News Now: Cooper Flagg Decommits from Dukes, Makes Visit and Flips to Kentucky Wildcats with 100% Commitment…
Lexington, KY — April 8, 2025
In what will go down as one of the most astonishing developments of the 2025 college basketball recruitment season, Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as the top prospect in the nation, has officially decommitted from the Duke Blue Devils and flipped to the Kentucky Wildcats following a surprise campus visit this past weekend. With a stunning 100% verbal commitment, Flagg has declared his full intention to don the blue and white and play under head coach Mark Pope in Lexington.
This monumental shift has left the basketball world reeling, sparking both jubilation and heartbreak across fanbases. For Kentucky, it’s a clear sign that the program is not only back on the map — it’s back in power.
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The Shocking Flip Heard Across the Nation
Flagg’s original commitment to Duke in 2024 was one of the most celebrated moments in recent recruiting history. The 6-foot-9 forward, known for his elite versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to dominate on both ends of the court, was seen as a future cornerstone for Jon Scheyer’s program. However, just months into his freshman year, whispers began to circulate about Flagg reevaluating his collegiate path.
Those whispers turned into headlines when Flagg officially entered the transfer portal, citing a desire to find a “better personal and developmental fit.”
Almost immediately, powerhouse programs began to circle — Alabama, UConn, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina — but it was the University of Kentucky that made the boldest move. Coach Mark Pope, fresh off rejuvenating the Kentucky culture and fanbase, seized the moment.
What followed was a quiet, under-the-radar visit to Lexington. There were no major media leaks. No spectacle. Just Flagg, his family, and the Kentucky staff having long, meaningful conversations about future vision, legacy, and what it truly means to play for Big Blue Nation.
Just 72 hours after that visit, Flagg made his decision known to the world.
> “I have officially decommitted from Duke and will be continuing my college basketball career at the University of Kentucky,” Flagg said in an emotional video message. “This decision comes after much thought, prayer, and time spent with people I trust. Kentucky feels like home, and I’m 100% committed.”
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Why Kentucky?
Flagg’s flip isn’t just about basketball—it’s about identity, development, and legacy.
Insiders say that Kentucky’s presentation blew Flagg away. Mark Pope and his staff showcased how their system would not only allow Flagg to thrive on the court, but also prepare him for the NBA, life after basketball, and personal growth.
> “Coach Pope didn’t promise me shots or stardom—he promised me growth, discipline, and greatness,” Flagg noted. “This program breathes history, and I want to be a part of that story.”
Flagg was reportedly captivated by the energy of the Kentucky fanbase, the professionalism of the facilities, and the connection to a long line of NBA legends like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
But perhaps more than anything, it was the brotherhood—the culture Kentucky has fostered over decades—that sealed the deal.
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The Impact on Kentucky Basketball
This commitment may be the most significant recruiting victory of Mark Pope’s career so far. Since taking over the reins at Kentucky, Pope has steadily built a roster of talent, but Flagg’s arrival catapults the Wildcats back into national championship conversation.
With Flagg expected to start immediately, Kentucky’s frontcourt becomes one of the most formidable in college basketball. His ability to play both forward spots, guard multiple positions, and facilitate offense from anywhere on the floor makes him a matchup nightmare.
Paired with Kentucky’s incoming recruiting class and returning veterans, this roster is stacked for a Final Four run.
Former Wildcats head coach John Calipari was known for pulling off miracle classes — and now it looks like Mark Pope is crafting a legacy of his own.
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What This Means for Duke and the Rest of the Field
For Duke, this decommitment is devastating. Flagg was the centerpiece of their future plans, and losing him leaves a significant void. Coach Jon Scheyer will now have to navigate a suddenly uncertain offseason, with rumors swirling that more transfers may follow.
Programs like Tennessee, Alabama, and Kansas—who had hoped to make a late push for Flagg—were left stunned by the news. Flagg’s camp made it clear that after his Kentucky visit, his mind was made up.
> “There was just a level of peace with this decision,” said a source close to the Flagg family. “They walked into Lexington with questions and walked out with answers. It was that powerful.”
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Fan Reaction: Big Blue Nation Roars
If Lexington was on fire with excitement before, it has now reached fever pitch. Social media exploded with posts from fans, players, and Kentucky legends reacting to the news.
Anthony Davis tweeted: “Cooper Flagg is HIM. Welcome to the family. Time to hang another banner.”
Devin Booker wrote on Instagram: “BBN just got stronger. Let’s get it, Coop.”
Students and fans began gathering around the Wildcats’ training facility, with spontaneous chants of “Flagg! Flagg! Flagg!” breaking out across campus.
Flagg’s merchandise began trending within hours, and unofficial “Flagg to Kentucky” t-shirts were already being sold online before the ink on the news had dried.
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What’s Next for Flagg and the Wildcats
Cooper Flagg is expected to enroll for summer classes and begin training with the Wildcats during their offseason development program. His debut at Rupp Arena will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated moments of the 2025-2026 season.
In the meantime, Kentucky has vaulted to the top of national rankings in nearly every preseason poll, and the buzz around the program is undeniable.
The Wildcats’ schedule is packed with must-watch games, and ESPN has already begun marketing Kentucky’s season as “The Flagg Era.”
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Final Thoughts: The Ripple Effect of a Star
Cooper Flagg’s flip to Kentucky is more than a recruiting win. It’s a statement—that the Wildcats are not just rebuilding, they are reclaiming their throne.
Mark Pope’s ability to attract and secure a generational talent like Flagg speaks volumes about the direction and potential of this program.
For Big Blue Nation, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for.
For college basketball, the landscape just changed.
And for Cooper Flagg — the journey has just begun.
Stay tuned. The bluegrass just got a whole lot brighter.
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