Cooper Flagg didn’t just meet expectations at Duke — he shattered them.
After leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four in 2025 and going No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft, Flagg’s on-court dominance was undeniable. But according to head coach Jon Scheyer, the real story was what fans didn’t always see: Flagg’s elite mental toughness.
Scheyer on Flagg: “He Was Locked In Every Day”
“I thought that group did an amazing job, and Cooper was the prime example of keeping the main thing the main thing,” Scheyer told CBS Sports.
“He was fully present, focused, and committed to being the best version of himself. That’s hard to do when you’ve got the whole world watching your every move.”
Flagg, Scheyer said, didn’t let pressure define him — he mastered it.
“There’s so much internal pressure guys feel… and Cooper handled it like a pro.”
Beyond the Stats
Flagg’s numbers speak for themselves:
19.2 PPG | 7.5 RPG | 4.2 APG | 1.4 SPG | 1.4 BPG
48.1 FG% | 38.5 3P% | 84 FT%
But his maturity and mindset were what set him apart — even in a locker room full of stars.
One Season, Huge Legacy
Though Flagg only played one year in Durham, he left an imprint few freshmen ever do. He didn’t just lead Duke — he defined it.
Now, as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg is ready to prove his mental edge translates to the pros.
