Jon Scheyer Explains Reason Behind Cooper Flagg’s Withdrawal from Transfer Portal: “Not Just Eligibility, But Commitment”
In the aftermath of one of the most unexpected turns of the offseason, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has finally broken his silence on Cooper Flagg’s shocking decision to withdraw from the NCAA transfer portal and return to Duke for another season. While early reports focused on NBA Draft eligibility concerns as the primary reason, Scheyer made it clear that there’s more to the story than just red tape.
“This wasn’t just about eligibility,” Scheyer said in a press conference on Monday afternoon. “This was about Cooper’s commitment—to Duke, to his teammates, and to the journey he started here.”
Flagg, who entered the transfer portal shortly after being declared ineligible for the 2025 NBA Draft due to reclassification criteria, set off a firestorm of speculation. Rumors swirled that he was considering a move to another program or even exploring overseas options. But in a stunning reversal, Flagg withdrew his name from the portal and officially committed to returning to Duke for the 2025–26 season.
Scheyer admitted the past few weeks have been a “rollercoaster,” but praised Flagg’s maturity in handling the situation.
“He took time to reflect, to talk with his family, and to think deeply about what he really wants,” Scheyer said. “He realized that the work isn’t finished here. He’s not running from adversity—he’s embracing it.”
According to sources close to the program, Flagg’s brief stint in the portal was less about dissatisfaction and more about exploring all options after the NBA’s ruling blindsided his camp. With the door to the league temporarily closed, Flagg evaluated whether staying at Duke aligned with his long-term goals. Scheyer and his staff made it clear they wanted him back—not just for his talent, but for the leadership and energy he brings to the program.
Flagg’s return puts Duke right back in national title conversations. Pairing him again with Cooper Duke, Trey Johnson, and incoming transfer Elijah Ransom, the Blue Devils now boast a roster stacked with top-tier talent and experience. The expectations will be sky-high—but according to Scheyer, Flagg is ready for that pressure.
“Cooper came here with a vision,” Scheyer continued. “It wasn’t just to go to the league. It was to win. He knows what this jersey means, and he wants to finish what he started.”
The statement resonated with fans and alumni, many of whom had braced for Flagg’s departure. Instead, they get one more season of the phenom in Cameron Indoor—one more chance to chase glory with a player many still believe is the best in college basketball.
As Scheyer put it simply: “He’s not done. And neither are we.”
