In the ever-shifting landscape of college basketball, where one-and-done players and NIL deals dominate headlines, few stories have captivated the nation like that of Cooper Flagg. A phenom out of Maine and a freshman star at Duke University, Flagg has quickly emerged not only as the best player in college basketball but as the consensus projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. His coach, Jon Scheyer, has not minced words when discussing Flagg’s once-in-a-generation impact.
Scheyer, who stepped into the daunting role of succeeding Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, has already proven himself a capable leader. But even he acknowledges that coaching a player like Flagg is a rare privilege—one that doesn’t come around often. In a series of interviews and press conferences, Scheyer has laid out in detail exactly why he believes Cooper Flagg is worthy of being the No. 1 pick, pointing to a combination of elite skills, mindset, leadership, and an uncanny ability to rise to the moment.
This article will explore Scheyer’s reasoning, breaking down Flagg’s incredible season, his unique skill set, his off-court intangibles, and why NBA teams are lining up to draft him.
Cooper Flagg: The Blueprint of a Modern Superstar
From the moment Flagg stepped onto the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, he exuded an aura of inevitability. The 6’9” forward arrived at Duke with the highest of expectations after reclassifying to the 2024 class and dominating the high school circuit. He was the No. 1 ranked recruit in the country, heralded for his versatility, defense, and basketball IQ.
Scheyer described Flagg as the “most complete player” he’s coached, highlighting how his game is built for both the college and professional level. “He’s got the full package,” Scheyer said. “Offensively, defensively, leadership-wise—he makes everyone better. And that’s what the greats do.”
Statistical Dominance Backed by Historical Context
It’s not just the eye test that makes Flagg stand out—it’s the numbers. During Duke’s Final Four run, Flagg became the first player since 1986 to lead his team in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals) in a Final Four game. That feat alone catapulted him into elite territory.
Over the course of the season, Flagg averaged:
- 21.3 points
- 9.7 rebounds
- 4.8 assists
- 2.9 blocks
- 2.2 steals
These aren’t just good numbers for a freshman—they’re all-time great. His efficiency, shooting touch, and defensive impact make him a stat-sheet stuffer in every sense. “You don’t see players who can lead your offense and be your defensive anchor,” Scheyer said. “He’s like having a point guard and a rim protector rolled into one.”
Defensive Versatility: The Calling Card
While his offensive game has matured rapidly—particularly his mid-range shot and perimeter play—it’s Flagg’s defense that first caught the attention of NBA scouts and coaches alike. Scheyer often emphasized how Flagg could guard 1 through 5, switch seamlessly, and be a disruptive force on or off the ball.
In fact, Flagg regularly took on the toughest defensive assignments, from shifty point guards to dominant post players. He didn’t just survive—he thrived.
“His defensive instincts are off the charts,” Scheyer noted. “He knows when to help, when to trap, when to rotate. That’s not something you can always teach. He’s got that naturally.”
Work Ethic That Sets the Tone
What truly separates Cooper Flagg from other top prospects is his relentless drive and work ethic. Scheyer has often spoken about how Flagg shows up to practice early, leaves late, and holds himself and his teammates to the highest standard. “He’s not a ‘look at me’ kind of star,” Scheyer said. “He’s the guy who does all the dirty work, leads by example, and lifts up everyone around him.”
Scheyer recounted a practice midseason when Duke was struggling to find rhythm. Flagg, already an emotional and vocal leader, stayed after practice and ran drills with underclassmen, pushing them to improve. “That kind of leadership isn’t common for a freshman,” Scheyer explained. “That’s veteran-level maturity.”
Mental Fortitude in Pressure Situations
Throughout the season, Flagg proved he wasn’t just a regular-season standout. It was in the postseason that he truly solidified his No. 1 status. In the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, Flagg was the steadying presence Duke leaned on when the stakes were highest.
In the Elite Eight against Kansas, Flagg dropped 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks, single-handedly sealing the win with a defensive stop and fast-break dunk in the final minute. “He wanted the ball, he wanted the moment,” Scheyer said after the game. “You can’t teach that.”
NBA scouts value “clutch gene”—the ability to perform under pressure. Flagg didn’t just meet the moment—he owned it.
Basketball IQ and Playmaking
Flagg’s passing vision and court awareness are two of the most underrated elements of his game. At 6’9”, he often initiates the offense and finds cutters or shooters with precision. He reads defenses like a seasoned veteran and rarely makes poor decisions.
“He thinks the game like a point guard,” Scheyer said. “He sees plays two, three moves ahead. It’s like having a coach on the floor.”
This high-level processing speed is part of what makes Flagg a seamless fit for the NBA, especially in today’s positionless systems. He can run an offense as a primary initiator or operate as a secondary playmaker, adapting to whatever the team needs.
Humility and Coachability
Another critical element in Scheyer’s assessment of Flagg is his humility. Despite being hailed as a superstar since his teenage years, Flagg has remained grounded. “He listens. He asks questions. He wants to be coached,” Scheyer emphasized. “He doesn’t think he’s bigger than the team, even though he could easily act that way.”
That attitude has endeared him not only to his teammates but to the coaching staff and NBA front offices. Coaches know they’re not just getting talent—they’re getting someone who will buy into the system, work hard, and lead from within.
Scheyer’s Final Pitch: “He’s Everything You Want”
When asked directly why Cooper Flagg deserves to be the No. 1 pick, Scheyer didn’t hesitate. “Because he’s everything you want in a player,” he said. “He scores, defends, leads, competes, and grows every day. If I were running an NBA team, I wouldn’t think twice.”
Scheyer also pointed out that Flagg’s potential is still untapped. “He’s already elite, but he’s only scratched the surface. That’s the scary part. Whoever gets him isn’t just getting a great player—they’re getting a future MVP candidate.”
Comparisons to NBA Greats
Flagg has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s biggest names: Kevin Durant for his scoring versatility, Draymond Green for his defensive IQ, Luka Dončić for his feel and vision. But Scheyer cautions against boxing Flagg into a single mold.
“He’s a unicorn,” Scheyer said. “You see shades of other greats, but he’s his own player. He brings things that you can’t quantify.”
That uniqueness is part of what makes him so appealing to NBA front offices. In an era where teams are constantly chasing two-way wings and playmakers, Flagg fits like a glove.
Projecting Forward: NBA Superstar in the Making
As the NBA Draft approaches, Flagg’s stock continues to rise. While teams like the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and Charlotte Hornets jockey for lottery positioning, Flagg remains the clear prize.
Analysts project Flagg as a Day 1 starter in the league, someone who can elevate a franchise instantly. His transition to the NBA is expected to be smoother than most, thanks to his well-rounded game and mental preparedness.
Scheyer, having seen him grow firsthand, has no doubt. “He’s ready. He’s built for this,” he said. “The NBA is going to love him, and he’s going to change whatever team he joins.”
