BREAKING NEWS: Duke Head Basketball Coach Jon Scheyer Praises Cooper Flagg for Exceptional Attitude Towards Teammates
Durham, NC — In a stunning display of leadership and sportsmanship, Duke Blue Devils head basketball coach Jon Scheyer lauded the remarkable attitude and maturity of high school sensation Cooper Flagg, who recently committed to play for Duke in the fall of 2024. Speaking at a press conference earlier this afternoon, Scheyer took time to publicly praise Flagg’s commitment not just to his own development, but to his teammates, stating that the young forward has shown a rare blend of humility and leadership that sets him apart from many other elite prospects.
“Cooper is a special talent, no question about it,” Scheyer began, speaking with a smile that clearly reflected his excitement. “But what really stands out is his attitude and the way he interacts with his teammates. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with him numerous times over the past few months, and what impresses me the most isn’t just his skill on the court. It’s how he approaches every practice, every drill, and how he elevates the people around him.”
Flagg, who is regarded as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in years, has garnered attention not only for his versatile game but for his leadership and teamwork. The 6’8” forward from Maine has been described by coaches, teammates, and analysts alike as a player who is both humble and driven — a rare combination for someone with so much hype surrounding their career.
“I don’t care about being the center of attention,” Flagg remarked in a recent interview. “My job is to make my team better. Whether that’s making a great pass, getting a stop on defense, or just lifting up my teammates, I know that’s what makes us successful in the long run.”
In a college basketball landscape often filled with individual accolades and highlight reels, Flagg’s team-first mentality is a breath of fresh air. Coach Scheyer acknowledged that Flagg’s focus on team dynamics has been clear from the moment they began recruiting him.
“When we first started talking, I could sense it right away,” Scheyer said. “He’s a guy who doesn’t just want to succeed individually — he wants to bring everyone along with him. That’s a rare trait for a player with his level of talent. He knows that basketball is a team sport, and that’s exactly the kind of mentality we want here at Duke.”
Flagg’s reputation for being a selfless player has been further solidified by reports from his high school team, where he has been described as a natural leader both on and off the court. His coach at the time, Jeff Sclafani of Montverde Academy, where Flagg played last season, praised his ability to connect with teammates and foster a sense of unity in the locker room.
“Cooper has always been the first to praise others, even when he’s the one putting up the big numbers,” Sclafani said in a recent interview. “His leadership isn’t about being vocal or calling the shots. It’s about leading by example. He knows the value of hard work, and he expects that from his teammates, but he’s also the first one to give credit where it’s due.”
Scheyer echoed these sentiments, pointing out that this kind of leadership would be crucial as Flagg transitions to the college game.
“We’re excited to have a guy like Cooper in our program,” Scheyer continued. “It’s rare to see someone so young with such a mature understanding of what it takes to be successful as part of a team. He’s going to fit in perfectly with our culture here at Duke.”
As the Blue Devils prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Cooper Flagg to their roster has sparked excitement not just for his incredible on-court potential, but for the invaluable leadership qualities he will bring to the team.
The Duke faithful are already counting down the days until Flagg suits up for his first game in a Blue Devils uniform. With the backing of Coach Scheyer and the unwavering support of his future teammates, Cooper Flagg is poised to make a lasting impact both on and off the court.
