Jon Scheyer constructed the top college basketball team to maximize Cooper Flagg’s potential.

In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, where recruiting and player development are at the forefront of team-building strategies, Jon Scheyer, the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, has proven himself to be a visionary when it comes to constructing the perfect roster to maximize talent. For 2025, one of the most highly anticipated players entering the college basketball scene is Cooper Flagg, a multi-talented forward who has been touted as a potential future NBA superstar. With a skill set that combines elite defense, versatility, and offensive potential, Flagg represents the type of player who can elevate an entire program’s ceiling.

As Duke continues to recruit and build a team for future success, Jon Scheyer has his eyes set on crafting a team around Flagg that will allow him to reach his full potential. The team Scheyer constructs will not only play to Flagg’s strengths but also complement his abilities in a way that enhances his development as a player and a future NBA prospect.

In this article, we’ll explore how Jon Scheyer can maximize Cooper Flagg’s potential at Duke, analyzing the type of team he would need to build, the roles of key players around Flagg, and how Scheyer’s system can elevate Flagg’s game while providing a championship-contending roster.

Cooper Flagg: The Rising Star

Before diving into the specifics of how Jon Scheyer can maximize Flagg’s potential, it’s essential to understand the type of player Cooper Flagg is. At 6’8″, Flagg is a highly versatile forward who has drawn comparisons to NBA stars such as Kevin Durant and Paul George due to his combination of size, athleticism, and skill set. Flagg is known for his ability to impact both ends of the floor, making him one of the most complete prospects in recent memory.

What sets Flagg apart from most high school players is his advanced basketball IQ and his ability to adapt to different roles. Whether as a shot-blocker, perimeter defender, or primary scorer, Flagg can do it all. On offense, he is adept at scoring in a variety of ways: finishing at the rim, shooting from beyond the arc, and using his excellent footwork to create his own shot. On defense, Flagg is a force to be reckoned with, using his length and timing to block shots, guard multiple positions, and disrupt opposing offenses.

However, despite his immense potential, Flagg still has areas in which he can improve. He will need to refine his decision-making, become more consistent in his shooting, and further develop his leadership abilities. This is where Jon Scheyer comes in, as he has the tools and the vision to maximize Flagg’s potential.

Jon Scheyer’s Approach to Coaching

Jon Scheyer, a former star player for Duke and now the program’s head coach, has quickly established himself as one of the top young coaches in college basketball. His ability to relate to players, develop talent, and implement an effective offensive and defensive system has made him a rising star in the coaching ranks.

Scheyer’s offensive philosophy focuses on spacing, ball movement, and versatility. He emphasizes a modern, positionless style of basketball, which suits the talents of players like Cooper Flagg. Defensively, Scheyer’s system is centered around switching, intensity, and applying pressure on the ball, which would be an ideal fit for Flagg’s athleticism and defensive prowess. Scheyer knows how to play to the strengths of his players, and in Flagg, he has a dynamic piece that could make Duke an elite team in both the ACC and the NCAA Tournament.

To fully unlock Flagg’s potential, Jon Scheyer will need to construct a team around him that enhances his strengths while addressing areas where he could improve. The key will be pairing Flagg with players who can either take pressure off him or complement his abilities to create a well-rounded and cohesive team.

Constructing the Perfect Duke Roster for Cooper Flagg

Maximizing Cooper Flagg’s potential isn’t just about getting him the ball in the right spots; it’s about building a team that will enable him to flourish in all aspects of his game. Here’s how Jon Scheyer can construct the ideal Duke team to help Flagg develop into the superstar we all expect him to be:

1. Elite Point Guard Play

At the top of the Duke roster, Scheyer will need a point guard who can run the offense efficiently, make decisions quickly, and get the ball to the right players in the right positions. An elite point guard will also take the pressure off Flagg as the primary playmaker and enable him to focus on scoring and defense.

Ideally, Duke would benefit from a player like Tyrese Proctor or a highly skilled incoming recruit who possesses a high basketball IQ, excellent vision, and the ability to break down defenses. Having a point guard who can create open shots for Flagg will allow him to focus on his scoring and finishing ability. Additionally, a point guard with the ability to stretch the floor and hit open shots from beyond the arc will open up driving lanes for Flagg, allowing him to use his athleticism to get to the basket more effectively.

A point guard who can consistently find Flagg on cuts to the basket, in transition, or spotting up for threes will allow Flagg to showcase his offensive skills and develop into the type of player who can carry a team.

2. Stretch Four or Center to Anchor the Paint

While Flagg is a versatile forward capable of playing inside and outside, it would be beneficial for Duke to pair him with a true center or another stretch forward who can anchor the paint on both ends of the floor. Duke has had great success in the past with dominant big men, and having someone who can protect the rim and rebound at a high level will allow Flagg to focus more on his perimeter defense and offensive game.

Someone like Kyle Filipowski, who was a significant contributor in the 2024 season, could serve as a blueprint for the type of player Scheyer could recruit. A skilled big man with the ability to stretch the floor, hit mid-range jumpers, and protect the rim would complement Flagg’s skill set. This would provide the Blue Devils with a strong inside presence to balance their offense and defense, preventing opposing teams from doubling Flagg or crowding the paint.

Additionally, a player who can effectively set screens, roll to the basket, and finish with authority would free up space for Flagg to operate in one-on-one situations, as defenders will have to respect the post presence.

3. Elite Shooter on the Wing

A key to maximizing Flagg’s potential is having players around him who can space the floor. In modern basketball, a team’s ability to stretch the floor with shooters is critical, and this would give Flagg the freedom to play to his strengths without being constantly double-teamed or trapped in the paint.

Scheyer will need a knockdown shooter on the wing who can punish defenses for leaving them open. Someone who can hit 3-pointers consistently will draw defenders out of the paint, providing Flagg with more room to operate. Having elite shooting from players such as Moussa Diabate (if he were to develop into such a player) or incoming recruits who can shoot from the perimeter will give Flagg the space he needs to operate inside and outside.

This shooter could also play off the ball, allowing Flagg to handle the ball in certain situations and create his own opportunities. Spacing and floor spacing will be key to getting the most out of Flagg, and elite shooting from the wings is a critical component in this equation.

4. Defensive Stoppers on the Perimeter

Another critical element to maximizing Flagg’s potential is surrounding him with players who can defend. As an elite defender, Flagg will thrive in a system that values pressure defense and switching, but he will need the support of teammates who can guard on the perimeter and force turnovers. This would give him more opportunities to showcase his athleticism in transition and become a bigger threat on the fast break.

Having lockdown defenders on the perimeter—such as a quick, defensive-minded guard or wing—will allow Flagg to focus more on his shot-blocking and rim protection while still being able to rely on teammates to take care of business on the outside. If Flagg is able to cover ground and challenge shots on the inside, but also has help on the outside, Duke will be a difficult team to score against.

5. Leadership and Chemistry

Finally, Jon Scheyer will need to foster an environment where team chemistry thrives. With a player of Cooper Flagg’s talent, there will be high expectations, and the ability for the team to come together and play for each other will be crucial. Duke’s success will hinge on the leadership and camaraderie between Flagg and his teammates, as well as how well they can integrate their individual talents into the team’s overall system.

Flagg’s development as a leader, especially on the court, will also be pivotal in his journey toward becoming a top NBA prospect. While his raw talent is undeniable, the ability to guide a team through adversity and control a game in clutch moments will take him to the next level.