Breaking News: Duke Freshman Sensation Cooper Flagg Flips Commitment to Michigan State Over Tennessee and Kentucky
In a shocking turn of events, Duke freshman forward and former top recruit Cooper Flagg has announced that he is flipping his commitment to Michigan State men’s basketball, spurning the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats in the process.
Flagg, who was widely regarded as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class, originally committed to Duke with high expectations of leading the Blue Devils back to national prominence. However, after just one season in Durham, the 6-foot-9 forward has decided to take his talents to East Lansing and play for Tom Izzo and the Spartans.
“This was not an easy decision, but after a lot of thought and discussions with my family, I feel that Michigan State is the best place for me moving forward,” Flagg said in a statement. “I have tremendous respect for Duke, my teammates, and the coaching staff, but I believe this is the right move for my future.”
Flagg’s decision is a massive win for Michigan State, a program with a rich history under Izzo but one that has been looking for a transcendent talent to help them get back to championship contention. The Spartans, who made a strong push for Flagg during his original recruitment, were considered long shots in the race for his services when he first committed to Duke. However, after entering the transfer portal, Flagg shocked the basketball world by choosing MSU over Tennessee and Kentucky, two other powerhouse programs that were also in pursuit.
At Michigan State, Flagg will instantly become the face of the program. His elite scoring ability, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ make him a game-changer for the Spartans, who are coming off a solid season but are eager to return to Final Four contention. His presence will not only elevate MSU’s chances in the Big Ten but also on the national stage.
For Duke, this is a significant blow, as Flagg was expected to be a centerpiece of their program. Tennessee and Kentucky, who were both heavily involved in recruiting him, also miss out on a player who could have drastically changed their fortunes.
With this stunning commitment flip, Michigan State has officially entered the national title conversation for next season.