The Maine Event at Duke, Cooper Flagg, just keeps getting better. The freshman phenom has been putting on a show and Duke fans know it’s only a matter of time before he takes his talents to the NBA. As the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, everyone assumes this March Madness run will be his farewell tour. But what if there’s a twist in the tale?
Cooper Flagg made quite an impact in the basketball world when he hinted at the possibility of running it back for another year at Duke. But let’s be real, how likely is that? The kid is a lock for the No. 1 pick, and if he actually stayed, he’d be leaving close to $400 million on the table. Sure, NIL money is nice and he’s reportedly raking in $4.8 million per year, according to On3 but that’s pennies compared to what’s waiting for him in the NBA. His max rookie extension could earn him $398.5 million over five years!
But Duke fans aren’t going down without a fight! If Flagg’s decision comes down to money, they’re making sure he’s got plenty of it! Last week, we reported that a former Duke alum dropped $25,000 on Fan Stake to boost Flagg’s NIL earnings. Now, we can confirm that Sean Delehanty, the Senior Vice President of Databricks and a fellow Duke alum, has matched the bet with another $25,000, all in hopes of convincing Flagg to stay for one more season.
Following Sean Delehanty’s $25,000 bid, the current valuation of Cooper Flagg’s Fan Stake contract, should he return to Duke for another year, has skyrocketed to $63,560. Over 20 people have put their money on the line to raise this amount, and we could see even more joining in soon! But that said we still don’t know if “I want to come back next year.” really holds any weight of if this is just another repeat of a Zion Williamson at Duke!
But it’s not just the fans who are rallying behind Cooper Flagg, coaches are doing their part too!Let’s take a look at what Brad Underwood has had to say about Flagg!
Illinois coach wants Cooper Flagg to stay
Playing at Madison Square Garden is a dream come true for any athlete, but to make your debut there and leave with a dominant win? That’s next-level special! Cooper Flagg got to live that dream in style, leading Duke to a massive 110-67 victory against the Illinois Fighting Illini. With 16 points to his name, the prodigy showed why he’s the future of basketball.
Feb 5, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) drives against Syracuse Orange forward Jyare Davis (13) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
After the game, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood was full of praise for Cooper Flagg. He didn’t hold back, speaking about the Duke freshman with nothing but admiration: “I hope he stays in school. If I’m the NCAA or the ACC, I’m figuring out an NIL deal to keep that dude in school, because he’s everything that’s right about our game.”
Underwood went on to say, “Somebody threw out some story about it. I hope he stays. Man, he’d be great. He could probably make more here than he could in the NBA. He’s also got really good people around him, and that helps.”
Flagg’s future continues to hang in the balance. With Duke fans and alumni rallying behind him, the decision to stay or go remains one of the biggest questions in college basketball. But for now, all focus is on the Big dance! Flagg will hope he can deliver Duke their 6th championship before he leaves for the NBA!
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