The buzz around Cooper Flagg continues to dominate the college basketball landscape, but behind Duke’s wins and highlight-reel moments, insiders say a quiet concern is growing inside the program. While Flagg’s impact has been undeniable, questions are emerging about whether the Blue Devils are placing an unsustainable burden on their young star.
Flagg has become the engine of Duke’s identity. He’s guarding multiple positions, initiating offense, crashing the glass, and often serving as the late-game safety valve when possessions break down. Coaches and analysts alike praise his maturity and competitive edge, but sources suggest the workload is beginning to raise eyebrows among those closest to the team.
Opponents have taken notice. Game plans increasingly revolve around forcing Flagg into constant action — bumping him on drives, attacking him defensively, and daring him to carry Duke for 40 minutes. Insiders note that while Flagg thrives on pressure, the cumulative toll of being the focal point on both ends of the floor could become a factor as the season intensifies.
There’s also concern about ripple effects. Some within the program worry that Duke’s heavy reliance on Flagg may stall the development of other key contributors. When everything flows through one player, confidence can erode elsewhere, making the offense easier to disrupt in high-stakes situations like conference play and the NCAA Tournament.
Head coach Jon Scheyer has remained publicly confident, emphasizing that Flagg’s role reflects trust, not desperation. Internally, however, there’s recognition that balance will be critical moving forward. Duke’s staff is reportedly exploring ways to manage Flagg’s minutes, spread responsibility, and ensure the team remains dangerous even when defenses key in on their star.
For now, the alarm remains silent — but it’s there. Duke’s success has masked potential vulnerabilities, and insiders warn that the margin between riding a star and overloading him is razor-thin. Whether Duke adjusts in time may determine if Cooper Flagg’s brilliance leads to a deep postseason run — or becomes an impossible expectation placed on one player.
