Fans Celebrate Over Cooper Flagg’s Latest Announcement, but Coach Jon Scheyer Says He Already Expected It
The basketball world lit up with excitement as Cooper Flagg, the top-ranked prospect in the 2024 class, officially announced his commitment to Duke University.
fans of the Blue Devils, it was a moment of celebration—an electrifying confirmation that the program’s future remains bright under head coach Jon Scheyer. But while fans were losing their minds, Scheyer was calm and collected. For him, this wasn’t a surprise. It was the plan all along.
Flagg’s decision, shared via social media in a short video, quickly went viral. The 6-foot-9 forward from Maine has been heralded as a generational talent, drawing comparisons to NBA superstars with his elite athleticism, defensive instincts, and basketball IQ. Many fans viewed his commitment as a game-changing moment for Duke, especially as they continue to reestablish their identity in the post-Coach K era.
However, when asked about Flagg’s announcement, Coach Scheyer’s response was measured and confident.
“We’ve been building this relationship for a long time,” Scheyer told reporters. “Cooper has always understood what Duke stands for, and we understood what he could bring to this program. So while it’s great to see it official, we were always confident this was the right fit—for him and for us.”
Scheyer, now in his third season as Duke’s head coach, has already proven himself to be a strong recruiter. Landing a player like Flagg further cements his status as a coach who can continue Duke’s legacy of excellence. But beyond the hype, Scheyer emphasized that Flagg’s mindset and work ethic are what make him truly special.
“What separates Cooper is his drive. He’s not just talented—he wants to be great, and he’s willing to put in the work,” Scheyer said.
Flagg is expected to make an immediate impact when he steps onto campus, with fans already buzzing about the potential for a deep NCAA tournament run. But Scheyer was quick to downplay the pressure.
“There’s no one-and-done mindset here,” he said. “We’re focused on building habits, building chemistry, and letting everything else take care of itself.”
As the dust settles on Flagg’s announcement, Duke fans are dreaming big. But inside the program, it’s just another step in the journey—one Scheyer says they’ve been preparing for all along.
