The Cooper Flagg Era at Duke Is Over: How Do the Blue Devils Bounce Back?
The Cooper Flagg era at Duke has come to a close much sooner than many had hoped. The highly touted forward, considered one of the top prospects in college basketball history, has moved on from Durham after just one season, leaving Blue Devils fans wondering how Jon Scheyer and the program will bounce back. While Flagg’s departure is a significant blow to Duke’s hopes for the immediate future, the team is not without talent, and there are opportunities for the Blue Devils to reload for the upcoming season.
Here’s a look at who’s leaving, who’s staying, and what Duke needs to do to ensure they remain a national contender.
Who Is Out: The Cooper Flagg Departure
Cooper Flagg’s departure is arguably the most significant loss for Duke, as the freshman was projected to be a dominant force on both ends of the floor. His combination of elite defense, rebounding, and scoring ability made him the centerpiece of the Blue Devils’ future. After just one season, Flagg declared for the NBA Draft, leaving a massive gap in Duke’s frontcourt.
Along with Flagg, Duke may see additional players from last season’s roster testing the NBA Draft waters or entering the transfer portal. While these decisions are still to be fully confirmed, there are whispers that several of the team’s young stars, including Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell, could also leave early for the professional ranks. If both of these players depart, it would leave a considerable hole in Duke’s backcourt and wing positions.
Who Is In: The Next Generation of Blue Devils
Despite losing Flagg, the Blue Devils are far from bereft of talent. Duke has secured one of the top recruiting classes in the nation for the upcoming season, highlighted by multiple high-impact prospects who will help fill the void left by Flagg and others.
At the top of this class is guard Jared McCain, a player with impressive shooting ability and basketball IQ. McCain’s versatility should allow him to slide seamlessly into Duke’s offensive and defensive schemes. Alongside McCain is five-star forward Darren Harris, a dynamic scorer who can stretch the floor and create mismatches with his size and skill set.
The Blue Devils also landed big man Isaiah Collier, a player with the potential to step in immediately and contribute as a post presence. Collier’s ability to rebound, block shots, and defend the rim will be invaluable, especially as Duke looks to compensate for Flagg’s departure.
These incoming freshmen, combined with returning players, will give Scheyer plenty of talent to work with, but they will need to quickly gel in order to continue the Blue Devils’ success on the national stage.
Who Has Decisions to Make: The Key Returnees
While Duke’s incoming class is loaded, the decisions of current players will be just as critical to the team’s success next season. Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell are two of the biggest question marks for Duke’s offseason. Both players have the potential to declare for the NBA Draft, with Proctor being one of the most talked-about draft prospects in recent memory.
Proctor’s ability to run the offense and his solid defense make him a key piece for Duke moving forward. If he decides to return, he would provide Duke with a stable and talented point guard. Mitchell, a versatile forward with a high motor, would also be a crucial returnee. His athleticism and defensive tenacity make him a strong asset, and if he stays, he could fill a leadership void left by Flagg’s departure.
What Duke Needs in the Transfer Portal
With a few gaps left in their roster following Flagg’s exit, Duke will likely turn to the transfer portal to address some immediate needs. The Blue Devils could use another experienced player who can help fill the role of a versatile forward or a scoring guard who can ease the transition for the incoming freshmen.
Duke has been successful in the transfer portal in recent years, and Scheyer will likely target players who can make an immediate impact. A seasoned forward who can provide both scoring and defense, as well as a backup guard with ball-handling experience, would make sense. Additionally, adding a rim protector could be key to replacing the defensive presence lost with Flagg.
Conclusion: Reloading for Success
While Cooper Flagg’s departure is undoubtedly a major blow to Duke’s immediate plans, the Blue Devils’ future remains bright. With an elite recruiting class, a solid returning core, and the potential for key players to stay another season, Duke remains a top-tier program in college basketball. Jon Scheyer’s ability to adapt and reload with the right mix of talent from both the high school ranks and the transfer portal will be crucial as he looks to guide Duke back to the top of the college basketball world. While Flagg’s absence will be felt, the Blue Devils have the tools to bounce back stronger than ever.
