Cooper Flagg once seemed to float the idea of returning to Duke for a sophomore season instead of declaring for the NBA draft as soon as he was eligible. But the ideal scenario for him to return to Duke wasn't possible,

The presumptive No. 1 overall pick in next Thursday’s NBA draft graced the cover of the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, which details the former Duke star’s versatile two-way skillset that combines athleticism, elite basketball IQ and an extraordinary poise for an 18-year-old.

Former Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg is universally pegged as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks. His chances of being drafted by Dallas appear so likely that, unlike most draft prospects, Flagg has not scheduled any visits or workouts with teams other than the Mavericks.