Cooper Flagg Commits to Kentucky Basketball, Choosing the Wildcats Over Duke
In a major recruiting victory for the Kentucky Wildcats, five-star recruit Cooper Flagg has committed to play for John Calipari’s program. The highly sought-after prospect made his decision official on Monday, choosing Kentucky over perennial powerhouse Duke, a move that sends shockwaves through the college basketball landscape.
Flagg, regarded as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation, had a historic run with the USA Basketball U-19 team, and his talents have been on display for years. A versatile forward, Flagg’s ability to score, rebound, and defend makes him one of the most complete players in the 2025 recruiting class. His decision to join Kentucky comes after a months-long recruitment battle, with many speculating that he would ultimately pick between Kentucky and Duke, two schools with rich basketball legacies.
Flagg’s commitment is a massive boost for Calipari and the Wildcats as they continue to build their recruiting momentum. Known for bringing in top-tier talent, Kentucky has been in the hunt for a player like Flagg to anchor their future. The 6’9″ forward is expected to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball and could be the centerpiece of a class that has the potential to bring the Wildcats back to the top of the college basketball hierarchy.
For Duke, the decision is a tough blow, as Flagg had long been one of their top targets. Coach Jon Scheyer had invested significant time and resources in recruiting Flagg, but ultimately, the chance to play for Calipari, who has developed numerous NBA stars, was too strong of an allure.
Flagg’s commitment to Kentucky adds another layer of excitement to a program that has consistently contended for national championships. As the 2025 season approaches, the Wildcats are primed to once again be a dominant force in college basketball, with Flagg leading the charge.
