Pressure and expectations are central to college basketball, but few players have ever heightened them the way Cooper Flagg has at Duke. The freshman standout has made an immediate impact, averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. With statistics like these, he isn’t just excelling—he’s positioned as the frontrunner for the prestigious Naismith Player of the Year award. If he wins, he would become only the second Duke freshman to achieve this honor.
However, great talent brings immense pressure, and no one understands this more than Jon Scheyer. Coaching Duke is already a high-stakes role, but leading a team with a generational talent like Flagg intensifies the expectations. Scheyer is not only managing a roster filled with potential NBA talent but also carrying the weight of continuing the legacy built by Mike Krzyzewski, the legendary coach who turned Duke into a powerhouse with five NCAA championships.
The significance of this season for both Scheyer and Duke has been underscored by analysts, including John Fanta of The Field of 68: After Dark podcast. He emphasized the magnitude of Flagg’s presence, stating that the freshman will generate enormous attention, both in television ratings and overall viewership. The intrigue around Duke stems not only from its brand recognition—one that casual fans often love to hate—but also from the high expectations surrounding Flagg and Scheyer. Fanta pointed out that this season is a defining moment for the program, as people are eager to see if Duke can rise above the competition and capture a national championship.
For Scheyer and his team, reaching the Final Four is the minimum expectation. Last season’s crushing Elite Eight loss to NC State left a bitter taste, making it clear that anything less than a deep tournament run would be a disappointment. However, at a program like Duke, making the Final Four is not enough—success is measured in championships. With a loaded roster that includes highly touted prospects such as Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, and Khaman Maluach, all projected first-round NBA draft picks, this is Scheyer’s chance to prove he can lead Duke to the top.
Yet, the story surrounding Flagg and Duke might not end after this season. While most assume the talented freshman will declare for the NBA Draft as the projected No. 1 overall pick, Flagg has hinted at the possibility of staying for a second year. His recent comments in an interview with The Athletic sent shockwaves through the basketball world.
“I want to come back next year,” Flagg stated, surprising many. He added, “I still feel like a kid. This is the only way I’ve ever known college. That’s how I see it. I really wouldn’t know how kids felt before, and if this feels different, if this feels more like being a professional. I mean, it’s the same thing for kids in high school, too, getting paid a lot of money. I don’t know. I feel pretty normal.”
Flagg’s remarks have sparked speculation about his motivations. Some wonder if Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals could be influencing his decision. NIL has transformed college athletics, allowing players to earn millions while remaining in school. For example, AJ Dybantsa, the top-ranked prospect in the 2026 class, recently secured a staggering $7 million NIL deal to play at BYU. If Flagg stays another year, he could potentially earn a similar or even greater amount.
However, despite the financial incentives of NIL, the NBA remains the more lucrative option. As the projected No. 1 overall pick, Flagg would earn approximately $12.6 million in his rookie season alone. Duke fans may feel a sense of déjà vu, as Zion Williamson once expressed a desire to stay in college before ultimately declaring for the draft.
Regardless of whether Flagg stays or leaves, this season represents a golden opportunity for Duke. With Scheyer at the helm and a roster full of talent, anything short of a national championship would be viewed as a missed opportunity. The pressure is on, and all eyes will be on Flagg and Duke to see if they can rise to the occasion.