“Missed the Last Shot”: Cooper Flagg’s NBA Draft Move Triggers Fresh Pain for a Duke Community Still Reeling Over Final Four Heartbreak

Some fans held onto hope. Those words —“I want to come back next year” kept the dream alive. But reality hit today. The Maine Event is heading to the NBA. Cooper Flagg officially declared for the draft. Yes, he technically has until May 28 to change his mind… but don’t keep your hopes up Duke fans. It is almost certain that his Duke journey has come to an end. And what a ride it was. The 6’9” freshman became just the fifth freshman ever to win the Wooden award. He’ll leave Duke with memories to last a lifetime. But deep down, there’ll always be that what if. What if he had hit that game-winner against Houston?

“Duke fans, my teammates, the brotherhood, everybody that was along for this journey, it was an incredible year, probably the best year of my life and I have so much gratitude and I feel so blessed for all the opportunities I was given,” said the 18 year old announcing his decision to leave.

It was a memorable year for him. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. He led Duke in every major statistical category. Points. Boards. Assists. Steals. Blocks. All of it. He also helped the Blue Devils clinch the ACC regular season title, win the ACC Tournament, and reach the Final Four.

One of the greatest freshman seasons ever. No question. But, it could have been more. Flagg knows that. The fans know that. And they’ve made their feelings clear on social media. Duke came just two wins short of that sixth championship. Just two wins from basketball immortality. Let’s take a look at some of those reactions.

(This is a developing news…)

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