The college basketball season has officially concluded, and while the Duke Blue Devils fell short of capturing the national championship, they enjoyed a dominant campaign in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and advanced all the way to the Final Four. Their impressive season was spearheaded by standout freshman Cooper Flagg, who quickly became one of the most electrifying talents in the country.
Just one week ago, Flagg confirmed what many had anticipated for months—he declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, despite earlier rumors suggesting he might return to Duke for a second collegiate season. His decision was hardly surprising given his exceptional freshman year and rising profile in the basketball world.
Flagg has already begun to carve out a significant off-court presence. He has emerged as one of the most marketable name, image, and likeness (NIL) athletes in college sports, securing a major endorsement deal with New Balance, which will reportedly outfit him during his rookie NBA campaign. Now, he’s adding another high-profile partnership to his resume.
On Tuesday, Flagg quietly teased his latest business move in an Instagram story, donning a Duke Blue Devils cap and tagging New Era Cap, the iconic sports headwear company. He also included the hashtag #NewEraAmbassador, subtly announcing his new role as a brand representative.
This partnership marks yet another milestone in Flagg’s growing brand portfolio and suggests that his influence is extending well beyond the basketball court. Joining the ranks of New Era ambassadors puts Flagg in elite company, with the brand historically working with prominent athletes across major leagues such as the NBA, MLB, and NFL.
On the court, Flagg’s freshman season was nothing short of historic. He led Duke in nearly every major statistical category—points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks—while averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. His ability to contribute across the board made him a linchpin for the Blue Devils and earned him widespread national recognition.
Among the numerous accolades Flagg received were the ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. He was also named National Player of the Year by multiple outlets and won the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, which is regarded as college basketball’s highest individual honor.
Now, with his eyes firmly set on the NBA, Flagg is projected by most analysts to be the top overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The event is scheduled for June 25 in Brooklyn, New York, and will likely mark the next major chapter in what already appears to be a highly promising professional and commercial career for Flagg.
As teams around the NBA prepare to make their selections, Flagg’s name is already being penciled in at the top of most draft boards, with his rare combination of size, skill, maturity, and marketability making him an appealing franchise cornerstone.
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