The No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils’ NCAA Tournament run and all they’ve accomplished on their way to their first Final Four since 2022 have been the most talked-about topics over the previous month. Another much debated topic is whether freshman star Cooper Flagg should return to Duke for his sophomore season.
The debate arose when Flagg stated earlier this year that he wanted to return to Durham for another season, but he used the word “want” rather than “would.” Many believe Flagg will declare for the NBA draft after his freshman season, as he is anticipated to be the No. 1 overall choice.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer’s perspective on the topic has not received much attention. However, following their Elite Eight victory, Scheyer came on the “Dan Patrick Show” on Monday morning and made it very obvious what Flagg should do.
“No,” Scheyer said when asked if he’s talked with Flagg about returning . “Although I can dream about that. I think that’s all it is in this case, I think it’s a dream. I think he’s got to take the next step in his life, be the top pick in the NBA Draft, and start his professional career.”
This season, Flagg has led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, and minutes played. He averages 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks a game, shooting 48.3% from the field, 37.4% from three, and 83.4% from the free throw line.
All of his accomplishments have won him ACC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, as well as National Player of the Year recognition from various publications. Despite these honors, winning remains his first objective, and he has never hesitated to recognize his teammates’ accomplishments.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the guys sitting next to me and the guys in the locker room,” Flagg told reporters. “All credit goes to them, the coaches, for putting me in extremely favorable situations, positions on the court, and providing me the ball in the correct locations. And then just letting me play freely, off the ball, on the ball, anything, just being myself. And I have to offer all credit to my teammates and coaches.
