Jon Scheyer’s Praise for Cooper Flagg: A Duke Standout Unlike Any Other Player He Has Ever Coached
In the world of college basketball, where expectations are high, talent is abundant, and competition is fierce, it is a rare occasion when a coach finds a player who truly stands out from the crowd. Jon Scheyer, the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, has coached some of the best and brightest talents in college basketball, but when it comes to Cooper Flagg, the praise is unmatched. According to Scheyer, Flagg is unlike any other player he has ever coached—a sentiment that speaks volumes about the young player’s skills, work ethic, and basketball IQ.
Cooper Flagg, a highly touted 6’9″ forward from Maine, has garnered attention across the basketball world for his elite all-around game, versatility, and leadership abilities. A rising star in the 2024 recruiting class, Flagg’s decision to commit to Duke has sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, as fans, pundits, and analysts eagerly await his arrival in Durham. But it is not just his physical attributes that have captivated Scheyer and other basketball experts—it’s his mindset and ability to impact the game in ways that are rare for players of his age.
Cooper Flagg’s Unique Skill Set
To understand why Scheyer speaks so highly of Flagg, one must first examine what makes the young forward such a unique talent. At 6’9″, Flagg is an imposing presence on both ends of the floor. He has the length and athleticism to dominate defensively, the skill set to score efficiently in multiple ways, and the basketball IQ to read the game and make smart decisions. Whether it’s his shot-blocking ability, his rebounding prowess, or his ability to facilitate offense, Flagg has all the tools needed to succeed at the next level.
But what truly sets Flagg apart is his combination of skills that are typically found in different types of players. He is a player who blends the defensive instincts of a shot-blocking big man with the offensive versatility of a guard. Flagg can score in the paint with ease, whether through post moves or finishing around the rim, and he has developed a reliable jump shot, making him a threat from beyond the arc as well. This rare combination of skills makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
On the defensive end, Flagg is equally impressive. His shot-blocking ability is exceptional for a player his age, as he uses his length and timing to alter or completely eliminate shots around the rim. But Flagg’s defensive prowess doesn’t stop there—he is also an excellent perimeter defender, able to guard multiple positions and switch seamlessly on ball screens. This versatility on both ends of the floor is one of the key reasons why Scheyer has praised Flagg as a special player, one who can contribute to his team in so many different ways.
The Mentality Behind the Game
While Flagg’s physical talents are undeniable, it is his mentality and approach to the game that have truly impressed Scheyer. In a sport that requires intense focus, discipline, and the ability to work well with teammates, Flagg stands out for his maturity and leadership on and off the court. Coaches often talk about a player’s “basketball IQ,” and in Flagg’s case, his IQ is through the roof.
Flagg’s understanding of the game is beyond his years, and he has the ability to make his teammates better by reading the floor, recognizing opportunities, and facilitating the offense. Whether it’s making the right pass, cutting to the basket, or creating space for others, Flagg’s court awareness is one of his defining traits. This high basketball IQ is one of the reasons why Scheyer has gone out of his way to compare Flagg to players who have excelled at the highest levels of college basketball.
In addition to his basketball IQ, Flagg’s work ethic and passion for the game have stood out to Scheyer. Flagg has always been known for his tireless commitment to improving his game, whether it’s in the gym, on the practice court, or through film study. His drive to be the best is evident in his approach to every aspect of basketball, and this is something that coaches value highly in a player. Scheyer has described Flagg as a “competitive monster,” someone who will stop at nothing to get better and to help his team succeed.
The Leadership Qualities
Another aspect of Flagg’s game that has impressed Jon Scheyer is his leadership ability. In today’s game, it’s not enough for a player to just be a standout on the court—they also need to be able to lead their teammates and set the tone for their team’s culture. Flagg has already demonstrated a level of leadership that is rare for a player his age, and this is one of the key reasons why Scheyer has spoken so highly of him.
Flagg’s leadership is not just about being vocal on the court—he leads by example through his work ethic, discipline, and commitment to winning. He has the ability to inspire those around him to play at a higher level and is the type of player who makes his teammates better by pushing them to be their best. Whether it’s providing a timely assist, grabbing an important rebound, or making a crucial defensive stop, Flagg is always in the right position to make an impact when it matters most.
Additionally, Flagg has shown maturity in handling the pressure that comes with being a high-profile recruit. Despite the intense media attention and expectations placed on him, Flagg remains grounded and focused on the task at hand. His ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations and maintain his focus on the game has made him a natural leader and a player that his coaches and teammates can rely on.
The Duke Legacy
Jon Scheyer, who took over as Duke’s head coach after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski retired, is tasked with continuing the program’s rich tradition of excellence. In many ways, Flagg represents the next generation of Duke basketball. The Blue Devils have long been known for recruiting top-tier talent, and Flagg fits that mold perfectly. However, what sets Flagg apart from other players in Duke’s storied history is his unique blend of skills, basketball IQ, and leadership qualities.
Scheyer’s praise of Flagg as “unlike any other player he has ever coached” reflects the high expectations and excitement surrounding the young forward’s potential. The Duke program has produced some of the best players in the history of college basketball, including Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Kyrie Irving, to name just a few. If Flagg can live up to the hype and continue to develop his game under Scheyer’s guidance, there is no doubt that he will join this esteemed list of Duke greats.
What is even more exciting for Duke fans is that Flagg is not just a talented player, but someone who embodies the values that Duke basketball holds dear. He is the type of player who will buy into the team-first mentality, work hard every day, and do whatever it takes to win. For Scheyer, having a player like Flagg in his program is a huge boost as he looks to build the next great Duke team.
Flagg’s Future at Duke and Beyond
As Flagg prepares to make his transition to college basketball, all eyes will be on him as he steps onto the court for the Blue Devils. His potential is undeniable, and his game is already polished in many areas, but there is still plenty of room for growth. With Scheyer’s coaching and the support of Duke’s basketball infrastructure, Flagg will have the opportunity to fine-tune his skills and develop into a truly elite player.
Flagg’s decision to play for Duke is not just about the opportunity to showcase his talents on the national stage—it’s also about the chance to grow and learn from one of the top coaching staffs in the country. Under Scheyer’s guidance, Flagg will have every opportunity to refine his game, work on his weaknesses, and prepare for the next level.
Looking beyond his time at Duke, Flagg has the potential to be a future NBA star. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a unique prospect for professional basketball, and there is little doubt that he will attract attention from NBA scouts once he arrives in Durham. Whether it’s through his all-around play, his leadership qualities, or his ability to make his teammates better, Flagg’s impact on the court will be felt immediately.