How Duke constructed a roster to support Cooper Flagg: “It was about putting together the best team.”

In the world of college basketball, few names generate as much excitement as that of Cooper Flagg. The top-ranked recruit for the class of 2025, Flagg is a once-in-a-generation talent, a versatile forward capable of dominating both ends of the floor. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players, making him a coveted prospect for any college program. As the race for Flagg’s commitment heated up, Duke University, under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, was able to put together a roster designed not only to support Flagg’s talent but to elevate it to its fullest potential.

The story of how Duke constructed a roster around Cooper Flagg is a tale of smart recruiting, careful player development, and an unwavering commitment to building the best team possible. The Blue Devils’ strategy was not just to bring in a group of talented individuals but to create a cohesive unit that could thrive around Flagg, maximizing his strengths and complementing the areas in which he could grow.

The Importance of Cooper Flagg’s Commitment to Duke

The recruitment of Cooper Flagg was a watershed moment for Duke. From the outset, it was clear that landing Flagg would be transformative for the Blue Devils. Not only was he a generational talent with an immense ceiling, but his decision to commit to Duke also signaled a larger shift in the landscape of college basketball. The Blue Devils were poised to continue their dominance on the recruiting trail under Jon Scheyer, who was eager to make a statement in his role as head coach following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement.

Flagg’s decision to commit to Duke wasn’t just a testament to the Blue Devils’ tradition of success—it was an endorsement of Scheyer’s vision for the future. Flagg had been courted by numerous powerhouse programs, but Duke stood out to him for its history of developing players, its commitment to high-level competition, and its potential to allow him to showcase his talents on the biggest stage. Duke’s reputation for producing NBA-level players and competing for national championships gave Flagg confidence that his skills would be maximized at the university.

But Duke’s plan to build a roster around Flagg went beyond simply adding him as the centerpiece of the team. Scheyer and his staff knew that Flagg’s success would be influenced by the players around him—players who could help shoulder the load and push him to reach his potential. Thus, the construction of the 2025 Duke roster was about creating the ideal environment for a player like Flagg to flourish.

Duke’s Recruiting Strategy: Building a Cohesive Team

While Flagg’s recruitment was undoubtedly the focal point for the Blue Devils, Duke’s recruiting strategy for the 2025 class was multifaceted. Scheyer and his staff understood that the most successful teams are those that blend star power with depth and versatility. As a result, they targeted players who could not only complement Flagg’s strengths but also contribute in key areas that would enhance the team’s overall dynamic.

1. Recruiting Elite Talent at Every Position

In the 2025 class, Duke was able to secure commitments from several high-level recruits, each chosen with a specific purpose in mind. The Blue Devils didn’t just focus on adding shooters or defenders, but on acquiring players who could fit seamlessly into a system built to support Flagg’s skills.

First and foremost, Duke made sure to surround Flagg with another group of versatile, highly skilled players. Mackenzie Mba and Tyrell Jones, two talented forwards, joined Flagg in the frontcourt, providing the Blue Devils with the kind of size and athleticism that would allow them to dominate both offensively and defensively. Mba, an explosive scorer and rebounder, will allow Duke to run an up-tempo offense that plays to Flagg’s strengths as a transition player. Jones, on the other hand, brings a physical presence on defense and is capable of stretching the floor, giving Duke additional flexibility in its lineups.

In the backcourt, Duke made it a priority to add shooters who could space the floor and create opportunities for Flagg to operate in isolation. Blake Washington, a top-tier point guard who excels at distributing the ball, will play a crucial role in getting the ball to Flagg in ideal scoring positions. Washington’s ability to drive and kick out to shooters also opens up the floor for Flagg, who can operate as both a scorer and a playmaker when surrounded by shooters. In addition, Amir Brown and Jamal Carter, two highly skilled wing players, bring athleticism and shooting ability that can keep opposing defenses honest, thus allowing Flagg to work his magic in the paint or on the perimeter.

Duke’s recruiting efforts in the 2025 class were designed to ensure that Flagg would not be isolated as the sole star of the team. Instead, the Blue Devils brought in a balanced roster, featuring high-level players at every position. This would allow Flagg to play within a system where his skills were accentuated, and he was supported by players who could contribute to every aspect of the game.

2. Versatility: Playing to Flagg’s Strengths

One of the most significant considerations in constructing a roster around a player like Cooper Flagg is understanding the unique skill set that he brings to the table. Flagg is known for his exceptional defensive ability, his versatility on offense, and his basketball IQ. He can play and defend multiple positions, which makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents.

Duke’s coaching staff was deliberate in constructing a roster that would allow Flagg to thrive in these areas. The Blue Devils have always prided themselves on being able to adapt to different styles of play, and with Flagg’s versatility, they wanted to give him the freedom to move around the court. Rather than pigeonholing him into one role or position, Duke’s staff is likely to use Flagg in a variety of ways—both offensively and defensively.

To take full advantage of Flagg’s all-around game, Duke recruited players who could complement his style of play. By surrounding him with dynamic shooters and versatile defenders, the Blue Devils created a team that can switch on defense and play multiple offensive systems, allowing Flagg to play a central role in every aspect of the game.

Additionally, Duke added depth to its roster to ensure that there would always be support for Flagg, whether he was attacking the basket, guarding a top scorer, or facilitating the offense. The goal was to create a unit where Flagg could be both a primary scorer and a playmaker, surrounded by teammates who could take pressure off him when needed.

3. A Balanced Offensive and Defensive Approach

While many programs focus exclusively on offense or defense, Duke’s approach to roster construction was centered around balance. Scheyer knows that to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, a team must be able to excel on both ends of the floor. For Flagg to be successful, he needs a team around him that can both score and stop the opposition.

Duke’s roster was designed to be just that—a complete team. The frontcourt players bring shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, while the guards and wings provide perimeter shooting and playmaking ability. On offense, the Blue Devils will be able to run multiple sets, including pick-and-rolls, motion offenses, and isolation plays that give Flagg the freedom to attack mismatches. On defense, the Blue Devils will be able to rely on their length, athleticism, and versatility to stifle opposing offenses.

The balance between offensive firepower and defensive lockdown ability makes Duke a dangerous team that can thrive in different styles of play. Whether facing a high-scoring team or a defensive juggernaut, Duke has the pieces necessary to adjust and succeed.

The Culture of Teamwork and Unselfishness

At the heart of the roster construction for Duke in 2025 is the idea of creating a cohesive team that is greater than the sum of its parts. While the individual talents of players like Flagg are undeniable, the Blue Devils have fostered a culture of teamwork and unselfishness that will be key to their success.

Duke’s coaching staff has focused on instilling a mindset where players understand their roles and responsibilities, even if that means making sacrifices for the greater good of the team. In this environment, Flagg can thrive as both a scorer and facilitator, knowing that he is supported by teammates who are committed to the collective goal of winning a national championship.