BLAME GAME: Is Cooper Flagg Unjustly Held Responsible for Duke’s Difficult Loss?

Is Cooper Flagg Being Unfairly Blamed for Duke’s Final Four Loss?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Following Duke’s heartbreaking 76-70 loss to Houston in the Final Four, questions are swirling about what went wrong — and many of them are aimed squarely at Cooper Flagg. The freshman phenom, once touted as the driving force behind Duke’s championship hopes, is now under intense scrutiny after a late-game performance that didn’t live up to expectations.

A Disappointing Finish for Flagg

Flagg, who has been central to Duke’s offense throughout the tournament, finished the game with 12 points. However, his struggles in the final minutes — including missed shots and turnovers — have led to criticism from fans and media alike. As the face of the program and a projected NBA lottery pick, Flagg was expected to deliver in crunch time, and when he didn’t, some began to pin the loss on him.

One fan vented on social media, “Flagg didn’t play like the superstar we were promised. He disappeared when it mattered most.”

But It Wasn’t Just Flagg

Despite the criticism, Duke’s defeat wasn’t solely on Flagg. The Blue Devils as a whole faltered down the stretch. Their offense stalled, the defense couldn’t stop Houston’s momentum, and key players like fellow freshman Jayson Adams also struggled to produce. The loss was the result of a total team breakdown, not one player’s performance.

Head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized that after the game: “This wasn’t just on Cooper. We all failed to execute. It’s a tough one, but we’ll grow from it.”

Mounting Pressure on a Young Star

Flagg entered college basketball under a massive spotlight, with comparisons to past Duke greats and NBA legends. At just 18, he was expected to carry a storied program on his back. That pressure was bound to weigh heavily, especially in high-stakes moments like the Final Four.

Some, like former Blue Devil and NBA analyst Grant Hill, believe the criticism is unfair. “He’s still a freshman,” Hill said. “It’s not right to place the blame entirely on him. The whole team struggled.”

Looking Ahead

While the loss was undoubtedly painful, it’s far from the end of the road for Flagg. He remains one of the top talents in college basketball and is still projected to be a high pick in the NBA Draft. Teammates like Tyrese Proctor have voiced their support, insisting that Flagg is still their leader.

“We’re behind Cooper 100 percent,” Proctor said. “This one game doesn’t define what he’s done this season.”

As the dust settles and Duke begins to regroup, one thing is clear: Cooper Flagg’s story is just beginning. His response to adversity will shape not only the remainder of his college career but also how he’s remembered long term — not a single tough night in March.