AMAZING:  Jon Scheyer Makes His Opinion Extremely Clear on Cooper Flagg Returning to Duke Next Season…

AMAZING:  Jon Scheyer Makes His Opinion Extremely Clear on Cooper Flagg Returning to Duke Next Season…

 

Durham, NC – Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer didn’t mince words when asked about Cooper Flagg’s potential return to the Blue Devils next season. The 20th head coach in Duke basketball history made it abundantly clear that he is all-in on Flagg remaining in Durham, not just as a coach, but as a firm believer in the young star’s long-term value to the program and the sport itself.

 

Speaking to media at a recent off-season press conference, Scheyer was asked about the speculation swirling around Flagg’s next move—whether he might declare for the NBA Draft after just one year or stay on for another season. Scheyer’s answer left little room for doubt.

 

“Cooper Flagg is a once-in-a-generation player,” Scheyer said. “But he’s also someone who has embraced what it means to be part of Duke. If I had any say in it, I’d have him back next season and the one after that too.”

 

Flagg, a projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, just completed a freshman season that lived up to the massive hype surrounding him. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, showcasing not only his physical gifts but also a remarkable basketball IQ for someone his age. His dynamic play on both ends of the court helped lead Duke to the Elite Eight, rekindling the Blue Devils’ position as one of college basketball’s powerhouses.

 

Scheyer emphasized not only Flagg’s on-court impact but his maturity and leadership off the floor.

 

“Cooper is the kind of guy who changes your program’s culture,” Scheyer added. “He’s hungry to learn, he listens, he leads by example. You don’t coach guys like him very often.”

 

While Flagg has yet to make an official announcement about his plans, rumors have swirled about the possibility of a second collegiate season. Sources close to the program say that Flagg and his family are weighing both the professional opportunities and the personal value of continuing to grow under Scheyer’s leadership.

 

In the age of NIL deals and growing support for player development in college, staying another year is no longer the financial risk it once was. In fact, Flagg could reportedly earn seven figures in endorsements and NIL opportunities while continuing to build his game and legacy at Duke.

 

Scheyer’s strong stance may be part of a larger recruiting pitch—not just for Flagg, but for other elite prospects watching how Duke handles its stars.

 

“We’re building something special here,” Scheyer said. “And Cooper’s at the heart of that.”

 

While Duke fans eagerly await Flagg’s decision, one thing is clear: Jon Scheyer believes Cooper Flagg belongs in Durham, and he’s not afraid to say it.