JON SCHEYER SAYS COOPER FLAGG IS “UNLIKE ANY PLAYER I’VE EVER COACHED”
Durham, N.C. Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer had high praise this week for freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, calling him “unlike any other player I’ve ever coached.” In a recent media availability, Scheyer didn’t hold back when asked about the impact Flagg has made in his first season at Duke.
“Cooper’s talent is obvious,” Scheyer said. “But it’s everything else—the way he prepares, the way he leads, his basketball IQ—it’s just different. I’ve coached a lot of great players here, but I’ve never seen anyone quite like him.”
Flagg, the 6’9” forward from Newport, Maine, arrived in Durham with sky-high expectations as the top-ranked recruit in the nation. Now midway through his freshman season, he has not only lived up to the hype—he’s exceeded it.
With averages of 18.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and nearly 2 blocks per game, Flagg has become the face of Duke basketball and a projected top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
THE FLAGG EFFECT—HOW HE’S CHANGING THE GAME FOR DUKE
Jon Scheyer has coached elite talent in his time at Duke, both as an assistant and now as head coach, but he says Cooper Flagg brings a unique combination of skill, maturity, and mindset that’s rare for someone his age.
“He has the work ethic of a senior and the feel for the game like he’s been playing professionally for years,” Scheyer said. “And he just turned 18.”
Flagg’s impact goes far beyond the box score. He’s been the emotional leader of the team, showing poise in pressure situations and holding teammates accountable on both ends of the floor.
Versatility at Its Finest
Flagg can defend all five positions, initiate the offense, and hit shots from anywhere on the court. Scheyer said he’s never had to give Flagg the same instruction twice.
“You show him once, and he gets it,” Scheyer explained. “That’s what separates him. He doesn’t just play basketball—he understands it on a different level.”
His teammates echo the same sentiment. Senior guard Jeremy Roach recently called Flagg “a generational player” and said, “He raises everyone’s level just by being on the court.”
FUTURE LEGEND IN THE MAKING?
As Duke sets its sights on a deep NCAA Tournament run, all eyes are on Cooper Flagg—and Jon Scheyer believes the best is yet to come.
“He’s still just scratching the surface,” Scheyer said. “What he’s doing now is incredible, but his potential is limitless.”
NBA scouts have taken notice, with many calling Flagg a lock for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But for now, Flagg remains laser-focused on helping Duke hang another banner in Cameron Indoor.
Despite the attention and expectations, Flagg has stayed grounded—something Scheyer says is part of what makes him special.
“He doesn’t care about the spotlight. He cares about winning, getting better, and doing things the right way,” Scheyer said. “And when you have that kind of mindset in a player with that kind of ability, it’s something you don’t take for granted.”
Final Thought:
Whether it’s his highlight-reel plays or his leadership in the locker room, Cooper Flagg is changing the game at Duke. And according to Jon Scheyer, he’s doing it in a way that no one else ever has.
Leave a Reply