Duke Lost Cooper Flagg… and Somehow Got Even Scarier
When Cooper Flagg declared for the NBA Draft, the college basketball world let out a collective gasp. Duke fans, in particular, braced for a rebuild—or at the very least, a step back. After all, Flagg was the name in college hoops, the kind of generational talent who doesn’t just change a program—he defines it.
But here’s the twist no one saw coming: Duke didn’t flinch. Instead, head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff went straight into assassin mode in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail, pulling off a series of jaw-dropping moves that might have left the rest of the ACC muttering, “How the hell did they just do that?”
The Portal Power Moves
Duke landed two of the top five transfers in the nation, including a high-scoring wing from the Big 12 who averaged 19 PPG last season, and a 7-foot defensive anchor who just casually led the nation in blocks. Both players bring experience, toughness, and something Duke sorely needed post-Flagg: an edge.
Additionally, Scheyer added a veteran point guard who’s known for his leadership and clutch shooting—exactly the kind of floor general who thrives in March. This is no longer a team banking on raw talent. It’s a fully loaded machine with size, scoring, and experience.
Freshman Class Still Loaded
Despite Flagg’s departure, Duke’s incoming freshman class is still stacked. Headlined by five-star forward Cameron Boozer, the Blue Devils also bring in his brother Cayden Boozer, who’s expected to make an immediate impact. Other talented freshmen include a bruising power forward and a 6’10” sniper who spaces the floor like a pro.
Key Returnee: Isaiah Evans
The Blue Devils also got a boost with the return of former five-star recruit Isaiah Evans, who averaged 7.0 points per game in his freshman season. Evans’ decision to return adds depth and talent to Duke’s returning core.
Scheyer’s Vision Is Clear
This isn’t just a “reload”—this is evolution. Scheyer isn’t building a highlight reel team. He’s building a winning one. The roster now features a perfect mix of youth and experience, athleticism and basketball IQ. It’s not about the biggest name anymore—it’s about the best fit.
The ACC Should Be Worried
With the moves Duke has made, there’s no question they’ll enter the 2025-26 season as the ACC favorite—and a legit national title contender. UNC, Virginia, and Miami? They’ve got talent, but no one retooled like Duke did.
So yes, Duke lost Cooper Flagg. But if you think that means they’re stepping back… you haven’t been paying attention. They didn’t get weaker. They got scarier.
