Duke Head Basketball Coach Jon Scheyer Warns Cooper Flagg for Attitude Towards Teammates During Blue Devils’ Win Over Wofford
Durham, NC — In an otherwise dominant performance that saw the Duke Blue Devils secure a commanding 84-61 victory over the Wofford Terriers on Tuesday night, attention shifted after the final buzzer to a rare moment of tension involving one of the team’s brightest stars, freshman Cooper Flagg. The highly touted forward, widely regarded as one of the best young players in college basketball, found himself at the center of controversy after his attitude towards teammates was called into question by head coach Jon Scheyer.
Despite contributing 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks in the win, Flagg’s demeanor on the court was less than ideal according to multiple reports from sources within the team. Flagg, who has been praised for his fiery competitive spirit, showed signs of frustration and impatience during the game, especially after missed shots and defensive lapses from his fellow Blue Devils.
Several moments in the game showcased the freshman’s discontent. At one point during the second half, Flagg visibly rolled his eyes and gestured in frustration when guard Tyrese Proctor missed a three-pointer on a fast break. Later, in a similar scenario, Flagg appeared to mutter something under his breath after a miscommunication led to a turnover.
“I think Cooper has a lot of growth to do, and tonight was a good reminder that while we expect him to lead by example, we need to see more of that leadership in how he communicates with his teammates,” Coach Scheyer said during his post-game press conference. “Basketball is a team sport, and no one player can do it alone. We’re working with Cooper to help him understand that. His talent is unquestionable, but part of the learning process here is realizing how to be a great teammate.”
Scheyer’s comments were a rare public rebuke of a player who has largely been lauded for his potential. Flagg, a 6’8” forward from Maine, is considered one of the top prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft, and his high expectations have only increased since he arrived on campus. However, it seems that his transition to the college game is facing its first real challenge: balancing intense individual drive with the chemistry needed for team success.
Despite the tension, Flagg did not let his frustration affect his play in a significant way. He was instrumental in the Blue Devils’ defense, blocking shots and grabbing key rebounds that kept the Terriers from mounting any significant runs. His offensive presence also helped Duke extend its lead, finishing the game with a near double-double. However, Scheyer made it clear that such a performance, while impressive, isn’t enough if it comes at the expense of the team dynamic.
“Cooper is going to be fine. We’re not worried about his talent — that’s evident. But we’ve got to make sure that his mindset is aligned with the team’s goals,” Scheyer explained. “We’re not in this to win games just as individuals. It’s about the collective effort, and that starts with accountability.”
Teammates were quick to rally around their freshman phenom, with some expressing that Flagg’s passion is ultimately a sign of his desire to win. “Coop is a competitor, and we all know how much he wants to win,” said senior guard Jeremy Roach. “Sometimes that fire can come off the wrong way, but we’ve all been there. He’s young, and he’s learning. We’re all here to help him grow.”
Duke’s win over Wofford marked their fifth straight victory to open the season, but the warning from Scheyer serves as a reminder that there are still areas of growth to be addressed, especially in terms of team cohesion. The Blue Devils will face stiffer competition in the coming weeks, with a highly anticipated showdown against the Kansas Jayhawks next on the horizon. Whether Flagg can channel his emotions and continue to improve his relationship with his teammates could play a significant role in Duke’s aspirations for a deep March Madness run.
As for Flagg, he was notably quieter in the locker room after the game but expressed a desire to address the situation head-on. “I know I need to do better,” Flagg said in a brief statement to reporters. “I want to be the best player I can be for my teammates, and that means working on everything — not just on the court, but with how I communicate and support my guys.”
Whether Flagg’s attitude evolves will be one of the key storylines to watch for Duke as they navigate through what promises to be a challenging and highly competitive season.