Duke’s HC Jon Scheyer shares plan for Cooper Flagg, learning from Zion Williamson’s injury in front of Barack Obama
Cooper Flagg is arguably one of the most talented prospects in the Class of 2024. After receiving several offers and making many official visits, Flagg committed to the Duke Blue Devils, bringing joy to coach Jon Scheyer and the team's fans.
As part of the Blue Devils' coaching staff for 10 seasons, Scheyer has developed some of the top talents in the country, one of whom is Zion Williamson.
In February 2019, Zion's Nike shoe burst just 33 seconds into a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. He sprained his knee in the process, with ex-POTUS Barack Obama in attendance to watch the 6'6" forward in action.
Now, the Blue Devils coach has the responsibility to ensure Flagg doesn't face a similar situation. In an interview with ESPN, the 37-year-old revealed how he will ensure Flagg can develop in the best possible way amid the hype.
"I think I have," said Scheyer. "You have to be prepared for anything. But I think it's just how hot and cold it can be. In the climate now, you can go into a game feeling hot, but feel very cold after it. How to stay level-headed and focus on growth and what you can control -- I know there's going to be noise this year.
"Some of it will be overly positive when maybe it shouldn't be, and some of it will be overly critical. For Cooper, as a 17-year-old playing at Duke, the more we get him thinking about what he can control and enjoying the process -- he'll have a special year if we do that."
Cooper Flagg enjoyed a stellar senior season with Montverde Academy
Initially a part of the Class of 2025, Cooper Flagg backed himself and reclassified into the Class of 2024. He produced one of the strongest senior seasons in high school basketball, helping Montverde Academy to a stunning 33-0 record and winning the Chipotle High School Nationals in the 2023-24 season.
Cooper Flagg won the Gatorade National Player of the Year and the Naismith Men's Player of the Year awards in his senior season. He averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 blocks per game.
As an elite two-way prospect, Flagg has the potential to become a big name in Blue Devils history.
The Blue Devils will play two exhibition games against the Lincoln Lions and the Arizona State Sun Devils on October 19 and October 27 respectively. This will give Flagg the opportunity to make an early impression ahead of his freshman season.