Duke Fans Lose Thousands After Cooper Flagg’s NBA Draft Decision
Duke fans lost thousands of dollars this week after national standout Cooper Flagg declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, ending months of speculation over whether he would return to Duke for another season. Flagg, the reigning Naismith and AP Player of the Year as a freshman, made his announcement via an emotional Instagram video early Monday, expressing gratitude for his Blue Devils career but confirming his decision to pursue his professional dreams .
Leading sportsbooks had installed futures markets on Flagg’s return, offering odds as high as 5‑1 that he would play another season in NCAA basketball. Thousands of Duke faithful placed sizeable bets on his comeback, some wagering as much as $10,000 per ticket in hopes of cashing in when they believed his loyalty to Coach Jon Scheyer would outweigh professional financial incentive.
But Flagg’s declaration triggered immediate losses, with bettors watching potential payouts evaporate as their parlay tickets went bust. One self‑described “die‑hard” fan reported a $7,500 loss after selling half of his futures position for just $2,250 on secondary market service PropSwap .
Social media reactions ranged from disappointment to resigned humor, as fans lamented their financial wounds while praising Flagg’s bravery in chasing an NBA career. “You only go to Duke once,” argued one supporter, while another joked, “Guess my bank account is heading to San Antonio with him!”
As Flagg prepares for the upcoming draft lottery on May 12, fans will be left to reflect on the gambles they took and the thousands they stand to lose when amateur loyalties collide with professional aspirations. Despite the financial pain, many acknowledge that Flagg’s timing is perfect to enter the NBA, where he is projected as a top pick by scouts and executives. While some bettors may nurse regrets, this moment marks the end of an era for college ba
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