Jon Scheyer Praises Cooper Flagg’s Exceptional Leadership at Point Guard Against Louisville
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer recently lauded freshman sensation Cooper Flagg for his exceptional leadership and playmaking ability at the point guard position in the Blue Devils’ dominant victory over Louisville. The game, which highlighted Flagg’s versatility and basketball IQ, showcased why the highly touted recruit is already being regarded as one of the best young talents in college basketball.
Flagg, a 6’8″ forward, is primarily known for his position as a wing player with elite shot-blocking and scoring abilities, but against Louisville, Scheyer took advantage of Flagg’s unique skill set by deploying him as a point guard. The move paid immediate dividends. Flagg’s ability to control the game’s tempo, make precise passes, and lead the offense was on full display as Duke cruised to a commanding win.
“What Cooper showed us today was exactly why we’ve been so excited about his future,” said Scheyer in his post-game comments. “His leadership on the floor, especially running the offense, was nothing short of exceptional. We knew he could defend and score, but seeing him orchestrate our offense at the point guard spot was impressive. His basketball IQ is beyond his years.”
Flagg’s court vision was a standout feature of the game. He effortlessly made the right decisions, finding teammates in rhythm and setting up plays with a maturity that belied his age. Despite being a freshman, his poise under pressure was a major asset to the team, and he showed a natural feel for running the offense—whether it was executing pick-and-rolls, delivering pinpoint passes, or breaking down Louisville’s defense with his ability to handle the ball in transition.
In addition to his playmaking, Flagg also took on the role of a vocal leader, communicating constantly with his teammates, directing traffic, and keeping the energy up throughout the game. Scheyer emphasized how Flagg’s leadership extended beyond just his on-court performance.
“He’s not just a player; he’s a leader. His presence on the floor lifts everyone around him. His ability to direct the game, rally his teammates, and keep everyone focused is something you don’t always see from a freshman,” Scheyer noted.
Flagg’s performance against Louisville demonstrated that he is more than capable of adapting to various roles on the court. His combination of skill, intelligence, and leadership is exactly what Duke needs as it looks to make a deep run this season. As Scheyer continues to develop Flagg’s all-around game, it’s clear that the young star has the potential to become one of the most well-rounded players in the country.
