If Cooper Flagg declares for the NBA Draft, he would instantly turn out to be the favourite to be the primary total choose.
Nonetheless, Flagg has stated he desires to return, and a previous high choice desires him to do exactly that.
Larry Johnson, the primary total choose of the 1991 NBA Draft, stated Flagg ought to keep “yet another yr” at Duke.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Duke Blue Devils ahead Cooper Flagg cuts the web after profitable the 2025 ACC championship recreation in opposition to the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Middle. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Photos)
“It is robust to show down that cash when you recognize you are going to be No. 1, however he is at an important program, Duke,” Johnson informed TMZ Sports activities.
“To return to Duke and spend yet another yr, simply get them expertise collectively a bit bit extra. I believe that might be a reasonably good thought. However, once more, understanding you are gonna be No. 1 popping out as a freshman, that’d be arduous to show down.”
Johnson additionally dismissed the thought Flagg can be risking an damage if he stayed in school, which may have an effect on his draft inventory.
“You may get harm doing something,” he stated.
Johnson had a chance to exit on a excessive word. He was on his solution to the NBA after profitable the nationwide championship with UNLV in 1990, however he returned for yet another yr.
Duke Blue Devils ahead Cooper Flagg reacts within the second half at Dean E. Smith Middle. (Bob Donnan/Imagn Photos)
ODDSMAKER GIVES INSIGHT INTO HOW BETTORS HAVE FARED WITH MOSTLY UPSET-FREE MARCH MADNESS
Returning for his senior yr did not alter his path a lot. He nonetheless went first total to the Charlotte Hornets the subsequent season.
Regardless of his Rebels dropping within the Ultimate 4 in his closing season with the group, Johhson had no regrets.
“Heck no,” he stated.
In February, Flagg stated he “need[ed] to return again” to Duke.
“I need to come again subsequent yr,” the freshman stated. “I nonetheless really feel like a child. That is the one means I’ve ever recognized school. That’s how I see it. I actually wouldn’t know the way children felt earlier than, and if this feels completely different, if this feels extra like being an expert. I imply, it’s the identical factor for teenagers in highschool, too, getting paid some huge cash. I don’t know. I really feel fairly regular.”
Duke’s Cooper Flagg (2) high-fives head coach Jon Scheyer in the course of the second half in opposition to North Carolina State in Durham, N.C., Jan. 27, 2025. (AP Photograph/Ben McKeown)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Flagg and the Blue Devils will tackle Houston in Saturday’s Ultimate 4 at 8:49 p.m. ET in San Antonio.
Flagg, who returned from an ankle damage he sustained within the ACC event, is averaging 19.5 factors, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists within the event, numbers much like what he posted in the course of the common season.
Observe Fox Information Digital’s sports activities protection on X, and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle publication.
