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New York Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Duke basketball takeaways: With Cooper Flagg in NBA, Jon Scheyer talks what's next
DURHAM, N.C. — Not even 24 hours after the most devastating loss of his head coaching career, Jon Scheyer dove straight back into heartbreak. It would've been understandable not to. To take some time, after Duke's stunning 70-67 loss to Houston in the Final Four, to digest what had gone wrong and why. To process how not even Cooper Flagg — the near-consensus national player of the year, and the eventual No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft — could stave off one of the biggest NCAA Tournament collapses of all time. Advertisement Instead? On the Blue Devils' flight home from San Antonio, there Scheyer was: digesting the game tape, reliving the most painful defeat he's suffered in three seasons coaching his alma mater. 'It's natural to shy away from it, or to make an excuse, or rationalize — and for me, I only know one way, and that's to dive deeper into it,' Scheyer said Tuesday, in his first news conference since April. 'You don't get that moment back. But at the same time, what you draw from it and (how) you lean into it, it's the only way to go forward.' Scheyer added that he's rewatched the game — one Duke lost despite leading by 9 points with just over two minutes left — several more times. Not to twist the knife any deeper, but to hopefully avoid a similar fate in the future. Not that his mindset made the viewing experience any easier. 'I had to see it,' the 37-year-old said. 'There's lessons from that game that I'll share with our team at the right time, but for me, it took a couple months to really understand, process, feel it, live it — and feel the pain. Feel everything associated with it.' But Scheyer didn't just dwell on the past Tuesday. Here are four other takeaways on the state of the Blue Devils. All five of last season's starters are now in the NBA — fellow one-and-dones Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach joined Flagg as top-10 picks, while guards Sion James and Tyrese Proctor were second-rounders. So Duke's rotation will obviously look much different next season. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the frontcourt, where two returners — rising senior Maliq Brown and rising sophomore Patrick Ngongba — will compete to start at center. Of the two, Brown easily played a more significant role last season, averaging 15.8 minutes per game while emerging as the team's most versatile defender. But the 6-foot-9 big also struggled with various injuries, missing 13 total games and the bulk of several others. After separating his left shoulder in the ACC tournament, Brown played only 22 total minutes in the NCAA Tournament before having offseason shoulder surgery. Advertisement Ngongba, on the other hand, arrived at Duke last summer as a five-star recruit still reeling from foot injuries sustained his senior season of high school. The Virginia native missed parts of the preseason while he recovered and then didn't play in nine of Duke's first 15 games. But eventually — and in part due to Brown's injuries — he settled into a role as a backup center, displaying the post moves and rebounding prowess that made him a top-25 recruit. Ngongba played 10 combined minutes in the Elite Eight and Final Four, but in the 10 games before that, the 6-foot-11 big averaged 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game. With Maluach gone, those two will play the majority of Duke's center minutes. Scheyer said that Ngongba, who was seen in a boot earlier this offseason, is 'in perfect health' with no limitations. Brown, on the other hand, is 'weeks ahead of schedule' after his surgery, but is still limited to noncontact work like shooting and handling. 'He dislocated his shoulder twice, and you have to be really cautious with that,' Scheyer said. 'So he won't do contact still for another four to eight weeks, really, but he can do basically everything five-on-zero.' In a sign of the times, where the transfer portal waits for no one, Duke lost one of its assistant coaches before last season ended. After reports surfaced in February that Jai Lucas was Miami's top target for its head coaching vacancy, Lucas stayed on through the ACC tournament before departing for South Florida on Selection Sunday. But that was only the beginning of Duke's offseason staff churn. Scheyer backfilled Lucas' opening with former Utah Jazz assistant Evan Bradds in early May, before hiring former Howard assistant Tyler Thornton later that month to replace Will Avery. Recently, director of player development Justin Robinson also left to become a development coach with the Los Angeles Lakers. And don't forget that last summer, Scheyer lured Emanuel Dildy away from Oklahoma to replace Amile Jefferson, who left for a job with the Boston Celtics. Advertisement That leaves associate head coach Chris Carrawell and general manager Rachel Baker as two of the few full-time staffers to have been with Scheyer since his start in April 2022. 'It means you have good people. Otherwise, people wouldn't be calling and trying to hire them,' Scheyer joked. 'You have to start back at ground zero — which, to be honest with you, is something that's good for me anyway. Coming off of this season, there's a lot of new. So it gives you a chance to really analyze what's worked, (and) what do we need to do better? The responsibilities within a staff, to me, have changed in the last three years.' Which is why Scheyer leaned on two hires with whom he has direct ties. Thornton was a senior during Scheyer's first season back on staff in 2013-14, when he was a special assistant to Mike Krzyzewski. Bradds arrives on the recommendation of Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy, one of Scheyer's closest friends in basketball. And before his time in Salt Lake City, Bradds spent two seasons as a video coordinator with the Boston Celtics — who, not coincidentally, employ another of Scheyer's good buddies, Brad Stevens, as general manager. (Scheyer also spent time with former Celtics and current Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka in Team USA settings.) 'We pride ourselves on the player development here. We pride ourselves on the way that we play. It's modern as could be; it's similar to how guys would be taught as they go on to their next step,' Scheyer said. 'So what better than to get a guy who's lived it for the last seven years, being around guys like Brad Stevens, Ime Udoka and Will Hardy?' Of Duke's returners, Brown and Ngongba are pure frontcourt players, while Caleb Foster and Darren Harris will be key backcourt players. Only Isaiah Evans, the 6-foot-6 sharpshooter who withdrew from the NBA Draft in May, could reasonably be considered a wing. And considering Duke's three-man freshman class featured two more forwards and a point guard — Cam Boozer, Nik Khamenia and Cayden Boozer, respectively — Scheyer needed to add at least one more starting-caliber wing to feel solid about his lineup. He appeared to find him in late April, when former Washington State wing Cedric Coward committed to Duke over Alabama. Despite playing only six games for the Cougars last season, Coward's size, defense and 3-point prowess made him one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal — and someone who, after a season at Duke, figured to emerge as a potential lottery pick for 2026. But in the days and weeks after Coward's commitment, buzz about the 6-foot-6 wing only continued to grow as he explored his professional options. By the time Coward dominated the combine in mid-May, it was apparent he'd never play in Durham. While Coward didn't officially announce his intention to stay in the draft — where he was selected 11th by the Portland Trail Blazers and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies — until May 24, Scheyer said Coward kept the program apprised of his thinking every step of the way. That allowed Duke to appropriately pivot and land Italian wing Dame Sarr (pronounced Dah-may) a day before Coward's announcement. Advertisement 'The program can't wait, you know? We have to make sure our program is in the best position, and obviously he wanted to get as much information as possible — so we basically agreed we were going to continue to move on and fill out our roster, and then we'd support him from afar.' Sarr, a potential lottery pick in 2026, projects as one of Duke's perimeter starters and key contributors. The 6-foot-7 Sarr spent last season with FC Barcelona in the ACB, Spain's top professional league, where Scheyer once played. Sarr averaged 5.4 points and shot 42.9 percent from 3 in 13.4 minutes per game last season. Over two decades after Carlos Boozer last suited up in a Duke jersey, his sons have finally made their way to their father's old campus. And while that may seem like it was destined, that wasn't the reality. Miami — where the twins grew up and where their mother lives — made a heavy push to keep them home, and was considered a front-runner at various points in their recruitment. But ultimately, Duke's legacy factor, history of development and available roles helped Scheyer close the deal. 'Obviously, they love their dad and want to honor Carlos, but the reality is, this had to be the best decision for them — or they shouldn't come here,' Scheyer said. Still, the juice should be worth the squeeze for Scheyer — especially with Cameron, the No. 3 player in the class, per the 247Sports Composite. As a 6-foot-9 stretch forward, the bigger Boozer immediately slots into the starting position vacated by Flagg. And while Cameron is a much different player from Flagg — he's sturdier, at around 235 pounds, with more refined post moves but less ballhandling ability — he figures to be similarly impactful as one of Duke's leading scorers and rebounders. Cayden, the No. 20 player in the class, should be one of Duke's top backcourt reserves, someone capable of spelling Foster and initiating offense. Cameron projects as a surefire one-and-done, and while Cayden may reach that level, it's more reasonable to expect he'll spend multiple seasons in college. Navigating their recruitments — some of which overlapped, but some of which did not — was another hurdle for Scheyer in getting the Boozers on campus. Advertisement 'I don't think anything about their recruitment was normal,' Scheyer said. 'You have two special talents and players — and they live in the same house. … We recruited them for a long time; I mean a long time. And that doesn't happen as much now.' Given what it took to land the Boozers, Scheyer needs the twins to deliver on the same level as past freshman stars who preceded them.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patrick Mahomes Turns Heads With Strong Message on Mavericks' Cooper Flagg
Patrick Mahomes Turns Heads With Strong Message on Mavericks' Cooper Flagg originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's no secret that Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is an avid basketball fan. Growing up in Texas, he's long been a supporter of the Dallas Mavericks and has been spotted courtside at several of their games over the years. Advertisement Back in February, Mahomes was one of the first athletes to react to the shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Now, Dallas has found a way to reset its future by landing the No. 1 overall pick and selecting potential franchise cornerstone Cooper Flagg, who is coming off a record-breaking freshman season at Duke. During a recent appearance on "Up & Adams with Kay Adams," Mahomes shared his honest thoughts on the Mavericks drafting Flagg and what he expects from a Dallas squad that's once again loaded with talent. 'So I'm like a very low-key Duke fan,' Mahomes said. 'I was growing up... JJ Redick, Sheldon Williams... but obviously I'm a Texas Tech fan now. So I watched Cooper Flagg last year. Great player, and I was extremely excited for him to come to the Mavs. Once they get healthy, they'll have as good of a chance as anybody of taking home the championship... I still love my guy Luka, no matter what. I'll be rooting for him no matter what, but my Mavs got a chance, man — we've got some hope again in Dallas.' Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Lee-Imagn Images Cooper Flagg emerged from Newport, Maine — a small town in New England — and quickly burst onto the national radar through his standout performances on the AAU circuit. His rise continued at Montverde Academy, where he wrapped up his high school career before committing to Duke as the No. 1-ranked player in his class. Advertisement Remarkably, Flagg managed to exceed the already sky-high expectations in his freshman season. He led Duke to 35 wins, a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and a dominant run through the ACC. His efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the Wooden Award and the Naismith Men's College Player of the Year. Now, as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, Flagg joins a Mavericks team with established veterans like Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and Kyrie Irving — though Irving is expected to miss a significant portion of the season while recovering from a torn ACL. Related: Cooper Flagg Sends 2-Word Message to Kon Knueppel Ahead of NBA Summer League This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ACC/SEC Challenge Matchups Announced
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 29: Caleb Foster #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the East Regional Elite Eight round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Prudential Center on March 29, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. | Photo byThe matchups are set for this fall's ACC/SEC Challenge and Duke will open with Florida in Cameron. Something to remember: the Gators redshirted a 7-9 kid last year. He'll be available this year. In some other matchups, UNC plays at Kentucky, NC State is at Auburn, Clemson is at Alabama, Louisville visits Arkansas and Wake Forest hosts Oklahoma. Advertisement We'll have a closer look at all the matchups in a bit but the ACC should do better this year than last year. Not that that's saying a lot. Cameron Craziness: Florida basketball to play at Duke in 2025-26 SEC-ACC Challenge SU men's basketball to battle Vols in ACC/SEC Challenge for 2nd-straight year Duke to face defending national champions in ACC/SEC Challenge Report: Gators to Face Duke in 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge Report: Gators to play Duke in 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge Florida to face Duke in 2025-26 ACC/SEC Challenge Blue Healer Auctions | Drop us a line More from
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Khaman Maluach ‘fits in exactly' with new Suns culture
The post Why Khaman Maluach 'fits in exactly' with new Suns culture appeared first on ClutchPoints. When the No. 10 pick came calling, the Phoenix Suns were up, but saw one player available that they were shocked was still on the board. Khaman Maluach. Advertisement As a result, the Suns drafted Maluach with the No. 10 overall pick. The former Duke basketball big man was a major proponent of their success this past season. A Final Four appearance with three starting freshmen is impressive. However, Maluach didn't receive the same level of love that his other two running mates, Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, did. Still, it doesn't discredit his basketball abilities. That was something that Suns general manager Brian Gregory was left in awe following a conversation with Maluach after he was drafted. 'Very excited about this evening with Khaman. We had a great talk with him afterwards. One of the things that was really important to us was the organizational piece that we had heading into it,' Gregory said. 'We had a lot of different options, a lot of different things going on. To come away with a young talent like him comes from a great program.' Advertisement 'Last year we were, I think, twenty-seventh in rim protection so he brings a a great defensive presence for us. We were also, I think, last in the league in our effectiveness around the rim and our ability to score at the rim and he's definitely proven himself in one year of college of being able to do that.' The Suns got a steal with Khaman Maluach The former Duke center was pivotal for South Sudan in the Paris Olympics. He was huge for them to take USA Basketball down to the wire. Funny enough, Maluach talked about an interaction he had with Devin Booker following the game. The latter told Maluach that he would see him in the league in one year. Advertisement However, no one knew that it would be with the Suns. Luckily for Phoenix, they got its guy, and Gregory knew it. The former South Florida head coach had a knack for evaluating collegiate talent, and he did so with Maluach. He explained more how he fits into what he, and head coach Jordan Ott are looking to build. 'We constantly want to keep getting longer, more athletic, be able to play faster, defend better, and he definitely checks all those boxes,' Gregory said. 'Plus, I talked to Coach (Jon) Scheyer yesterday. Just had some follow-up intel and everything was off the chart. His work ethic, his ability to be coached, his desire to become the very best. He fits in exactly with what we're looking to build here in Phoenix.' Advertisement As he touches down in the Valley of the Sun, Maluach look to new Suns center Mark Williams for some mentorship at the center position. No matter what, it's clear that Maluach can be the star of the future in the front court. Related: Rich Paul told Mat Ishbia he'd steer Khaman Maluach to Suns Related: Orlando Magic's Jase Richardson headlines 5 biggest steals of 2025 NBA Draft Round 1
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Cooper Flagg signs rookie contract with Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have signed No. 1 overall draft pick Cooper Flagg to his four-year rookie contract, the team announced Wednesday. The team didn't disclose details in announcing Flagg's deal, but the total value of the contract for the top pick on the 2025-26 rookie wage scale is in the range of $62.7 million, with a first-year salary of about $13.8 million, according to Spotrac. Those numbers can fluctuate slightly. Flagg said during his introductory news conference last week that he intends to play in the Summer League in Las Vegas later this month. The Mavericks' Summer League opener against the Los Angeles Lakers and Bronny James is set to be nationally televised on July 10. "I'm excited to give him the ball against the [Los Angeles] Lakers and see what happens," Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said. The 18-year-old from Duke became the fourth freshman to win The Associated Press national player of the year honors in the 64-year history of the award. Flagg led the Blue Devils to the Final Four in his only season. A new era for the Dallas Mavericks The addition of Flagg should help Mavericks fans turn the page on the Luka Doncic era. Less than five months before the NBA Draft, the Mavericks stunned the basketball world by sending Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a package that included Davis, guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. There was a sense of pessimism around the team, but that all changed on May 12. The Mavericks won the NBA Draft Lottery, despite having just a 1.8% chance, and with it the opportunity to select Flagg.
