Following his March Madness debut, Cooper Flagg explains why he plays basketball for Jon Scheyer and Duke.

In the world of college basketball, where blue-chip recruits are in high demand and the spotlight is always on the court, Cooper Flagg’s decision to play for Jon Scheyer and Duke was one of the most highly anticipated choices of the 2023 recruiting cycle. Flagg, widely regarded as one of the top high school prospects in the country, had his pick of any school, and his eventual commitment to Duke sent shockwaves through the basketball world. As he made his March Madness debut for the Blue Devils, it became clear that the decision to play for Scheyer was one of immense importance—both to Flagg’s future and to the future of Duke basketball.

As Duke made its tournament run, Cooper Flagg emerged as a key player who not only contributed with his skill but also embodied the very essence of what Duke basketball is all about: discipline, talent, and an unyielding desire to win. After his impressive debut performance, Flagg sat down to reflect on his decision to join Duke, his relationship with Coach Scheyer, and why he chose to represent a program with such a rich tradition.

In this article, we take a deep dive into Flagg’s motivations, his thought process behind choosing Duke, and how his relationship with Jon Scheyer has shaped his early career at one of the most storied programs in college basketball history.

The Decision to Choose Duke

As one of the most highly recruited high school players in recent years, Cooper Flagg’s recruitment was a spectacle in itself. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was evident that Flagg had the rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that would make him a future star. At 6’8″ with the versatility to play multiple positions, he was a matchup nightmare, with the ability to dominate both offensively and defensively. Colleges from all over the country were eager to land him, with many top programs courting him heavily.

However, despite the overwhelming attention and offers from many prestigious schools, Flagg ultimately chose Duke and committed to Jon Scheyer’s program. His decision was not taken lightly, as he weighed factors such as the coaching staff, the opportunity to develop his game, and the chance to play in a program with a rich history of success.

Cooper Flagg explained that his decision to play for Duke wasn’t just about the tradition or the chance to compete at the highest level—it was about the relationship he formed with Jon Scheyer and the trust he had in the head coach to help him reach his full potential.

“I chose Duke because of the opportunity to develop my game in a way that was aligned with my long-term goals,” Flagg said. “Coach Scheyer has this ability to bring out the best in his players, and that was something I really wanted in a coach. I wanted someone who would push me, not just on the court, but also help me grow as a player and a person.”

Jon Scheyer’s Influence

At the heart of Flagg’s decision to join Duke was the trust he had in Jon Scheyer. Scheyer, who took over as head coach following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, was facing a daunting task: maintaining the Blue Devils’ standard of excellence while also putting his own stamp on the program. For Flagg, it was Scheyer’s coaching philosophy and the connection they built that made Duke the ideal choice.

“Coach Scheyer is one of the best coaches in college basketball,” Flagg continued. “His approach to the game is about more than just X’s and O’s. It’s about building relationships, developing leadership skills, and helping players maximize their potential. He’s always there for his players, both on and off the court, and I felt that when I met him. I knew that if I wanted to grow as a player and achieve my goals, Duke under Coach Scheyer was the perfect fit.”

Flagg’s respect for Scheyer’s basketball knowledge and his understanding of how to manage and develop young talent was a key factor in his decision. Scheyer had already shown his ability to connect with players on a personal level, and Flagg felt confident that Scheyer’s leadership would allow him to thrive both as an individual and as part of the team.

It also helped that Scheyer had a clear vision for how Flagg would fit into the program’s structure. From the first conversation, Scheyer emphasized that Flagg would be an integral part of the team’s plans, given his ability to impact the game on both sides of the floor. Flagg’s defensive versatility, basketball IQ, and potential to develop into an offensive leader were key points that Scheyer made clear when they first discussed Flagg’s future role in the program.

“I was looking for a coach who could challenge me and help me evolve as a player,” Flagg said. “Coach Scheyer showed me that he could do that. He’s a guy who has been in the shoes of a player at Duke, and now he’s using that experience to help players like me. He believes in me, and that’s really important.”

The March Madness Debut: Making an Immediate Impact

Flagg’s March Madness debut was nothing short of spectacular. His performance against their opening-round opponent highlighted the reasons why he was one of the most highly anticipated freshmen in recent memory. From the moment he stepped onto the court, it was clear that Flagg was going to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. He displayed his scoring ability, with an impressive array of jump shots, three-pointers, and smooth finishes at the rim. He also exhibited his defensive prowess, using his length and agility to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots.

The freshman’s poise under pressure was a major factor in his success. His ability to stay calm in the high-stakes environment of March Madness, despite it being his first tournament appearance, only further solidified why his commitment to Duke was the right choice.

After the game, Flagg took time to reflect on his debut and how his time at Duke had prepared him for this moment.

“March Madness is everything I thought it would be and more,” Flagg said. “It’s a different atmosphere, and the stakes are higher. But I felt ready for it. I knew that Coach Scheyer and the staff had prepared me for moments like these. I’m just thankful to be here and to be able to contribute to this program. The work we’ve put in all season came together in that game, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”

Flagg’s ability to rise to the occasion and handle the pressure of the tournament demonstrated his maturity and his readiness to play at the highest level. It was clear that his time at Duke had prepared him to succeed when it mattered most.

Building Relationships at Duke: More Than Just Basketball

For Cooper Flagg, basketball is just one aspect of his college experience. While his on-court success is undoubtedly important, the relationships he has built with his teammates and coaches are just as crucial to his development. At Duke, Flagg has found a sense of community, where the focus is not only on basketball but on personal growth as well.

“My teammates have been incredible since day one,” Flagg said. “We’re like a family here. Coach Scheyer has created an environment where everyone feels like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. The guys are always pushing each other to be better, both on and off the court. It’s not just about basketball—it’s about becoming better people, better teammates, and better leaders.”

Flagg’s bond with his teammates was evident throughout the season, and it was clear that he embraced the collective nature of Duke’s program. While he had the individual talent to shine, he understood the importance of working together as a team. This mindset, combined with his natural talent, is one of the reasons why Flagg has already become such an integral part of Duke’s success.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cooper Flagg and Duke Basketball

As Cooper Flagg continues his journey at Duke, the future looks incredibly bright. His debut performance in March Madness is just a glimpse of what he is capable of achieving, and as the tournament progresses, there is no doubt that Flagg will continue to develop into one of the premier players in college basketball.

For Duke, having a player of Flagg’s caliber is a huge advantage. His skill set, leadership, and defensive prowess make him a key asset as the Blue Devils aim to continue their tournament run and compete for a national championship. Flagg’s ability to play in high-pressure situations, combined with the guidance of Coach Scheyer, puts him in an ideal position to succeed in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Flagg has aspirations not only of winning championships at Duke but of making his mark on the professional level. While his focus remains on developing his game and contributing to Duke’s success, it is clear that his sights are set on a future beyond college basketball.

“I want to continue to improve every day,” Flagg said. “My goal is to win championships at Duke, and then eventually, I hope to make it to the NBA. But right now, I’m focused on the team and doing everything I can to help us succeed. I know that if I keep working hard, everything else will fall into place.”