The world of college basketball was rocked earlier this week when former NBA coach Rick Carlisle, now an influential figure in the basketball community, made some surprising statements regarding highly touted high school recruit Cooper Flagg. His remarks caught the attention of not just the basketball world but particularly Duke University, where Flagg had been rumored to be a key future addition to the men’s basketball program.
Flagg, a 6’8″ forward from Maine, has long been regarded as one of the most promising young talents in basketball. After a standout performance on the AAU circuit and with his high school team, Flagg became a household name among basketball scouts, ranking as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him a natural fit for any elite program, and many believed he would ultimately commit to Duke, a school known for its legacy of developing NBA talent.
However, when Rick Carlisle, a former NBA head coach who currently holds a significant role as a basketball analyst and mentor, made an unexpected comment about Flagg’s future, it sent ripples through the basketball community. Carlisle, who has been closely following Flagg’s development, hinted that the star player may be considering a surprising decision about his college basketball future, one that would leave the basketball world in disbelief.
The Shocking Announcement
During a live broadcast of a basketball discussion show, Carlisle casually dropped a bombshell that left Jon Scheyer, the current Duke head coach, and many others stunned. “Cooper Flagg has been in talks with several professional programs and is seriously considering skipping college basketball altogether to take a different path toward the NBA,” Carlisle stated. The former NBA coach went on to explain that Flagg’s impressive skill set and readiness for the professional game might make him one of the rare high school players capable of making a direct jump to the pros, bypassing college altogether.
Carlisle’s statement came as a complete shock, not just because of the content, but due to the timing. Duke University, led by Jon Scheyer, had been a frontrunner in the recruitment of Flagg, and most observers believed that he would eventually sign with the Blue Devils. The notion of Flagg skipping college basketball and entering the NBA draft straight out of high school was a rare scenario, but not without precedent. In recent years, the trend of elite players bypassing college for professional alternatives had been gaining momentum, with the G League’s Ignite team and international leagues like the NBL offering viable alternatives for players to develop without attending college.
The Impact on Duke and Jon Scheyer
Jon Scheyer, who took over the reins of the Duke basketball program after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski retired, had been hoping to continue the school’s tradition of recruiting top-tier players. Cooper Flagg, who had been considered one of the most exciting prospects since the likes of Zion Williamson, was at the top of Scheyer’s recruitment wishlist. Flagg’s decision to reconsider his college plans left the Blue Devils’ head coach in a state of disbelief.
In an official response, Scheyer expressed his shock but remained respectful of Flagg’s decision-making process. “Cooper Flagg is an incredible player with a bright future ahead of him, and while we are disappointed by the uncertainty surrounding his college decision, we understand that the path to the NBA is not the same for every player,” Scheyer said. “We will continue to support him in any way possible, whether it’s through the recruiting process or in his future endeavors.”
Scheyer’s reaction reflected the delicate balance college coaches must strike between recruitment and respecting the individual ambitions of their potential players. Scheyer himself had come into his role as head coach with a deep understanding of the importance of keeping Duke at the forefront of elite talent recruitment. His comments about Flagg reflected that ambition but also acknowledged the changing landscape of college basketball and the professional opportunities now available to young stars.
What Does This Mean for Cooper Flagg’s Future?
Cooper Flagg’s future is now more uncertain than ever. With the announcement from Rick Carlisle, a man who has vast connections and experience in the NBA, the speculation surrounding Flagg’s future has reached a fever pitch. The idea that Flagg might skip college basketball entirely and play professionally is gaining traction, especially given the increasing prominence of alternative paths for top high school prospects.
For Flagg, the decision would not be an easy one. College basketball, particularly at a prestigious program like Duke, offers exposure, development, and the chance to play on the national stage. Players like Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and RJ Barrett have made the leap to the NBA after one or two years at Duke, with great success. However, Flagg is different in that his development has led many to believe that he could make an immediate impact in the NBA. His physical tools—height, athleticism, and versatility—are what NBA scouts dream of, and there is no doubt that he could be a future lottery pick if he continues to develop at his current rate.
One thing that will likely influence Flagg’s decision is the NBA’s developmental pathway, which has seen significant shifts in recent years. The NBA G League Ignite program, which allows players to compete professionally and prepare for the draft without playing college basketball, is becoming an increasingly popular option. The NBL in Australia has also successfully recruited young players like LaMelo Ball, who bypassed college to join the league and was later drafted into the NBA. These alternatives provide a platform for players to get paid, gain experience, and still enter the NBA draft without the collegiate experience.
Flagg’s decision, however, will also depend on factors such as his readiness for the NBA physically and mentally. The transition from high school to professional basketball is a major leap, and while Flagg’s potential is undeniable, some believe he may benefit from the college basketball experience. The mentorship, the exposure to elite coaching, and the level of competition could help prepare him for the rigors of the NBA.
Reactions from Other Coaches and Analysts
The ripple effect of Rick Carlisle’s statements was immediate. Coaches and analysts across the basketball world weighed in on Flagg’s potential decision. Some, like ESPN’s Jay Bilas, have pointed out that the rise of non-college pathways for elite players could set a new precedent in the world of recruiting. “We’re seeing more and more top-tier players choosing the G League or even playing overseas,” Bilas noted. “Cooper Flagg has that potential to carve out his own path, and if he feels ready, who are we to question his decision?”
Others, like former NBA player and coach Jeff Van Gundy, expressed concern about the impact of bypassing college altogether. “College basketball offers a unique environment where young players can grow as athletes and individuals. If more players like Flagg opt for a professional route at such a young age, we may lose some of what makes college basketball so special,” Van Gundy stated.
One thing is clear: the landscape of basketball, both in the college and professional spheres, is changing rapidly. The rise of alternative developmental pathways and the increasing influence of professional leagues like the G League and the NBL make it evident that the decision to attend college for basketball is no longer the only viable route to the NBA. For players like Cooper Flagg, the choice is theirs to make, and it could have lasting implications for the future of college basketball and the NBA draft system.
Looking Ahead
The coming months will be critical in determining Cooper Flagg’s future, and Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer will undoubtedly continue to monitor the situation closely. Flagg’s decision may not just affect Duke but could also impact the broader conversation surrounding recruitment, player development, and the future of college basketball.
While Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils remain hopeful, the world of college basketball is on edge as Flagg contemplates his next move. Whether he stays the course and joins a program like Duke or becomes one of the next high school phenoms to bypass college altogether, Cooper Flagg’s decision will undoubtedly mark a significant moment in the evolution of basketball recruiting.