Cooper Flagg, one of the most highly regarded high school basketball players in the nation, has captivated the basketball world with his extraordinary talent, work ethic, and basketball IQ. His recruiting process has been one of the most talked-about stories in recent years, not only because of his elite skillset but also due to the fierce competition among some of the best college basketball programs for his commitment. Among those programs, Duke University stood out, largely due to the efforts of Jon Scheyer, Duke’s head coach and a former Blue Devil player himself.
Flagg, a 6’8″ forward, has the potential to reshape the college basketball landscape, and with his skill set, it was no surprise that Coach Scheyer, who took over as head coach of Duke in 2022, pursued him with vigor. What may have been surprising, however, was the manner in which Scheyer built a relationship with Flagg, one that went far beyond the typical recruitment pitch. In a recent interview, Flagg opened up about how Jon Scheyer surprised him throughout the recruiting process, detailing their interactions, the thoughtful approach taken by Scheyer, and how it ultimately led him to choose Duke for his college basketball career.
The Initial Connection: Building Trust Early On
Cooper Flagg’s recruitment journey began when he was still relatively young, with college programs showing interest in him long before his senior year of high school. Flagg’s name had already become known in basketball circles, thanks to his impressive performances on the court, and Duke was no exception. However, what truly set Duke apart in the recruiting process was how Jon Scheyer approached him and his family.
Flagg admitted that he was initially unsure of what to expect from the recruiting process, which could often feel like an overwhelming whirlwind of phone calls, pitches, and expectations. What stood out to him early on was the sincerity with which Scheyer approached their first conversations. Instead of the usual barrage of recruitment jargon and promises of development, Scheyer took the time to get to know Flagg as a person. Their initial conversations weren’t centered around basketball, but about Flagg’s family, his hometown, his values, and what mattered most to him.
“I remember the first conversation I had with Coach Scheyer,” Flagg said. “It wasn’t just about basketball. It wasn’t even about me coming to Duke yet. He asked me what my life was like, what my family was like, and what I wanted out of this process. He really seemed to care about me as a person, not just as a player.”
For Flagg, who had received attention from a number of high-profile programs, this personal touch set Duke apart. It wasn’t just about making the sale; it was about developing a genuine relationship built on trust. Scheyer’s approach, rooted in personal connection, laid the groundwork for what would become a long-lasting relationship.
The Depth of the Relationship: Going Beyond the Pitch
As the recruitment process continued, Jon Scheyer’s approach became even more thoughtful and personal. One of the key surprises Flagg mentioned was how Scheyer made an effort to keep in touch consistently without any pressure to make a decision. It was clear to Flagg that Scheyer wasn’t rushing him to choose Duke; instead, he was trying to build a connection, showing genuine interest in Flagg’s growth as both a player and an individual.
Flagg spoke highly of the way Scheyer would check in on him regularly, even outside of basketball. He’d send texts or make phone calls to discuss things like family life, academics, or how Flagg was managing the pressure of recruitment. This balance of genuine care and consistency in communication made a huge impression on Flagg.
“He just kept reaching out, not to push for a commitment, but to let me know he was there for me, no matter what,” Flagg revealed. “Sometimes he would just send a text to check in and ask how I was doing. That meant a lot to me because it showed he wasn’t just interested in me for what I could do on the court. He cared about me as a person, and that’s something I don’t think every coach does.”
Scheyer also took extra steps to show Flagg how he would fit into the Duke program. Unlike other coaches who might rely on standard recruiting tactics, Scheyer took a different approach by focusing on how Flagg’s unique skill set could complement Duke’s playing style. He highlighted how Flagg’s versatility as a player could benefit the team, but he never made promises or oversold what Duke could offer.
Instead of making grandiose statements about the program’s potential to help Flagg reach the NBA, Scheyer was realistic and focused on the long-term development of Flagg as a player. Flagg appreciated this approach, as it showed that Scheyer wasn’t interested in rushing him into a decision, but rather in cultivating an environment where Flagg could grow.
The Duke Family: A Shared Vision
As Flagg moved closer to making his college decision, Jon Scheyer worked hard to paint a picture of what being part of the Duke family would mean. What stood out to Flagg was the sense of community within the program. Rather than presenting Duke as just another powerhouse school with a legacy of success, Scheyer emphasized the culture of teamwork, mentorship, and family that defines the Blue Devil program.
“It was about more than just basketball at Duke,” Flagg said. “Coach Scheyer told me that it wasn’t just about developing as a player but also growing as a person. He talked a lot about the relationships you build, both with teammates and with the coaching staff, and how that extends beyond your time there.”
One aspect of Duke that Scheyer emphasized was the mentorship that Flagg would receive from upperclassmen. The program’s tradition of developing players both on and off the court resonated with Flagg, who was looking for an environment where he could flourish and grow, both as a player and as an individual. Scheyer explained how the team’s leaders would serve as role models for younger players like Flagg, helping them adjust to the pressures of playing at the college level and beyond.
Flagg was particularly struck by the way Scheyer described his own experience at Duke. Scheyer spoke candidly about how he had been shaped by his time in the program, from his development as a player to the relationships he formed with his coaches and teammates. Flagg could see that the coach wasn’t just selling an idea but was sharing his own genuine experiences, which gave the recruiting process an authentic and personal feel.
The Visit to Duke: A Pivotal Moment
A key turning point in Flagg’s recruitment came during his official visit to Duke, where Jon Scheyer continued to surprise him by providing a glimpse into the culture and environment he would be entering. Flagg recalled how he was welcomed not only by the coaching staff but also by the players who were already on the team. The visit gave him a firsthand look at the close-knit atmosphere of the program and the high level of commitment and focus required from every player.
Flagg mentioned how important it was to see the team’s camaraderie during his visit, particularly how the players interacted with one another and the coaching staff. “When I visited Duke, I could really feel the family vibe,” Flagg said. “The players were really tight, and the coaches weren’t just telling you what you wanted to hear; they were being real with you. Coach Scheyer was incredibly honest about the challenges, but he made it clear that we’d be working through them together.”
This environment resonated with Flagg, who was looking for a place that offered both elite basketball competition and a supportive, nurturing environment. The experience solidified his belief that Duke could be the perfect place for him to take the next step in his career.
The Decision: A Journey of Trust and Understanding
Ultimately, Cooper Flagg’s decision to commit to Duke was influenced by the unique relationship he had built with Jon Scheyer. Throughout the recruitment process, Flagg was impressed not only by Scheyer’s basketball acumen but by his ability to forge a personal connection that felt genuine and meaningful. The trust that Scheyer had built over time played a crucial role in Flagg’s final decision, as he knew that Duke’s program was not just a great basketball destination but also a place where he could thrive as an individual.
“It wasn’t just about basketball,” Flagg explained. “It was about the people, the relationships, and the culture. Coach Scheyer surprised me by showing me that it wasn’t just about winning; it was about growing, both as a player and as a person.”
Flagg’s commitment to Duke marks the beginning of what is expected to be a remarkable career, and it is clear that Jon Scheyer’s thoughtful, genuine approach to recruiting played a significant role in securing Flagg’s commitment. As Flagg prepares to wear the iconic blue and white, he can be sure that his journey at Duke will not only be shaped by his immense talent but by the strong foundation built through his recruitment process with Coach Scheyer.