One of the biggest conversations in college basketball since the season ended nearly two weeks ago has centered on Duke Blue Devils freshman sensation Cooper Flagg and when he’ll announce his decision regarding the NBA Draft in June.
While his teammate Kon Knueppel has already declared, Flagg recently told “SportsCenter” that he hasn’t made any decisions yet and plans to take some time to weigh his options and make the best choice for himself.
Although the expectation remains that he will eventually declare — considering he’s the consensus No. 1 overall pick — Duke’s latest post featuring Flagg at a team workout on Friday sparked some buzz and even controversy, fueling speculation about his future.
The post instantly sparked reactions from Duke fans, many of whom are urging Flagg to return and stay another year in Durham, North Carolina.
“Jumping into year 2!!” A fan said.
“Omg you cannot post that right now unless it’s to say he’s coming back,” Another fan posted.
“Omg you cannot post that right now unless it’s to say he’s coming back,” Someone else added.
One more fan commented, “Do not do this to us please.”
While Duke fans are naturally intrigued by anything involving Flagg, many quickly noticed one particular detail in the image — he was wearing New Balance sneakers, the brand he’s expected to sign with once he enters the NBA.
At Duke, he wasn’t permitted to wear New Balance because of the program’s sponsorship deal with Nike, making the footwear choice especially notable.
Regardless of what Flagg ultimately decides, he’s already cemented himself as one of the best freshmen in Duke history. Not only did he earn National Player of the Year honors from several major media outlets, but he also led the Blue Devils to the Final Four, falling just short of a national championship appearance after a chaotic final few minutes in a semifinal loss to Houston.
