Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer opened up this week about an emotional moment that left a lasting impact on him: Cooper Flagg’s major career decision.
Flagg, the standout freshman phenom and projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, officially announced that he will forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the draft — a decision that wasn’t surprising, but still deeply moved his coach.
In a heartfelt interview following the announcement, Scheyer revealed that Flagg personally broke the news to him in a private meeting, which quickly became an emotional experience.
“When Cooper sat down and told me, I wasn’t expecting to get emotional — but I did,” Scheyer said. “He’s more than just an incredible player. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent and an even better person. Watching him grow this past year has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.”
Flagg, who led the Blue Devils to the Final Four in his freshman season, averaged 20.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game, and was widely regarded as the face of college basketball during the 2024–25 season. His combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ drew comparisons to NBA legends before he even stepped on the college court.
Though his time in Durham was brief, Flagg’s impact was immense. Scheyer praised not only his on-court dominance but also his leadership and humility.
“He carried the weight of expectations with grace and never made it about himself,” Scheyer said. “That kind of maturity is rare. When he told me he was ready for the next step, I knew it was the right decision — but it still hit me hard.”
Flagg is expected to go No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft, with several teams reportedly eager to build around the 6’9″ forward.
Scheyer added that Duke will forever be a home for Flagg: “He’ll always be part of the brotherhood. We were lucky to have him, even if just for a year.”
