Image Credit: Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

“He doesn’t want to be a Wizard” – Social media reacts as projected No.1 pick Cooper Flagg says he”wants to come back next year”

While many bottom-placed NBA teams are licking their lips at the thought of landing Flagg, his latest statement has put the teams in high alert mode.

Image Credit: Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg has become a household name in college basketball, with many experts calling him a generational talent. The last time an NBA draft prospect generated this much excitement was Victor Wembanyama, who not only became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft but is also already considered as one of the league’s brightest young stars. Now, as Flagg is dominating the college scene, it’s hard not to draw comparisons.

Flagg’s numbers this season back up the hype. As a freshman at Duke, he is averaging 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. The 6-foot-9 forward leads the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, making him the clear favorite to be selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Last month, Flagg made history, setting a new ACC freshman scoring record by dropping 42 points in Duke’s win over Notre Dame.

But while NBA teams, especially those like the Wizards (9-45), Hornets (13-39), and Jazz (13-41), are undoubtedly licking their lips at the thought of landing Flagg, his latest statement has put the teams in high alert mode.

Also Read: Top 10 NCAA prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft ft. Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper

In an interview with The Athletic, Flagg said that he wants to return to play for Duke next year.

“I want to come back next year.”

Social media reacts to Cooper Flagg’s statement

As expected, social media was quick to react to the youngster’s statement, with many coming up with funny responses.

Check out some of the reactions:

Bro don’t want to play for the Wizards😭
— Moe♣️ (@districtupnxt) February 15, 2025

If Washington gets the pick, stay another year lol
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) February 15, 2025

Wizards right now lmao pic.twitter.com/9U0n4koHdY
— Saadiq (@3Diqq) February 15, 2025

Every tanking NBA team punching air reading this
— O/USports (@0usports) February 15, 2025

If I were him I would to you’re going to play on one of these uncompetitive teams give them a year to get better
— Lebronin1 (@Lebronin1) February 15, 2025

Lottery picks sweating this one.
— EhhRicky (@EhhRickyy) February 15, 2025

While it’s unlikely that Flagg would stay another year in college, if he chooses to remain at Duke, it would undoubtedly shake up the NBA landscape.

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.