Duke Coach Delivers Strong NBA Draft Message on Cooper Flagg Ahead of Final Four
The top-seeded Duke Blue Devils are preparing for their Final Four matchup against No. 1 Houston in San Antonio, marking head coach Jon Scheyer’s first trip to this stage. Duke has dominated the NCAA Tournament, with only their Sweet 16 victory over Arizona (100-93) being decided by single digits. Every other win, including a commanding 20-point triumph over Alabama in the Elite Eight, has come by double digits. Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has lived up to the hype under the bright lights.
Speaking with Scott Van Pelt on Wednesday, Scheyer made his stance on Flagg’s NBA potential clear. “He’s always looked like the number one pick, even from the start of the season,” Scheyer stated. He admitted that he might not have fully prepared Flagg for the big moments early on but praised his all-around impact. “His killer instinct and versatility set him apart—he can take over a game with scoring, rebounding, defense, or whatever is needed to win.”
“I think he’s always looked like the number one pick in the draft.”
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer talks about unlocking Cooper Flagg's potential this season
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— ESPN (@espn) April 3, 2025
Flagg battled an ankle injury that kept him out of the ACC Tournament but returned strong for March Madness. His performances have been stellar:
- First Round vs. Mount St. Mary’s: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks (22 minutes)
- Second Round vs. Baylor: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 block
- Sweet 16 vs. Arizona: 30 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Elite Eight vs. Alabama: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
With his draft stock all but secured at No. 1—unless he shocks the world by returning for another season—the focus now shifts to whether Flagg and Duke can finish the job and claim a national championship.
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