The Duke Blue Devils are officially entering the post-Cooper Flagg era, and if early reports from summer practice are any indication… things just don’t feel the same in Durham.
Where’s the Fire?
Sources inside the program have described this summer’s practices as “calm” and “under control” — but not everyone sees that as a positive.
Fans who got a peek at leaked footage and insider notes from early workouts say something’s missing. Not talent — Duke still has plenty of that. But the edge, the swagger, the dog mentality Cooper Flagg brought every single day? That’s harder to replace than anyone expected.
> “It’s like watching a different team,” one longtime Duke fan posted on social media.
“Flagg didn’t just play hard — he demanded excellence. Who’s doing that now?”
Who’s the New Voice?
Without Flagg, who was both the most talented and most vocal player on the court, the question becomes: who leads now?
Is it veteran guard Caleb Foster?
Does Isaiah Evans step up as the next alpha?
Or will this team struggle to find that identity until it’s too late?
> “Cooper was the guy who set the tone from the first drill to the last,” said an anonymous practice observer.
“Right now, it looks like a bunch of dudes waiting for someone else to lead.”
A New Culture or a Lack of One?
To be fair, every offseason brings transition. But for a Duke program that prides itself on tradition, intensity, and accountability, this summer feels… quiet.
Too quiet.
Scheyer and his staff are said to be implementing new systems and emphasizing chemistry-building — a smart move on paper. But critics argue that without a vocal leader like Flagg, the fire that defined last season’s run might be harder to find.
Fanbase Already Divided
Some fans are preaching patience:
> “It’s July. They’re figuring things out. Trust the process.”
Others? Not so much.
> “This doesn’t look like a Final Four team right now. Not even close.”
What Happens Next?
Duke’s summer practices might just be warmups, but they’re the foundation of the season. And right now, it feels like the Devils are still trying to figure out who they are without their former star.
The vibes? Off.
The chemistry? Developing.
The fire? To be determined.
One thing’s clear:
Without Cooper Flagg, Duke may have lost more than just a player. They might’ve lost their heartbeat.
