Dick Vitale mocks idea of Cooper Flagg returning to Duke: 'I've got a better chance of growing hair'

The No. 3 ranked Duke Blue Devils were back in action on Saturday against the Stanford Cardinal. And as it has been for much of the year, the chatter around the Blue Devils revolves around superstar phenom Cooper Flagg. There was an article recently in which Flagg said he wants to come back to Durham next year. On Saturday, ESPN’s Dick Vitale scoffed at such a nation on the broadcast.

“A big story was publicized yesterday. Cooper says, ‘I think I may be coming back to Duke. I love it so much!’ “Man, I’ve got a better chance of growing hair than (Flagg) coming back to Duke. [Laughs] No way that’s gonna happen. No way,” Vitale said. “…There’s no question he’s obviously making good money with the NIL, but I tell you what, that check he’s gonna see at the next level is a whole other world. Can’t take a chance of an injury. Can’t take a chance.”

Duke absolutely obliterated Stanford on Saturday, prevailing 106-70. And once again, Cooper Flagg stole the show, stuffing the stat sheet with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two steals. He was touted as the most complete player in America coming out of high school and the freshman phenom hasn’t disappointed yet. Flagg connected on 7 of 13 shots from the field, including 3 of 6 shots from downtown.

Tyrese Proctor led the Blue Devils in scoring pumping in 23 points, two rebounds, four assists, and one steal. He drilled 9 of his 13 shots from the field and 5 of 8 shots from beyond-the-arc. Proctor’s big day led the game in scoring. Duke also got 17 points and six rebounds from Khaman Maluach, yet another player who figures to be a highly coveted first round prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft. Maluach had several alley oop dunks and much of the game was a highlight reel for the Blue Devils.

Duke came out and jumped all over Stanford fairly early, rolling to a 49-34 lead at halftime. Then, after the break the Blue Devils poured it on even more, outscoring the Cardinal 57-36. Duke outrebounded the Cardinal 37-29. The Blue Devils also dished out 23 assists, putting on quite the show for their home crowd in Durham.

No. 3 Duke now sits at 22-3 overall and 14-1 in the ACC. Stanford now sits at 16-10 overall and 8-7 in the ACC.

On3’s Riley Gates also contributed to this article.