Everything Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Jon Scheyer Said After Heartbreaking Loss to Houston in the Final Four
Duke’s season came to a heartbreaking end in the Final Four, as the Blue Devils fell short in a tightly contested matchup against the Houston Cougars. The loss marked the end of an era for the Blue Devils, who had hoped to secure a national championship under first-year head coach Jon Scheyer. Following the game, both Duke’s star recruit, Cooper Flagg, and Scheyer himself spoke about the defeat, offering insight into their emotions and reflecting on the season.
Cooper Flagg: Reflecting on the Loss
As one of the top prospects in college basketball, Cooper Flagg’s presence on the Duke roster was highly anticipated. The 6-foot-9 forward had been a key contributor for the Blue Devils throughout the season, and expectations were high for him heading into the Final Four. After the loss to Houston, Flagg took a moment to address the media and his teammates, expressing his feelings about the game and his journey with the team.
“Obviously, this isn’t the outcome we wanted,” Flagg said, his voice laced with emotion. “We worked so hard to get here, and to fall short like this is tough. I’m proud of what we accomplished this season, but there’s no denying this sting. It’s just part of the process. This team has a lot of heart, and I know we’ll be back stronger next year.”
Flagg, who had been playing with an intensity that matched the high expectations, acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but also emphasized the lessons that came with it. “We’ve learned so much this year—about resilience, about what it takes to win at the highest level,” he continued. “It’s been an honor to play for Duke, and I’m grateful for every moment with these guys. I know this experience will shape us for the future.”
Flagg’s maturity in handling the loss demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the top young talents in college basketball. His perspective echoed that of many young players who, despite the immediate heartbreak, understand the long-term value of the experience.
Jon Scheyer: Staying Focused on the Bigger Picture
Jon Scheyer, who had taken over as head coach of the Blue Devils after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, faced an enormous amount of pressure in his first season at the helm. Despite the loss to Houston, Scheyer remained composed and focused on the bigger picture, offering a perspective that both reassured and inspired his players and the fanbase.
“Obviously, this is a tough loss. We came here with high expectations, and to fall short hurts,” Scheyer said during his postgame remarks. “But I couldn’t be prouder of this group. These guys gave everything they had all year. We were one of the top teams in the country, and to make it to the Final Four is an incredible achievement. We’re going to learn from this experience and come back even stronger.”
Scheyer, who had to navigate the transition from the Krzyzewski era to his own leadership, emphasized the importance of the journey over the immediate results. “This is just one chapter of a long story. Every player, every coach, and every staff member in that locker room gave their all. The culture we’re building here at Duke is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about growth, character, and resilience. And this group exemplified all of that.”
The first-year head coach also praised the effort and leadership shown by his players, especially Flagg, who had been instrumental throughout the season. “Cooper’s a special player, and he’s going to continue to grow as a person and a player. This experience is going to drive him to even greater heights, and the same goes for the rest of the team.”
Scheyer’s comments reflected his unwavering belief in his program’s direction and the foundation he is building for the future. While the loss was certainly disappointing, his confidence in the team’s trajectory was clear.
Looking Forward
Though the loss to Houston was a painful end to an otherwise promising season, both Cooper Flagg and Jon Scheyer expressed optimism for the future. For Flagg, the experience gained in this tournament will be invaluable as he continues to develop his game and leadership. For Scheyer, the journey has only just begun, and this early setback is just one step in what he hopes will be a long and successful career at Duke.
As the Blue Devils look ahead to the 2025-26 season, both Flagg and Scheyer’s reflections signal a bright future for the program. With talented players like Flagg continuing to develop, and with Scheyer’s leadership firmly in place, Duke’s resilience and determination to bounce back will likely be a defining feature of the years to come. The loss to Houston may have ended one chapter, but the story of Duke basketball under Scheyer is just beginning.
