Duke’s Cooper Flagg withdrew from the Transfer Portal; Jon Scheyer explains why. Not only eligibility, though.

Jon Scheyer Explains Reason Behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg Withdrawal from the Transfer Portal: ‘Not Just Eligibility, But…

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of college basketball, few players have made as big a splash as Cooper Flagg. A once-in-a-generation talent from Maine, Flagg’s decision to join Duke University in 2025 sent shockwaves through the basketball world. But just as quickly as he joined, rumors began swirling about his future with the program. Would he stay for his sophomore year? Or would he pursue other opportunities, as many top-tier recruits before him had done?

In a turn of events that caught everyone by surprise, Cooper Flagg announced he was entering the Transfer Portal. Fans, coaches, and pundits alike were left in disbelief. The Transfer Portal has become a common part of college basketball life, offering players more freedom to switch schools for a variety of reasons—whether it’s for more playing time, a better fit, or simply a desire for a fresh start. Flagg’s name entering the portal felt almost unprecedented given the hype surrounding his commitment to Duke and the fact that he was just beginning to hit his stride as a Blue Devil.

However, in a stunning development, Flagg decided to withdraw from the Transfer Portal just days after entering, announcing his intention to remain at Duke for the remainder of his college basketball career. This move left many asking why a player with so much potential and so much expected from him would make such a sudden decision.

To shed light on this dramatic decision, Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer spoke to the media, offering insight into the reasoning behind Flagg’s withdrawal from the Transfer Portal and how the program had been involved in guiding the talented young player through what had become a whirlwind few days.

The Uncertainty That Led to the Portal

When news broke that Cooper Flagg had entered the Transfer Portal, speculation spread like wildfire. Fans and analysts immediately began speculating why a player of his caliber would take such a step so early in his career. After all, Flagg was coming off a standout freshman year at Duke, and his place as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft was all but solidified. To many, it seemed unthinkable that Flagg would leave the Blue Devils after all the potential he showed in his first season.

Scheyer, however, took a more measured approach when addressing the situation. In his press conference, he explained that Flagg’s decision was not driven by dissatisfaction with the program, nor was it an issue of playing time or lack of development. Instead, Scheyer spoke candidly about the complex decision-making process that went into Flagg’s brief portal entry.

“Cooper is an incredible young man,” Scheyer began, as he outlined the situation. “He came into this year with very high expectations, both for himself and for his future. But as with any highly recruited player, there are a lot of pressures that come with it. Sometimes those pressures can be overwhelming, and that’s something we’ve always tried to help him navigate—both on and off the court.”

Scheyer went on to explain that Flagg’s decision to enter the portal was, in part, a product of the overwhelming nature of the college basketball world. The constant attention, the weight of being considered a future NBA lottery pick, and the emotional toll of playing for such a high-profile program like Duke all played a role in his brief foray into the Transfer Portal.

“Cooper’s decision wasn’t about Duke or anything we did here,” Scheyer clarified. “It was more about the fact that he had to take a step back and assess everything—the demands of the program, the attention from outside sources, and the pressures of being a highly ranked player. It wasn’t about dissatisfaction. It was more about him taking a moment to think about what he truly wanted next for his future.”

The Support System at Duke

While the news of Flagg’s entry into the portal certainly caused concern, Scheyer’s words made it clear that Duke’s coaching staff, and specifically himself, were there to provide the support Flagg needed. He described the program’s holistic approach to player development—not just on the basketball court but off it as well. For Duke, developing young men was as important as developing basketball players.

“Cooper’s decision wasn’t taken lightly,” Scheyer said, his voice firm yet compassionate. “We’ve been working with him throughout this entire process. I’ve had countless conversations with him and his family. Our program is designed to support our players in all facets of their lives. That includes their mental health, emotional well-being, and making sure they feel comfortable and confident in their decisions.”

One of the central themes of Scheyer’s comments was that Duke’s environment was designed to help players thrive, not just in basketball but as individuals. The program’s comprehensive support system is something Scheyer emphasized often during the press conference. While the basketball court is obviously a major focus, Scheyer underscored the importance of providing the kind of environment that helps players balance the intense spotlight of college athletics with personal growth and development.

“Basketball is just one part of the equation,” Scheyer continued. “The reality is, Cooper is a young man who has his entire future ahead of him, and we’ve made it clear that we want him to make the decision that’s best for him. Sometimes, that means taking a step back, reevaluating everything, and coming to a conclusion that might be surprising to outsiders but makes sense for his future.”

The emotional toll of being in such a high-pressure environment wasn’t lost on Scheyer, who himself had experienced similar situations as both a player and a coach. Scheyer was well aware of how young athletes, especially those as talented as Flagg, could be overwhelmed by expectations. That understanding was a key reason why Scheyer was so involved in the process.

“We’ve always been about more than just basketball here,” Scheyer said, looking directly into the cameras. “It’s about building young men who are prepared for life after basketball as much as they are prepared for the court. And that’s why we take the time to listen and understand what our players are going through.”

The Decision to Withdraw from the Portal

Flagg’s decision to ultimately withdraw from the Transfer Portal and remain at Duke was met with a collective sigh of relief from Blue Devil fans, but it wasn’t a decision made lightly. In fact, Flagg’s withdrawal came after a period of careful reflection and deep conversations with his coaches, family, and mentors. It was only after this introspective process that he ultimately realized that Duke was where he wanted to be.

“Cooper and I spoke extensively about his decision,” Scheyer revealed. “At the end of the day, it became clear to him that Duke was the best place for his growth, both as a basketball player and as a person. He recognized the unique opportunities that being a part of this program could provide—not just in terms of basketball, but in terms of his development in every aspect of life.”

Flagg’s decision to stay was also a recognition of the long-term value of being part of a program like Duke. As Scheyer explained, playing for a program with a track record of success, both in terms of player development and college basketball championships, was an opportunity Flagg simply couldn’t pass up.

“I think what Cooper came to realize was that the resources and opportunities available to him at Duke are second to none,” Scheyer said. “He saw that being at Duke, under the guidance of our coaching staff, would provide him with the best opportunity to continue to grow, develop, and ultimately reach his potential—not just as a player, but as a person.”

Looking Ahead to the Future

With Flagg officially returning to Duke, the future looks bright for both the player and the program. His decision to stay represents a commitment to continued growth under Scheyer’s guidance and a strong desire to push himself to new heights. His talent is undeniable, and his potential remains limitless. Having had a taste of the intense spotlight that comes with being a Blue Devil, Flagg now has the opportunity to continue shaping his game and to fully embrace the journey ahead.

In the coming months, Flagg will continue to refine his skills, both as a leader on the court and as a student of the game. With a year under his belt, he will enter his sophomore season with increased confidence, experience, and the benefit of having undergone a transformative period of reflection.

“Cooper’s journey is far from over,” Scheyer concluded. “This is just the beginning. We’re all excited about what’s next for him, and we’ll continue to be there for him every step of the way. There’s no doubt in my mind that Cooper has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, and I’m confident that staying at Duke will be a major part of that future.”

As Duke continues to prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season, it’s clear that the Blue Devils are not just focused on basketball; they are deeply invested in the holistic development of their players. And for Cooper Flagg, the next chapter of his basketball journey will be written in Durham, where the future is as bright as ever.