: toughness, unselfishness, winning. The bar has been raised, and we’re ready.”

Multiple sources have indicated that Duke is already targeting several high-profile transfers and elite 2025 recruits to join Flagg for what promises to be a blockbuster season.

Flagg’s announcement could signify a major cultural moment for Duke Basketball under Scheyer. While the “one-and-done” era has long dominated college basketball, Flagg’s decision to return bucks the trend — and could usher in a new model where elite players value college stardom, brand building, and unfinished business over immediate NBA paydays.

“I think it shows the power of what Duke represents,” former Blue Devil star and ESPN analyst Jay Williams said. “This is about legacy. This is about building something that lasts. Cooper Flagg staying at Duke is a huge win for college basketball as a whole.”

Former Duke stars, including Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero, all took to social media to celebrate Flagg’s decision. Tatum tweeted, “Legend move. Duke family different. Let’s go get it!” Banchero echoed the sentiment, posting, “Coop staying HOME!! Banner szn incoming

Behind the scenes, sources close to Flagg revealed that his love for the Duke community and his tight bond with his teammates played a significant role in his choice. Flagg has often spoken about the unique brotherhood at Duke — a theme echoed by the program’s alumni for decades.

“It’s not just a slogan here,” Flagg said. “The Brotherhood is real. These are my brothers for life. And we’re not done.”

Flagg also mentioned that his conversations with Scheyer and the coaching staff made it clear that returning would give him a chance to grow even more as a player and person — while chasing the ultimate prize.

“Coach Scheyer has believed in me from day one,” Flagg said. “He pushed me, challenged me, and believed in my dream. I know coming back is the right step for me.”

With Flagg anchoring the 2025–26 roster, the focus now shifts to who will join him in what could become one of the most talented teams in recent Duke history.

Several key contributors from this year’s Sweet 16 team could return, including guards Caleb Foster and Jared McCain, both of whom showed flashes of star potential. Rising sophomore big man Sean Stewart is expected to take a major leap. Additionally, Duke is in the running for several elite transfers, including a pair of All-Conference guards currently exploring their options.

The Blue Devils are also bringing in a strong 2025 recruiting class, led by five-star forward Koa Peat and dynamic guard Jasper Johnson — both of whom have already expressed excitement about playing alongside Flagg.

“I’m coming to Duke to win with Cooper,” Peat said in an Instagram Live session after the announcement. “Let’s make history.”

Scheyer teased that more big news could be on the horizon.

“We’re not done yet,” he said with a smile. “We’re building something special.”

Within minutes of Flagg’s declaration, Duke’s campus erupted with excitement. Students poured into Krzyzewskiville to celebrate, chanting “One more year!” and “Let’s go Duke!”

Senior communications major Rachel Alvarez summed up the mood: “This is one of the greatest moments I’ve experienced here. Cooper Flagg staying means we get to dream bigger. We’re not just hoping for success — we’re expecting greatness.”

Flagg’s return also boosts ticket sales and merchandising, as Duke’s 2025–26 season tickets were reportedly already surging in demand by the end of the day.

Local businesses around Durham are preparing for a season that could rival the height of the Mike Krzyzewski era in terms of fan excitement and economic impact.

Even in NBA circles, Flagg’s decision drew admiration. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry praised Flagg’s maturity, saying, “Much respect to Cooper Flagg. Betting on yourself and your journey — that’s real.”

Some NBA executives privately admitted they were surprised but acknowledged the move could ultimately enhance Flagg’s draft stock for 2026, when he would be even more physically and mentally polished.

“He’s a special talent. Taking another year to refine his game could make him even scarier at the next level,” one Western Conference GM told The Athletic.

Cooper Flagg’s choice to stay at Duke represents more than just another year of college basketball dominance. It is a reaffirmation of what makes the sport magical: the loyalty, the rivalries, the campus communities, the unfinished dreams, and the heroes who choose to write their own stories.

As the 2025–26 season looms, excitement is at a fever pitch in Durham. With Cooper Flagg leading the way and Jon Scheyer determined to build an elite supporting cast, the Blue Devils are poised to chase glory once again.

“This is just the beginning,” Flagg said, smiling. “We’re going to do something special.”