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Khaman Maluach Sends Message to Cooper Flagg After NBA Draft Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 4:35 PM ET

It was a season to remember in Durham for the Duke Blue Devils basketball team.

Despite falling short of the NCAA Tournament Final Four, Jon Scheyer and his squad had a tremendous 2024-25 campaign.

Duke finished with a 35-4 record, including 19-1 in ACC play. The Blue Devils reached the Final Four, but came up just short in a 70-67 loss to the Houston Cougars.

That game marked the end of a historic season. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor have chosen to pursue a career in the NBA after a disappointing ending in the NCAA Tournament.

The big announcement for Flagg came on Monday. He announced he would be entering the 2025 NBA Draft. Upon the release of the news, some teammates took to social media, sharing their thoughts.

Khaman Malauch, one of his teammates on the 2024-25 Blue Devils, shared this message with Flagg.

"Cooper Flagg my brotha " Maluach said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cooper Flagg (@cooper_flagg)

Flagg finished his freshman season averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. In the final game of his collegiate career, he scored 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds while playing 36 minutes.

At Duke, he was named National College Player of the Year, a consensus first-team All-American, and ACC Player of the Year. He also earned NABC Freshman of the Year honors.

He then transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida. In his final season there, he led the Eagles to a 34-0 record and their eighth national title in school history.

Flagg was named Mr. Basketball USA and Naismith Prep Player of the Year that season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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