As one of the most highly anticipated prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg’s future seems all but set. The 18-year-old Blue Devils star is widely regarded as the frontrunner to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. But before that momentous career leap, one of college basketball’s all-time greats, Larry Johnson, is offering some unsolicited advice: stay at Duke for another year.
In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, Johnson, a College Basketball Hall of Famer, weighed in on Flagg’s decision-making process. While the teenage sensation is undoubtedly headed for the NBA soon, Johnson believes the young star could benefit immensely from spending one more season honing his skills in the competitive ACC.
Johnson’s Advice: One More Year Could Make All the Difference
“I know it’s tough to turn down that kind of money when you know you’re going to be No. 1,” Johnson told TMZ Sports, acknowledging the immense allure of the professional basketball payday Flagg is destined to receive. “But to go back to Duke for one more year, just to get those skills together a little more, I think that would be a pretty good idea.”
For Flagg, the temptation to join the NBA ranks immediately is undeniable. His extraordinary season with the Duke Blue Devils has cemented his status as one of the most promising talents in college basketball, and he’s already being touted by most NBA draft experts as a potential top pick. It’s not just his stats that have NBA scouts buzzing—his versatility, basketball IQ, and work ethic have already earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in years.
However, Johnson, who made his own decision to stay an extra year at UNLV before being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, believes Flagg could still benefit from further development at the collegiate level. Johnson doesn’t regret his decision to spend an additional season in college, and he’s confident that Flagg could experience similar growth if he follows suit.
“I don’t regret staying at UNLV for that extra year,” Johnson said when asked about his own college experience. “Heck no,” he added emphatically, reflecting on how valuable that additional time was for his own basketball journey.
Why Staying Another Year Could Be the Smart Move
While it may seem counterintuitive to some that a player like Flagg, who is poised for immediate NBA success, should stay another year in college, there’s a compelling argument to be made. Even with his impressive skill set, an additional season in college basketball could provide Flagg with opportunities to refine his game and prepare for the intense competition at the professional level.
In college, Flagg would have the chance to continue developing his shooting, defense, and overall versatility in a familiar environment, under the tutelage of Duke’s coaching staff. A second season would allow him to build stronger chemistry with his teammates, improve his leadership skills, and, most importantly, gain invaluable experience against top-tier competition in the ACC. Johnson, who went through a similar decision-making process himself, understands the importance of fully preparing for the NBA grind.
“The NBA isn’t just about being good—it’s about being ready,” Johnson remarked. “You want to make sure that when you get there, you’re not just another rookie trying to catch up. You want to go in and make an impact.”
The Allure of the NBA: A Path to Immediate Success
On the flip side, the NBA offers an undeniable opportunity for immediate success, financial reward, and professional development. For many young players, the allure of starting their professional career as soon as possible is simply too strong to resist. For Flagg, the promise of a lucrative contract, national exposure, and the chance to compete against the best players in the world is understandably tempting.
But as Johnson points out, there’s more to this decision than just the money. It’s about ensuring long-term success and longevity in the NBA. Flagg’s future in the league could be even brighter with one more year of college ball, which could ultimately make his transition to the pros smoother and more successful in the long run.
Johnson’s Perspective: A Look Back at His Own Journey
Larry Johnson’s own path to NBA greatness serves as a case study for why staying in college a little longer can pay dividends. After dominating at UNLV, Johnson made the decision to stay for his junior year rather than entering the NBA Draft early. That extra year helped him refine his game, develop his leadership qualities, and become more physically prepared for the grueling demands of the NBA. When he was selected No. 1 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1991, he was more than ready to make an immediate impact.
Reflecting on his own decision, Johnson has no regrets. “It was tough for me, too,” he admits, recalling how hard it was to resist the temptation of professional basketball at a younger age. But his decision ultimately paid off, as he went on to have a stellar NBA career that spanned over a decade.
For Flagg, the choice between continuing his college career and jumping straight into the NBA spotlight is undoubtedly a tough one. But Johnson’s words serve as a reminder that success in the pros doesn’t always come down to raw talent alone—it’s about being fully prepared to handle the pressure and challenges that come with it.
The Clock Is Ticking: Flagg’s Decision Looms
As the June NBA Draft approaches, Cooper Flagg’s decision on whether to enter the draft or return to Duke for another season will be one of the most closely watched storylines in college basketball. With a team playing for a national championship and a draft spot guaranteed to be in the top 3 (if not No. 1), the pressure on Flagg to make the right decision is palpable.
At this point, the decision is ultimately up to Flagg. While many players are eager to embrace the NBA’s spotlight, the extra year at Duke could prove invaluable in helping him sharpen his skills and ensure a successful professional career down the line.
Whether Flagg decides to stay or go, one thing is certain: the next chapter of his basketball career will be a thrilling ride, and everyone—from fans to scouts to fellow players—is eagerly watching his every move. Whatever Flagg chooses, he’s already proven he has the potential to be a generational talent, and his future in basketball looks incredibly bright.
Conclusion: A Big Decision with Big Consequences
As Cooper Flagg contemplates his future, Larry Johnson’s advice to stay at Duke for one more year offers a perspective that many young athletes may not always consider. The path to NBA success isn’t just about jumping straight into the pros—it’s about preparing for the long haul and ensuring that you’re fully ready to compete at the highest level.
For Flagg, the choice between college and the NBA is an incredibly tough one. But with Johnson’s guidance, perhaps he’ll see the value in spending one more year refining his game and preparing for what’s next in his promising basketball career.
