Cooper Flagg’s dominance on the court continues to turn heads, and his standout performance against Pittsburgh further solidifies why he’s the consensus No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg’s stat line of 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists was impressive enough, but his thunderous dunk over a 7-footer was the highlight that had social media buzzing.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer’s comments give insight into what makes Flagg truly special. It’s not just his skill or athleticism—it’s his competitive fire and ability to channel frustration into performance. Scheyer noted how picking up his second and third fouls lit a spark in Flagg, fueling his intensity and drive to take over the game.
Flagg’s edge, combined with his remarkable talent, makes him a nightmare for opponents and a dream for any coach. His ability to step up in big moments and embrace the challenge of competition is what separates great players from generational ones. As Scheyer said, Flagg thrives in the arena, and that mentality will serve him well as he continues to ascend toward basketball stardom.
Cooper Flagg’s ability to turn frustration into highlight-reel moments is exactly what makes him such an electrifying player. His third foul against Pittsburgh clearly lit a fire under him, and his immediate response—a steal followed by one of the most emphatic dunks of the season—was the perfect showcase of his talent and mentality.
Flagg’s own reflection on the play highlights just how natural and instinctive his game is. “I was kind of mad at myself for a stupid foul,” he admitted, but he turned that emotion into energy. His description of the dunk—”my mind kind of went blank and it just all happened really fast”—shows how seamlessly his instincts take over in big moments.
Flagg has been nothing short of sensational in ACC play, averaging 20.0 points per game through five conference matchups, and his consistency is cementing his place as one of the best players in the nation. Jon Scheyer’s praise underscores this: “If we’re not talking about him as one of the best, if not a chance to be one of the best players in the country…” The ellipsis practically speaks for itself—there’s no doubt where Scheyer stands.
With his combination of skill, intensity, and natural feel for the game, Flagg is not just a future No. 1 draft pick but a legitimate contender for National Player of the Year honors. Duke fans and NBA scouts alike are watching a generational talent in action.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer left no doubt about where he stands on Cooper Flagg’s status in college basketball: “To me, he is the best player.” Scheyer praised Flagg’s ability to dominate without forcing the issue, saying, “He doesn’t hunt numbers; he just puts up numbers because the game comes to him.”
Flagg’s maturity and natural feel for the game have been on full display, especially during Duke’s perfect start to ACC play. At 13-2 overall and 5-0 in the conference, the No. 4 Blue Devils have leaned on Flagg’s consistent brilliance, including his standout performances against elite competition.
As Scheyer confidently stated, “When we step on the floor, we have the best player in the country.” That’s the kind of vote of confidence that not only solidifies Flagg’s status as a frontrunner for National Player of the Year but also raises expectations for a deep postseason run.
The Blue Devils will look to continue their dominance when they host Notre Dame on Saturday afternoon (12:00 p.m. ET, ESPN). With Flagg leading the charge, Duke appears poised to keep rolling through conference play.
