Cooper Flagg Doesn’t Plan on Watching Duke’s Final Four Loss
After one of the most hyped freshman seasons in recent Duke basketball history, Cooper Flagg has made it clear: he doesn’t plan on watching the Blue Devils’ heartbreaking Final Four loss to Houston any time soon. And for the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the reason is simple: he lived it.
“I was there. I felt everything,” Flagg said when asked if he would revisit the game film. “There’s nothing I need to see again.”
That loss, a 72-67 defeat to a relentless and physical Houston squad, ended what had been a magical run for Duke and Flagg. Despite being a freshman, the 6-foot-9 phenom led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, and blocks during the tournament. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cougars’ veteran experience and suffocating defense.
A Season to Remember
While the season ended in disappointment, Flagg’s performance throughout the year was nothing short of sensational. He averaged 19.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game, earning the 2025 John R. Wooden Award, ACC Player of the Year, and consensus All-American honors. He was the unquestioned leader of a young but talented Duke team that exceeded expectations.
From buzzer-beaters to highlight-reel dunks, Flagg became must-see TV. His versatility on both ends of the floor and fierce competitiveness drew comparisons to NBA legends before he even declared for the draft. And yet, it’s that final loss that continues to weigh on him.
“We had a goal. We were so close,” Flagg said. “That locker room afterward was one of the toughest moments of my life.”
Why He Won’t Watch the Tape
Flagg’s decision not to rewatch the Final Four game is rooted in more than just emotional pain. It’s part of how he processes disappointment and moves forward.
“I’m not someone who dwells. I take what I need from a game right after it ends. I talk with the coaches, we review, but I don’t need to keep re-living it to grow from it,” Flagg explained.
He added that he has gone over specific moments with Duke’s coaching staff during exit interviews but hasn’t sat down to watch the full game. “I know what happened. I know where I could’ve been better. That’s enough.”
A Leader Despite Youth
One of the most impressive parts of Flagg’s freshman campaign was how quickly he became the team’s emotional and strategic leader. While only 19, he consistently took on the responsibility of rallying teammates, maintaining focus during adversity, and demanding excellence on both ends of the court.
“He came in with a pro mindset,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said. “Every day he set the tone. And he held himself accountable harder than anyone else.”
In the Houston game, Flagg scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but he also committed five turnovers. He was hard on himself afterward, calling it “not good enough,” despite being Duke’s top performer.
Draft Stock Remains Sky-High
Despite the sting of the Final Four exit, Flagg’s NBA future remains as bright as ever. Scouts see him as a generational talent with the size, skill, and mentality to thrive at the next level. His one-and-done campaign cemented his status as the likely No. 1 overall pick, and several lottery-bound teams are reportedly building around the idea of landing him.
Flagg, for his part, is focused on what comes next. “I want to be great,” he said. “This is just one chapter. I learned so much at Duke. And I’m ready to keep working.”
Life After Duke
While he hasn’t officially declared for the NBA Draft as of this writing, Flagg is widely expected to do so in the coming weeks. His time at Duke, albeit short, left an indelible impact on the program.
“He’s a legend here already,” said former Duke player and assistant coach Chris Carrawell. “One year, and it felt like five. What he gave to this place, and what he meant to that locker room, won’t be forgotten.”
Fans continue to flood social media with tributes, highlight reels, and messages of support. His jersey is already being discussed as one that could someday hang in the rafters of Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Emotional Toll
In a recent podcast interview, Flagg opened up more candidly about how the season’s end affected him emotionally.
“It broke me for a bit,” he admitted. “You put everything into it. All the practices, all the travel, the early mornings, the late nights. And to come up short, it messes with you. But that’s basketball. That’s life.”
Flagg said he leaned on family and teammates in the days following the loss, especially fellow freshman Caleb Foster and senior guard Jeremy Roach.
“They had my back. We all hurt together. But we also knew what we accomplished.”
Building a Legacy
Even without a championship, Flagg’s time at Duke is already being viewed through a historic lens. He is only the second freshman in school history to win the Wooden Award, joining Zion Williamson. His name is now mentioned in the same breath as Duke greats like Grant Hill, Jayson Tatum, and Christian Laettner.
Flagg insists he never set out for individual accolades. “The awards are cool, but I wanted a ring. That was the dream.”
Still, his legacy is secure.
“He put Duke back on the map in a different way,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He brought star power, leadership, and a maturity that was beyond his years.”
The Houston Game Revisited
While Flagg may not revisit the film, many others have. Analysts have broken down every possession, noting how Houston’s physicality and depth wore down Duke late in the game. Flagg battled through double teams and physical play but had limited support down the stretch.
Jon Scheyer took responsibility for some late-game decisions, including not calling a timeout during a key sequence with under two minutes to go. Still, he defended his star freshman.
“Coop gave us everything he had,” Scheyer said. “You could see it in his eyes. He wanted that win more than anything.”
What Comes Next
Flagg is now preparing for the NBA Draft Combine, where he’ll meet with teams, go through interviews, and likely sit out scrimmages due to his draft status. His agency is already fielding interest from major brands for endorsement deals, and the business side of his career is beginning to take shape.
But his focus remains on basketball.
“Everything else is noise,” Flagg said. “All I care about is getting better.”
He has already returned to training with his personal coaches in Florida and will soon head to Los Angeles for pre-draft workouts with several NBA teams.
Conclusion
Cooper Flagg’s refusal to rewatch Duke’s Final Four loss isn’t a sign of denial—it’s a reflection of how he copes, learns, and pushes forward. His ability to move on while keeping the lessons close is what has always set him apart.
Though the final game of his Duke career didn’t end with confetti, Flagg’s impact is undeniable. He carried a storied program with grace and grit, and he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, even in defeat.
As he turns the page to his professional journey, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg doesn’t need to rewatch the pain to remember it. He carries it with him, not as a burden, but as fuel.
And wherever he goes next, that fire will continue to burn.
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