“The first chess piece to move on the offseason board for Duke and Cooper Flagg for the 2025–2026 season has been eagerly anticipated by many Duke supporters.

As the echoes of the 2024–2025 NCAA basketball season fade into the background, the attention of the college basketball world shifts to what might be the most critical offseason in recent years for the Duke Blue Devils. Central to the narrative is none other than Cooper Flagg, the 6’9″ phenom who has captivated fans, scouts, and analysts alike with a freshman season that bordered on legendary. His decision—to return to Durham for a sophomore campaign or declare for the 2025 NBA Draft—has become the first, and perhaps most consequential, chess piece to move on Duke’s offseason board.

The anticipation surrounding Flagg’s next move is not just a matter of curiosity. It is a question that will shape the recruiting strategy, team development, and national expectations for Duke in the 2025–2026 season. For Duke supporters, his potential return could mean another run at a national championship; his departure would trigger a shift in focus toward the next wave of talent arriving in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The Rise of Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg entered Duke as the most hyped recruit since Zion Williamson. The Maine native reclassified to the class of 2024 and committed to Duke after a highly publicized recruitment battle. It wasn’t just his physical gifts that turned heads—though his combination of size, athleticism, and skill was enough to make NBA scouts drool—it was also his maturity, basketball IQ, and commitment to winning that made him stand out.

Throughout his freshman year, Flagg averaged 17.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. His defensive versatility allowed head coach Jon Scheyer to employ him in a variety of lineups, often using him as the anchor of a defense that ranked among the best in the country. On offense, Flagg displayed a polished midrange game, a developing three-point shot, and the ability to initiate offense, drawing comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant.

His impact extended beyond the stat sheet. Flagg brought a level of intensity and competitiveness that elevated Duke in key matchups, including a memorable Sweet Sixteen performance where he scored 25 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and recorded four blocks in a win over Kansas.

The Decision Looming Over Durham

As the season wrapped, speculation mounted: would Cooper Flagg declare for the NBA draft, where he was widely projected as a top-3 pick, or would he return to Duke to further develop and chase a national championship?

Sources close to the program indicated that Flagg was genuinely torn. While his draft stock was at its peak, Flagg is known to be fiercely loyal and driven by legacy. Duke fans began circulating rumors of a possible return when he was spotted attending off-season workouts with the team and participating in early planning meetings with Coach Scheyer.

Should Flagg choose to return, it would be an unprecedented move in the modern one-and-done era—a player with a guaranteed lottery spot turning down millions to chase college glory. But Flagg, by all accounts, is not your average athlete.

Coach Scheyer’s Offseason Strategy

For second-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Cooper Flagg’s decision would be the first domino. If Flagg returns, Scheyer can build his entire system around a proven star, allowing the rest of the roster to fill more complementary roles. If he leaves, Duke’s focus pivots to a youth-driven lineup, leaning heavily on incoming recruits and transfer portal additions.

Scheyer has already shown himself to be a forward-thinking recruiter. His 2025 class is strong, headlined by 5-star center Koa Peat and combo guard Jasper Johnson. However, the presence of Flagg on next year’s team would take pressure off these newcomers, giving them time to develop without the immediate burden of carrying the program.

The transfer portal also remains an option. Duke has reportedly shown interest in several upperclassmen forwards and wings, potentially as insurance in case Flagg leaves. However, managing roster balance is tricky—landing too many players in anticipation of Flagg’s departure could complicate team chemistry if he decides to return.

The Broader Impact on Duke Basketball

The significance of Flagg’s decision goes beyond the hardwood. His potential return would be a recruiting pitch in itself. Recruits across the country watch how programs handle top-tier talent, and Flagg staying would signal that Duke remains a place where elite players can grow, thrive, and still pursue their NBA dreams on their own timeline.

For fans, Flagg has already become a cult hero. His jerseys fly off the shelves, his highlights dominate social media, and his competitive fire has made him a Cameron favorite. A second season would only add to the legend—and possibly etch his name into the same tier as Duke greats like Grant Hill, Shane Battier, and Christian Laettner.

There’s also the NIL factor. With NCAA rules now allowing athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness, Flagg would likely earn seven figures in endorsements by staying another year. Deals with national brands, personal merchandise lines, and appearances could help bridge the financial gap between college and the NBA, removing a traditional barrier to returning.

An Evolving Landscape

Cooper Flagg’s offseason saga comes at a time when college basketball is experiencing seismic changes. The transfer portal has made rosters more fluid than ever. NIL deals are changing player motivations. The NBA’s G-League Ignite and international pathways are no longer the only alternative routes to professional basketball.

In this new landscape, decisions like Flagg’s will become more common—and more scrutinized. Players now have more agency, more financial security, and more control over their careers than ever before. Flagg could set a new precedent: a projected lottery pick choosing legacy, college development, and personal fulfillment over the immediate jump to the pros.

Team Outlook With and Without Flagg

With Flagg, Duke would likely begin the 2025–2026 season ranked in the top 3 nationally. A core of Flagg, Peat, Johnson, and returning guard Tyrese Proctor would give Scheyer one of the deepest, most talented lineups in the country. Flagg’s presence would allow for lineup versatility, defensive switching, and inside-out offensive strategies that would overwhelm most opponents.

Without Flagg, Duke would still be formidable, but more reliant on youth. The emphasis would shift to player development, with Peat and Johnson expected to shoulder the offensive load early. The margin for error would be thinner, and Duke would need a breakout season from at least one unexpected contributor to reach its goals.

The Fans’ Perspective

Duke’s fanbase—arguably one of the most passionate and informed in college sports—has responded to the offseason uncertainty with a mix of optimism and anxiety. On message boards, in social media threads, and at alumni gatherings, the question dominates: “Is Cooper coming back?”

Many fans point to his competitive nature and emotional connection with the university as signs that he might return. Others, more pragmatic, acknowledge that turning down the NBA would be a monumental decision, even for someone as mature as Flagg.

What unites the fanbase, however, is a shared admiration. Whether he stays or leaves, Cooper Flagg has already earned a place in Duke lore.