Duke Sends Parting Message to Cooper Flagg After NBA Draft Decision
In a decision that just about everyone in college basketball and the NBA were expecting at some point, Duke freshman phenom Cooper Flagg declared for the draft on Monday.
The decision comes after a tremendous season in Durham, even though he should've been a senior in high school. On the year, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks, all of which led the team. While he flirted with the idea of making a return to college, and there were rumors that he wanted to avoid certain franchises, inevitably, it was time for him to spread his wings.
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The program made sure to send a heartwarming message to him on social media, expressing its gratitude for his time with the brotherhood.
"League next. Duke forever. Thank you @Cooper_Flagg‼️💙💙😈," wrote the program.
In his one season with Duke, Flagg led the team to its best record (35-4) since the 2014-15 season. He was also named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC All-Defensive Team, a consensus first-team All-American, and the player of the year by multiple outlets.
While the fans were hoping that the next great prodigy would end the program's title drought, Flagg and the Blue Devils ended up falling in the Final Four against Houston, the eventual runner-up.
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In terms of where Flagg will end up for the start of his NBA career, there are three teams that share the best odds of securing the No. 1 pick.
Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2).Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
According to CBS Sports' Sam Quinn, the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets all share a 14% chance of securing the top pick.
The NBA draft lottery is scheduled for May 12, which in all likelihood means that will be when Flagg finds out where he is going. That is, unless he truly decides to pull an Eli Manning of sorts, and force his way to a different team.
Although his college career didn't end with him winning the title, he still had a spectacular career that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Related: Cooper Flagg Facing Backlash From Duke Fans After NBA Draft Decision
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