BREAKING: Nation’s Top Prospect, Ace Flagg, Decommits and Chooses Duke
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the amateur basketball world, Ace Flagg—the top-ranked player in the Class of 2025—has officially announced he is flipping his commitment from an unspecified program and will instead join the Duke Blue Devils.
The announcement, made via social media this afternoon, featured a simple, powerful image: the five-star prospect standing beside head coach Jon Scheyer and holding up the iconic Duke blue jersey.
**A Sudden Flip**
Flagg’s decision marks one of the most dramatic recruiting turnarounds in recent memory. Widely regarded as the most versatile two-way prospect in the country, Flagg had been a long-time verbal commitment to another blue-blood program, and his loyalty was considered a given.
But in a statement released with his announcement, Flagg explained his change of heart.
“I have the ultimate respect for the coaches and fans at [my prior commitment],” he said. “But after deep reflection and conversations with my family, it became clear that Duke University and its program represent the best possible step for my development on the court, in the classroom, and as a person. The opportunity to compete for a national championship from day one under Coach Scheyer is one I could not pass up.”
**What Flagg Brings to Durham**
At 6’8” with a polished offensive skill set, explosive athleticism, and a defensive intensity that has drawn comparisons to a young Scottie Pippen, Flagg is the archetypal modern wing. He is expected to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor and is an early favorite for preseason National Player of the Year honors in the 2025-26 season.
**Impact on Duke and the National Landscape**
For Duke, this is more than just adding another elite recruit—it’s a monumental statement. Coach Jon Scheyer has secured the crown jewel of the 2025 class, solidifying Duke’s standing as the preeminent destination for the nation’s top talent. Flagg is expected to be the centerpiece of a recruiting class that was already highly ranked and now almost certainly becomes the nation’s best.
The ripple effects of this commitment are significant:
* **For Duke’s Rivals:** This flips the national power dynamic. Teams like North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas now must contend with a Duke squad that has added a transformational talent to an already-loaded roster.
* **For the ACC:** It reasserts Duke’s dominance within the conference and provides a massive boost to the league’s national profile.
* **For Recruiting:** Flagg’s decision will likely have a gravitational pull, making Duke an even more attractive destination for other elite high school players and transfers seeking to compete for a title.
**A New Chapter Begins**
With Ace Flagg now officially in the fold, the expectations in Durham will be at a fever pitch. The Blue Devils are instantly projected as the preseason No. 1 team for the 2025-26 season. All eyes will be on Cameron Indoor Stadium next fall, as the nation’s top player dons the Duke blue jersey, aiming to lead the program to its sixth national championship.
Flagg’s final message to fans was simple: “Let’s go to work.”
