NCAA Basketball Dominated by Cooper Flagg and Duke in Ways Once Thought to Be Antiquated
In an era dominated by positionless basketball, three-point shooting, and high-paced offenses, Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils are rewriting the rulebook. Their remarkable dominance in the 2025–2026 NCAA basketball season stands as a testament to a style of play many once thought was antiquated—a more traditional, fundamental approach that blends stifling defense, control of the paint, and versatile individual performances. With Flagg at the helm, Duke has become a juggernaut in ways that go against many of the prevailing trends in college basketball today.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg: A Modern-Day Throwback
Cooper Flagg’s emergence as one of college basketball’s brightest stars is the embodiment of a new wave in traditional basketball. A forward with a blend of skills typically reserved for guards and wings, Flagg combines a high basketball IQ, athleticism, and versatility that gives him the ability to impact virtually every area of the game. While many current college teams have opted for a style of play focused on perimeter shooting and small-ball lineups, Flagg thrives in a system where the emphasis is on multi-dimensional play—being a threat in the post, on the wing, and even as a point forward.
Flagg’s ability to score, rebound, and defend at an elite level recalls the great two-way players from the past, players who could dominate without relying exclusively on outside shooting or simply out-running their opponents. In a world where a traditional center is often relegated to a minor role, Flagg defies convention by showcasing his ability to dominate both inside and outside, guarding multiple positions and making key plays on both ends of the floor. His presence is a throwback to a style of basketball that emphasizes fundamentals and versatility, where players are expected to do a little bit of everything.
Duke’s Approach: A Masterclass in Balance
Under head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has returned to a more balanced style of play, one that leans heavily on defense, rebounding, and controlling the paint. This strategy stands in stark contrast to many of the current trends in college basketball, where teams are increasingly relying on high-volume three-point shooting and fast-paced offenses. While Duke is certainly capable of scoring in transition and has players who can stretch the floor, Scheyer’s emphasis on controlling the tempo and playing tough defense has made the Blue Devils one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
Duke’s frontcourt, led by Flagg, has been central to their success. Rather than relying on three-point barrages or a speed-first offense, the Blue Devils have built a team that punishes opponents inside and grinds games down when needed. Flagg’s ability to work in the post, defend the rim, and step out to hit mid-range shots or make plays for others gives Duke a unique edge over teams that might rely more on one-dimensional players or schemes.
This strategic shift has placed Duke in a position to dominate in a way that harkens back to the glory days of college basketball, where teams controlled games through defense and physical play in the paint. Players like Flagg, along with teammates who complement him in the frontcourt, have proven that a more balanced, fundamental approach can still thrive in the modern game.
The Evolution of Positioning: Flagg’s Versatility
What separates Flagg from many of his peers in today’s game is his ability to play in various roles—something that was once expected of all basketball players before the advent of specialized positions. In today’s NCAA basketball landscape, players are often pigeonholed into one of two categories: the point guard or the shooter. Yet Flagg’s ability to act as a primary ball handler, a shooter, and a defender has set him apart from traditional positional labels.
As a forward who can play on the wing or in the post, Flagg’s offensive versatility allows Duke to switch between different offensive sets. Whether he’s attacking the basket off the dribble, using his post moves to bully smaller defenders, or pulling up for a mid-range jumper, Flagg’s offensive arsenal covers every inch of the floor. His capacity to play in the high post, combined with his defensive skills as a shot-blocker and rebounder, makes him an extremely rare talent in the modern college basketball ecosystem, where specialized skills are increasingly emphasized over overall versatility.
Flagg’s development isn’t just about his physical gifts—it’s also about his mental approach to the game. His basketball IQ is beyond his years, which allows him to understand how to capitalize on mismatches in ways that many players at his position simply can’t. He’s as capable of initiating offense as he is of finishing it, and that fluidity gives Scheyer a multitude of options when crafting his game plans.
The Return of Defensive Domination
While modern college basketball has seen an increasing trend toward fast-paced, high-scoring games, Duke’s approach, led by Flagg, has reintroduced the importance of a dominant defense. In today’s game, where many teams focus on scoring more points than their opponents through fast-break opportunities and three-point shooting, Duke has emphasized building its success on the defensive end.
Flagg’s shot-blocking ability is a huge factor in this shift back to defensive dominance. He has been a force in the paint, altering shots and protecting the rim while still being mobile enough to cover opposing wings. His presence in the post has made Duke a defensive juggernaut, forcing opponents to think twice before attacking the basket.
Moreover, Duke’s commitment to defending the perimeter and playing with physicality on the ball has made them one of the top teams in the nation defensively. With Flagg spearheading this effort, Duke has made it clear that defense isn’t just about blocking shots—it’s about controlling the flow of the game and dictating tempo.
Breaking the Mold of Modern College Hoops
The dominance of Cooper Flagg and Duke has broken the mold of what is typically expected from modern college basketball teams. Many pundits and analysts, who have grown accustomed to the flashy, high-paced, three-point-heavy style that has taken over the sport, were initially skeptical about the success of a team that didn’t rely heavily on perimeter shooting. However, Duke’s dominance with a more traditional approach has proven that a well-balanced team, with emphasis on defense and interior play, can still be a championship-caliber squad.
Flagg and Duke are showing that a return to fundamentals—particularly a focus on controlling the paint and playing tough defense—can lead to immense success. The Blue Devils’ methodical approach to offense and defense has made them one of the most complete teams in college basketball, and it is a stark contrast to the more shoot-first mentality that dominates the sport today.
Looking to the Future: A Legacy of Excellence
As Cooper Flagg continues to evolve and lead Duke to the top of the college basketball world, his performances will leave an indelible mark on the sport. His ability to blend the best aspects of the old-school and new-school games creates a new paradigm for how future generations of players might approach the game. The Duke Blue Devils, powered by Flagg’s all-around brilliance, are proving that basketball doesn’t have to be all about fast breaks and perimeter shooting—it can still be about defense, intelligence, and dominating the paint.
As this historic season unfolds, there’s little doubt that the Blue Devils and Cooper Flagg will continue to set the standard for how to play the game the right way: with passion, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to both ends of the floor. And in doing so, they are showing that, while trends may change, the core principles of basketball—like playing hard, being versatile, and making your opponents earn everything—will never go out of style.