Jon Scheyer Claims That Cooper Flagg, a Standout Player for Duke, Is Not Like Any Other Player He Has Ever Coached
Duke University’s basketball program has long been known for attracting elite talent, cultivating future NBA stars, and producing a championship-caliber team year after year. From the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski to his successor, Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have been at the top of college basketball for decades. But with the arrival of 2025 NBA draft prospect Cooper Flagg, Scheyer has found himself working with a player unlike any other he has ever coached.
Flagg, a 6’8″ freshman forward, has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting players in college basketball. A standout at Montverde Academy, Flagg’s combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ has turned heads across the country. But what makes him even more special isn’t just his ability to dominate on the floor—it’s the way he approaches the game, the way he carries himself, and his overall impact on his team.
Scheyer, in his short time as Duke’s head coach, has already had the opportunity to work with some of the nation’s best players. From high-flyers to elite shooters, he has seen nearly every style of talent. Yet, when asked about Cooper Flagg, Scheyer made it clear that there’s something unique about him, something that sets him apart from every player he has ever coached.
“He’s not like any other player I’ve ever coached,” Scheyer said in a recent interview. “What Cooper brings to the table is rare, and it’s hard to put into words exactly what makes him so special. From his work ethic to his understanding of the game to his leadership qualities—he’s a once-in-a-generation type of player.”
The Unmatched Talent of Cooper Flagg
At first glance, Cooper Flagg’s physical tools alone are enough to make him a standout player. Standing at 6’8” with a wingspan that exceeds 7 feet, Flagg is a physical specimen that gives him a distinct advantage on both ends of the floor. His size and length allow him to guard multiple positions, block shots in the paint, and dominate in transition. But it’s his skill set, combined with his physical attributes, that makes him truly special.
Flagg is known for his versatility. Offensively, he can score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s pulling up for a jumper, driving to the basket, or hitting a spot-up three-pointer. His ball-handling is impressive for a player of his size, and his basketball IQ allows him to make plays that most players his age simply can’t.
What truly separates Flagg from his peers, however, is his mentality and approach to the game. His understanding of basketball fundamentals is off the charts, and his leadership qualities are immediately apparent. Flagg is not the kind of player who will dominate the ball and look for his own shots at the expense of his teammates. He’s a player who makes everyone around him better, someone who understands when to take over and when to involve his teammates.
Scheyer has spoken at length about Flagg’s maturity and leadership on and off the court. “He has this natural ability to elevate everyone around him,” Scheyer said. “He has a sense of when to push the tempo, when to slow things down, and when to make the right play. Even as a freshman, he has that veteran presence about him.”
A Perfect Fit for Duke’s System
When Jon Scheyer took over as Duke’s head coach after the retirement of Coach K, the program was at a crossroads. He was tasked with keeping the Blue Devils at the top of college basketball while adapting to the new era of recruiting, NIL deals, and rapidly evolving offensive schemes. But with Cooper Flagg, Scheyer finds himself with a player who fits seamlessly into the future vision of Duke basketball.
Flagg’s versatility aligns perfectly with the modern college game, where teams are looking for multi-dimensional players who can impact all aspects of the game. In Duke’s system, where player movement, ball movement, and defense are emphasized, Flagg’s skills shine. His ability to guard multiple positions on the floor allows him to be a key asset in Duke’s switch-heavy defensive schemes, and his offensive game gives Scheyer the flexibility to use him in a variety of roles.
“Cooper’s ability to be effective both offensively and defensively gives us so many options,” Scheyer explained. “He can be used in pick-and-roll situations, he can stretch the floor, he can drive to the basket, and he can be a stopper on defense. He’s the kind of player that makes our system work at a higher level.”
Flagg’s skill set also allows Scheyer to experiment with different lineups and strategies. His size and shooting ability give Duke the option to play him as a small forward or even as a stretch four, depending on the matchup. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his mobility on the fast break make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
For Scheyer, having a player like Flagg on the roster is a coach’s dream. “He gives us so many options,” Scheyer said. “As a coach, it’s always great to have a player like Cooper because he can do so many things. And the best part is, he’s just scratching the surface of his potential.”
Leadership Beyond the Court
What truly makes Cooper Flagg stand out, however, is his leadership. Even though he is just a freshman, Flagg carries himself like a seasoned veteran. He is already having a profound impact on his teammates, mentoring younger players, and setting the tone in practice. His work ethic and competitive drive are contagious, and his ability to maintain focus on the bigger picture—winning games and developing as a player—sets him apart from many young athletes.
“Cooper’s leadership is special,” Scheyer said. “He’s the kind of player who leads by example, and he’s never afraid to speak up when things aren’t going well. His maturity is remarkable, and it rubs off on everyone around him. He makes his teammates better, and that’s what you want from your star player.”
Flagg’s leadership extends beyond the court as well. His commitment to academics, his social media presence, and his ability to balance his basketball career with his off-court responsibilities demonstrate that he is a well-rounded individual. He understands that being a student-athlete at a program like Duke comes with a level of responsibility, and he’s fully embraced that responsibility.
Scheyer has praised Flagg’s maturity, calling him one of the most mentally tough players he has ever coached. “He has a rare combination of humility and confidence,” Scheyer said. “He’s always looking for ways to improve, but he’s never too proud to listen to coaches and teammates. That kind of attitude is going to take him a long way.”
The Future of Duke Basketball
With Cooper Flagg on board, Duke’s future looks incredibly bright. The Blue Devils are poised to contend for championships both in the short term and in the years to come. Flagg’s impact on the program is already being felt, and his potential to develop into an NBA star adds to the excitement surrounding his time at Duke.
For Scheyer, having a player of Flagg’s caliber is an opportunity to continue building upon Duke’s rich tradition of success. “Cooper’s potential is limitless,” Scheyer said. “He has the ability to be one of the best players in college basketball and to make a major impact in the NBA. But he’s also a guy who understands that it’s not just about the individual—it’s about the team. And that’s what makes him so special.”
Duke basketball fans are undoubtedly excited to watch Flagg’s journey unfold. As a program that has produced some of the best basketball players in history, Duke has seen its fair share of standout players. But with Flagg, Scheyer believes the Blue Devils have a unique talent on their hands—someone who will not only lead the team to victories but will also help redefine the future of college basketball.