The causes of Cooper Flagg’s most recent difficulties at Duke

Cooper Flagg, one of the most highly anticipated high school prospects to ever enter college basketball, is an extraordinary talent. Ranked as one of the top recruits in the 2024 class, his skills are nothing short of elite. Known for his defensive versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Flagg entered Duke with sky-high expectations. However, in recent games, Flagg has faced difficulties that have raised questions about his adjustment to college basketball and his future with the Blue Devils.

While it’s early in his college career, these difficulties are not uncommon for elite freshmen, especially those who arrive with as much attention as Flagg. Despite his talent, Flagg is learning that college basketball, particularly in the ACC, is a much more demanding environment than the high school ranks. His struggles are indicative of both typical freshman growing pains and some more specific factors related to his game and the circumstances surrounding his transition to Duke.

Here, we’ll dive into the various causes of Flagg’s recent difficulties and explore how he can overcome them to reach his full potential.

1. Adjusting to the Speed and Physicality of College Basketball

One of the most significant challenges for any freshman entering college basketball is adjusting to the increased speed and physicality of the game. Flagg, who dominated at the high school level, now finds himself going up against older, stronger, and faster players. This transition has been evident in his recent performances, where he has struggled to assert himself in the face of more intense competition.

Speed and Athleticism at the ACC Level

Flagg’s style of play—characterized by his defensive tenacity, athleticism, and off-the-ball movement—has not been able to overwhelm his college opponents the way it did in high school. The ACC is one of the most competitive and physically demanding conferences in the country, with veteran players who have honed their skills over years of college experience. The athletes Flagg now faces are not only bigger and stronger but also more skilled at exploiting the weaknesses of younger players.

Flagg’s combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ suggests he could thrive in the ACC, but early struggles with physical mismatches have been evident. For instance, in Duke’s games against teams with strong frontcourts or athletic wings, Flagg has been forced to deal with physicality in a way he rarely encountered before. His ability to match the intensity and pace of these games will be critical if he’s to break through this current slump.

Getting Used to the Intensity of Defensive Pressure

At the college level, defensive schemes are more complex, and the pressure on the ball is more constant. Flagg has been an elite defender, but in the ACC, defenders are sharper and more disciplined. Flagg’s offensive game—particularly in terms of shot creation and finishing through contact—has not fully translated to the college level, leading to frustrations when attempting to make plays.

While Flagg has an instinct for help defense and shot-blocking, he’s been caught in tough situations in one-on-one defensive matchups. The pace of the game, combined with defenders who don’t give him the same space he enjoyed in high school, has thrown him off at times. His struggles against more polished offensive players have been a key factor in his difficulties.

2. Adjusting to a Different Role at Duke

At Montverde Academy, Flagg was often the focal point of the offense. He could dominate the ball, score at will, and control the flow of the game. At Duke, however, he has been asked to fit into a more structured system alongside other high-caliber players. The Blue Devils feature multiple players who can score, pass, and defend, and Flagg has had to adjust his game to contribute within this framework.

Sharing the Spotlight with Other Stars

Duke’s roster is loaded with talent, and it’s a different situation than what Flagg was used to. With players like Tyrese Proctor, Jeremy Roach, and Kyle Filipowski—along with other talented freshmen like Jared McCain—Flagg has not been the sole focal point of the offense. This has required him to adapt his role, particularly in terms of how he can contribute offensively without dominating the ball as he did in high school.

In Montverde’s system, Flagg was free to showcase his skills in isolation, taking the ball to the hoop or creating space for jump shots. At Duke, his role has been more limited in this regard, as the team’s offensive flow is more about movement, spacing, and working as a unit. While Flagg has displayed some incredible flashes of talent, he has struggled to find his rhythm within Duke’s system, particularly when asked to be more of a complementary piece rather than the primary playmaker.

Learning to Contribute without the Ball

Flagg’s current difficulties can also be attributed to his learning curve when it comes to contributing without the ball. At the collegiate level, it’s crucial for players to find ways to be effective off the ball. Flagg has shown promise in this area—his cutting ability and basketball IQ are excellent—but he still needs time to refine how to get open for easy baskets or create opportunities within the team’s offensive sets.

There have been instances where Flagg has not been as engaged when not in possession of the ball, sometimes appearing a step behind in terms of positioning or spacing. His ability to adjust and find ways to be a factor even when he isn’t the focal point will be critical for his development.

3. Mental Adjustments and Handling the Pressure of Expectations

Perhaps one of the most significant sources of stress for Cooper Flagg has been the weight of expectations. As one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, he has been under a microscope since the moment he committed to Duke. This pressure can be overwhelming for any player, let alone a freshman who is still finding his way in a new environment.

Living Up to the Hype

Flagg entered Duke with sky-high expectations. As a highly ranked prospect, he was often compared to other top-tier players in recent years, such as Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Brandon Ingram—players who all made significant impacts at Duke. Such comparisons, while flattering, add a tremendous amount of pressure on a young player’s shoulders. The constant media attention, as well as the anticipation of his first few games, can lead to anxiety and self-doubt, especially when things aren’t going as smoothly as expected.

For someone as talented as Flagg, the pressure to live up to those lofty expectations can become mentally taxing. This pressure can manifest itself in various ways, from overthinking in critical moments to trying to do too much in a game. Flagg has demonstrated frustration at times when things haven’t gone as planned, and he’s still adjusting to the level of intensity that comes with the spotlight at Duke.

Learning to Handle Adversity

The loss to Clemson and other challenging games have shown that Flagg is not immune to the ups and downs of a college basketball season. In high school, he was often able to dictate the pace of the game, controlling his team’s tempo. At Duke, however, he’s learning that college basketball requires more mental fortitude, especially when facing adversity. When things go wrong—whether it’s a missed shot, a defensive mistake, or a rough stretch—Flagg will need to develop the resilience to bounce back and stay focused.

In terms of mental adjustments, Flagg must find ways to remain calm in tough situations. When things aren’t going his way, he needs to focus on making simple, high-efficiency plays rather than trying to force his way back into a game. The best players are often the ones who can remain composed and stick to the game plan even when faced with adversity. Flagg’s natural talent will take him far, but mental toughness and self-confidence will be key as he navigates his freshman year.

4. Developing Consistency

Flagg has undoubtedly shown flashes of greatness throughout his early games at Duke. Whether it’s his elite shot-blocking, hustle plays, or timely scoring contributions, Flagg has demonstrated why he’s such a highly regarded prospect. However, one of the most critical aspects of his development this season will be learning how to play consistently at the college level.

Flashes of Greatness vs. Inconsistency

Flagg’s biggest challenge has been his inconsistency. Like many freshmen, he has had moments of brilliance but has also been prone to stretches where his impact is minimal. His shooting percentage has fluctuated, and his decision-making has been erratic at times. These inconsistencies are typical for players adjusting to the college game, particularly when facing competition at a higher level.

For Flagg to thrive at Duke, he needs to find a way to play with greater consistency. Whether it’s shooting the ball, finishing at the rim, or defending without fouling, consistency will separate him from his peers. Duke fans have seen his potential, and now it’s about putting together more complete games.

 The Path Forward for Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg’s early difficulties at Duke, while notable, are hardly cause for concern in the long term. It’s important to remember that Flagg is still adjusting to the pace and physicality of college basketball, adapting to a new role within a talented team, and learning how to handle the pressure that comes with being one of the most highly anticipated recruits in the country. These growing pains are a normal part of any freshman’s development, and Flagg is more than capable of overcoming them.

For Flagg, the key moving forward will be learning from these struggles. He must refine his game—especially his perimeter shooting and decision-making—while continuing to leverage his exceptional defensive abilities. Mentally, he must embrace the process, stay confident in his skills, and understand that development takes time. With the right support