“I want to come back next year.” Recently, Cooper Flagg, Duke University’s star freshman, hinted at the possibility of returning to college next season, despite being almost guaranteed at least $400 million with future NBA contracts. His statement has sparked widespread debate in the basketball community, raising questions about his intentions and what this could mean for the future of both college basketball and the NBA.For Blue Devils fans, this news has been an adrenaline shot. On sites like Fanstake, which assists athletes in crowdfunding, fans have already raised over $53,000 to keep Flagg in Durham for another year. By comparison, two other schools eyeing the eventual NBA superstar, UCLA, and Alabama, have pulled $100 and $50 respectively. Well, talk about an uphill battle for those two programs.UCLA and Alabama might have their sights set on Flagg, but it’s becoming clearer than ever that they’ve got a long way to go to pry him away from Duke. Blue Devils has always had that gravitational pull — its legendary basketball history, its exceptional coaching with Jon Scheyer, and a fanbase willing to spend. And then there are the resources being sunk into keeping Flagg in blue and white. With such strong support from Duke’s loyal base, it’s hard to see either UCLA or Alabama putting a dent in this race. It’s not that these schools can’t offer anything; it’s just that Duke is ahead of the game. Duke is in a class by itself as a basketball program, and that’s something her potential pursuers will have to deal with if they want a chance.Let’s look at how incredible Flagg’s first year has been. He’s leading Duke in every major statistical category, averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 48.6% shooting. That’s something no freshman in the A.C.C. had done in more than 25 years! And it is not only the numbers that have fans buzzing. His 42-point explosion vs. Notre Dame and his double-double vs. Pitt are the stuff that have etched his name in college basketball lore.With this sort of season, Flagg has essentially put himself in the running for National Player of the Year. Clearly, he’s not just some freshman — he’s a force of nature out on the court.Can March results change Cooper Flagg’s decision?Now with March Madness looming, the heat is on Flagg. If Duke wins the national championship, it might well be the ideal way to end his college career, and he may think it’s time to turn professional. But if Duke doesn’t quite reach the peak of Mount Championship, Flagg may consider himself to have unfinished business, and return for another chance at glory.Feb 5, 2025; Syracuse, New York, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer talks with guard Cooper Flagg (2) against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn ImagesEither way, the tournament will provide Flagg an opportunity to show off his skills on a national stage. A deep run in the tournament could only enhance his already impressive resume and perhaps solidify his status as a top N.B.A. prospect.And, of course, there’s the money side of things as well. By returning to college for another year, Flagg would be delaying his NBA career — and potentially forfeiting millions of dollars in rookie contract money. But there’s a flip side. And with Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals only getting richer, Flagg isn’t precisely walking away from any cash by staying. His NIL valuation is already a cool $4.8 million based on partnerships with high-profile companies such as Fanatics and Gatorade.Ultimately, Cooper Flagg’s decision to either stay at Duke or declare for the NBA Draft is larger than the fate of one player — it’s the future of college basketball and the NBA Draft landscape. His decision may set a precedent for athletes considering whether to play at the collegiate level or turn professional.While, UCLA and Alabama may still be hopeful, but Duke is clearly the leader, and it would be a surprise to see Flagg depart from what feels like home. Regardless of what he does next, Cooper Flagg has already left an indelible mark on college basketball. And one thing is for certain — his journey has only just begun.The post UCLA & Alabama Bid to Block Cooper Flagg’s $400M Payday Despite Being Nowhere Near Duke appeared first on EssentiallySports.