Duke Basketball Players Want Cooper Flagg to Be ‘More Selfish’ During Postseason
As the Duke Blue Devils prepare for the postseason, the team is looking to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. One of the key factors in their success will be the performance of freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who has been a standout player throughout the season. However, as Duke gears up for March Madness, some of Flagg’s teammates are urging him to embrace a more aggressive approach and be “more selfish” with the basketball in critical moments.
Flagg, who has been widely praised for his versatility, basketball IQ, and leadership on the court, has been a crucial part of Duke’s success this season. Averaging 18.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, the 6-foot-9 forward has been a force on both ends of the floor. His unselfish style of play and ability to make his teammates better have earned him accolades and admiration, not just from fans but from his own teammates as well.
However, as the Blue Devils enter the high-stakes environment of the NCAA Tournament, several players, including veterans like Jeremy Roach and Kyle Filipowski, are encouraging Flagg to take on a more prominent role and look to score more in clutch situations. In other words, they want Flagg to tap into his scoring potential and be more aggressive offensively, especially in tight games where every possession counts.
“We all know how talented Coop is, and sometimes I think he’s too unselfish,” said Roach, Duke’s experienced point guard. “He’s such a great player, but in the postseason, we need him to be a little more selfish. He can score in so many ways—whether it’s from the mid-range, the post, or attacking the basket—and when he’s aggressive, it opens up everything for the team. We need him to take over when the game is on the line.”
Filipowski, who has been one of Duke’s most consistent players this season, echoed Roach’s sentiments. “Cooper is such a complete player, and he always wants to make the right play for the team. But sometimes, when we’re in crunch time, we need him to take the ball and be the guy. He has the talent to score whenever he wants, and we believe in him to take those big shots and make those big plays.”
While Flagg’s ability to facilitate for others and his commitment to team play have been integral to Duke’s success, his teammates believe that in high-pressure situations, his ability to dominate the game as a scorer could be the difference between advancing and going home early. The team’s success in the postseason will depend, in part, on Flagg finding the right balance between his playmaking duties and embracing the scoring load when the situation demands it.
Flagg, ever humble, has acknowledged his teammates’ advice. “I appreciate the confidence my teammates have in me,” he said. “But I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team. If that means being more aggressive and looking for my own shot, I’ll do that. Ultimately, I want to win, and if that’s what it takes, I’m ready to step up.”
Coach Jon Scheyer, who has guided Duke through another successful season, has also voiced his support for Flagg’s development as a leader. “Cooper is an incredibly talented player who can affect the game in so many ways,” Scheyer said. “We’ve talked to him about being more aggressive when it’s needed. But he’s still a young player, and this is all part of his growth. He’s learning when to take over and when to trust his teammates, and that’s part of the postseason experience.”
As the Blue Devils prepare for the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Flagg to see if he can take on the added responsibility and lead Duke in what they hope will be a deep run. While he’s known for making the right plays for his team, it may be his individual scoring ability that becomes the most important weapon as the postseason unfolds. Regardless of his approach, one thing is certain: Flagg’s presence on the court will be felt, and the Blue Devils will go as far as he takes them.
