When Cooper Flagg committed to Duke, the college basketball world knew something special was brewing in Durham. But what fans didn’t know—until now—was how one quiet, private moment with head coach Jon Scheyer changed the course of Flagg’s journey forever.
In a recent interview, Flagg opened up about a pivotal heart-to-heart with Scheyer during his first few weeks on campus.
> “I’ll never forget that day,” Flagg said. “It wasn’t in front of the cameras, it wasn’t during practice—it was just me and Coach Scheyer in his office. He looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Coop, you weren’t brought here to fit in. You were brought here to take over.’”
That one sentence lit a fire in the young phenom.
According to Flagg, it wasn’t about basketball strategy or stats. It was about belief. Scheyer made it clear that Duke didn’t just want Flagg to contribute—they expected him to lead. That message redefined Flagg’s mindset from that day forward.
> “From that moment on,” Flagg continued, “I stopped holding back. I stopped second-guessing. I started playing like I belonged among the best in the world.”
And the results? Nothing short of historic.
Flagg went on to average 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, earning ACC Freshman of the Year and leading the Blue Devils to an Elite Eight appearance.
From Durham to No. 1
Now, Flagg has officially made the leap—selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, fulfilling the prophecy Scheyer set in motion during that private conversation. NBA scouts raved about his versatility, defensive instincts, and leadership—traits that all began to shine at Duke under Scheyer’s guidance.
Scheyer Saw It Before Anyone Else Did
Coach Scheyer later commented on the conversation, saying:
> “We knew Cooper had all the tools. But greatness comes down to mindset. That day was about helping him unlock the next level.”
Flagg’s meteoric rise wasn’t just a product of talent—it was fueled by confidence, mentorship, and the belief that he could be the best.
More Than Just a Star—A Culture Setter
In an era where player-coach relationships can often feel transactional, this story stands out. Scheyer’s belief in Flagg wasn’t about Xs and Os—it was about legacy, identity, and unleashing a killer instinct.
Now, Flagg isn’t just the top pick in the draft. He’s a symbol of the new Duke culture: elite talent, elevated through trust and bold leadership.
