The Duke Blue Devils’ basketball program has been the talk of the college hoops world in recent weeks, largely due to the swirling speculation around top prospect Cooper Flagg. Amid the rumors and uncertainties, Flagg’s mother, Kelly Flagg, has finally spoken out, offering some insight into her son’s mindset — and perhaps calming the nerves of Duke fans everywhere.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with a local Maine outlet, Kelly Flagg didn’t confirm or deny Cooper’s return to Duke for another season, but her words gave a strong indication that the family is weighing all options with care and clarity. “It’s been a whirlwind year,” she said. “Cooper has grown a lot, both as a player and as a young man. We’re taking our time to make the best decision for his future.”
The Flagg family has remained notably private throughout Cooper’s rise to national stardom, but the recent departure of a top 5-star recruit from Duke has intensified focus on Flagg’s next move. With the Blue Devils’ 2025 campaign potentially hinging on his return, fans and analysts alike are hanging on every word.
When asked directly about the chances of Cooper staying another year at Duke, Kelly responded cautiously: “He loves Duke. He’s built great relationships there — with his teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans. But at the same time, there’s a lot to consider. This is a pivotal moment in his life.”
She went on to emphasize that Cooper’s focus is still on development rather than hype. “People sometimes forget that he’s still just a teenager,” she said. “He’s passionate about the game, but he’s also thinking about long-term goals — not just the NBA, but growing as a person.”
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has reportedly been in constant communication with the Flagg family. Sources say the coaching staff is doing everything it can to ensure Flagg feels supported and valued, especially as the team deals with unexpected changes to its recruiting class.
Despite the noise, Kelly Flagg made it clear that no final decision has been made. “We’re not rushing into anything,” she said. “Cooper has earned the right to choose his path, and we’re standing by him no matter what he decides.”
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support for Flagg, with many expressing hope that he will stay and lead Duke in what could be a defining season. His presence on the court is not only game-changing — it’s energizing for the entire program
Whether Cooper Flagg returns or decides to pursue a different path, one thing is certain: his mother’s comments have provided a rare and heartfelt glimpse into the thought process of a rising star whose next decision could shape the future of college basketball.
