Everything Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Jon Scheyer said after heartbreaking loss to Houston in the Final Four…
Duke’s season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end on Saturday night, as the Blue Devils fell short in their Final Four matchup against the Houston Cougars, losing 75-70. The loss was especially tough for star freshman Cooper Flagg, who was at the heart of the team’s run to the national semifinals, and head coach Jon Scheyer, who saw his squad come up just short in what many thought could be their year.
### Cooper Flagg Reflects on a Tough Loss
After the game, Flagg, who had been one of the standout players throughout the tournament, was visibly emotional. Despite his personal effort, which included 18 points, 9 rebounds, and several clutch defensive stops, it was clear that the sting of defeat was still fresh.
“It’s tough, man. I think we gave everything we had,” Flagg said in the post-game press conference. “We fought until the final buzzer, and sometimes, basketball just doesn’t go your way. Houston was a great team. They’re tough, and they made the plays when it mattered most. But we’ll keep our heads high. We left everything on the floor.”
Flagg acknowledged the support of his teammates and coaching staff, thanking them for their commitment and effort throughout the season. Despite the loss, Flagg, who is considered one of the top prospects in college basketball, emphasized that this defeat would only fuel his desire to work harder.
“We’ll learn from this, no question,” Flagg said. “It’s a tough pill to swallow right now, but we’ll grow from it. I’m proud of my guys. We came a long way, and we have a lot to be proud of. This isn’t the end for me, for Duke, or for this team.”
Flagg’s leadership on the court was evident, but it was his resilience in the face of defeat that stood out in his post-game remarks. He assured the Blue Devils faithful that this loss wouldn’t define his team or their future.
### Jon Scheyer’s Emotional Take on the Game
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over as head coach following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, had his first taste of Final Four heartbreak. Scheyer, a former Duke player himself, spoke candidly about the challenge of leading such a talented team and the emotional weight of losing at this stage.
“We put everything into this,” Scheyer said, holding back emotion. “The guys gave their all. Cooper, our seniors, our freshmen — they all battled. Houston just had a few more answers in the second half. It’s never easy losing, but you can’t fault the effort. This team has so much heart. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Scheyer also reflected on how his players handled the high stakes of a Final Four game, underscoring the development of the young team throughout the season.
“It’s not easy being on this stage, especially with a team that has so many new faces. But we handled it. We competed at a level that makes me believe in this group even more. The future is bright for Duke, and I’m excited about where we’re headed,” Scheyer continued.
He also praised the Houston team, acknowledging their toughness and ability to capitalize on Duke’s mistakes.
“Houston’s a great team. They execute, they’re disciplined, and they play hard. They deserve credit for getting the win, but I’m proud of how we fought and kept battling until the end,” Scheyer said.
### Looking Ahead
Although Duke’s Final Four run ended in disappointment, the team’s season was far from a failure. With standout players like Flagg, the Blue Devils will likely remain a force in college basketball for years to come.
As Flagg and Scheyer reflected on the loss, both emphasized the importance of taking lessons from defeat and looking toward the future. For Flagg, the heartbreak would undoubtedly motivate him as he prepares for his next steps, while Scheyer’s leadership continues to shape the trajectory of the program. The Blue Devils may not have won it all this season, but their potential is undeniable, and the lessons learned will surely shape future successes.
Be the first to comment