Breaking: Duke’s Cooper Flagg Makes ACC History, Sweeps Rookie and Player of the Year Honors

DURHAM, N.C. — In a milestone moment for Duke Basketball, freshman phenom Cooper Flagg has been named both ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Player of the Year—an extraordinary dual honor rarely seen in conference history.

The 6-foot-9 forward from Maine has captivated the college basketball scene this season, leading Duke’s charge under head coach Jon Scheyer with his elite skill set, relentless energy, and high basketball IQ. A projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg averaged 19.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, dominating both ends of the floor.

From three-point range to rim attacks, and from shot-blocking to guarding multiple positions, Flagg’s all-around game and leadership elevated the Blue Devils to the top of the ACC and helped lock in a high seed for the NCAA Tournament.

Praised by coaches and media as a “transformational talent,” Flagg becomes the first freshman in ACC history to earn both honors in the same season. His poise, work ethic, and clutch performances have made him the heart of this Duke team—and a symbol of its bright future.

As March Madness looms, all eyes are on Flagg as he looks to lead Duke on a deep tournament run and continue his meteoric rise in the world of college basketball.

Nate Ament, a five-star prospect, is still a target for Duke Basketball.

Will Duke secure five-star priority recruit Nate Ament to complete its top-ranked recruiting class?

Duke Basketball currently boasts the No. 1 recruiting class in the country, with standout commitments from Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Shelton Henderson, and Nikolas Khamenia. However, one major target remains on their radar: No. 4-ranked prospect Nate Ament.

The Blue Devils have been pursuing Ament for over a year, extending an offer during the fall of his junior season. Early on, Duke appeared to be the front-runner, but as more programs entered the mix, Ament decided to take more time with his decision.

Now a senior at Highland School, Ament has drawn significant interest and taken multiple visits to the schools on his shortlist. Although there was speculation he might announce his commitment around the McDonald’s All-American Game, he ultimately held off and has yet to set a definitive date for his college announcement. The 6’9” forward remains one of the final key pieces Duke hopes to land.

COMMITMENT: Martin Carrere, a transfer wing from VCU, joins UVA basketball

Ryan Odom has secured his fourth transfer commitment in just five days.

After adding three transfer guards, the Virginia Cavaliers have now landed VCU redshirt freshman Martin Carrere. The 6-foot-8, 180-pound forward from France becomes the first VCU player to follow Odom to Charlottesville. He joins fellow portal additions Duke Miles (Oklahoma), Jacari White (North Dakota State), and Sam Lewis (Toledo).

Carrere, a native of Pontonx-sur-l’Adour, France, redshirted his freshman season under Odom in Richmond. He previously played for France’s U-18 national team in the 2024 FIBA EuroBasket tournament, where he averaged 6.7 points per game and shot 41.9% from beyond the arc. He also competed with Limoges CSP Elite U-21, putting up 8.6 points per game while hitting 38.8% from three.

Carrere is expected to develop into a stretch-four option for the Cavaliers, though he may need a year or two before playing significant minutes. Odom is known for utilizing a deep bench, so Carrere could see limited action in his redshirt freshman year.

Virginia is still targeting three to four more frontcourt players before the transfer window closes. One possibility is a familiar name—Elijah Saunders. According to CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, Saunders is still seriously considering UVA along with Texas Tech, Kansas State, Purdue, and Grand Canyon. If he returns, he’d be the first player to rejoin Virginia after entering the portal and would join Elijah Gertrude as one of the only two scholarship returnees on the roster.

Duke Blue Devils Basketball Head Coach Jon Scheyer Signs 6-Year Contract Extension Amidst Program’s Current Success

Duke Blue Devils Basketball Head Coach Jon Scheyer Signs 6-Year Contract Extension Amidst Program’s Current Success

In a momentous decision for both Duke University and the future of its basketball program, head coach Jon Scheyer has officially signed a six-year contract extension. The extension was announced in the midst of what has been an incredibly successful season for the Blue Devils, culminating in a hard-fought and controversial exit from the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Final Four. Despite being eliminated by the Houston Cougars in a contentious game, Scheyer’s leadership has been instrumental in Duke’s resurgence, making this contract extension both a recognition of his success and a bold investment in the program’s continued excellence.

Scheyer’s rise to head coach in 2022 after the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski was a highly anticipated event. Following in the footsteps of Coach K, one of the most decorated coaches in basketball history, was never going to be an easy task. But Scheyer has handled the immense pressure with grace, building a Duke team that has not only kept up with its high expectations but has also established its own identity and strengths. His ability to maintain the Blue Devils’ status as one of college basketball’s elite programs has made the contract extension a well-deserved reward for his hard work and results.

Duke’s Impressive Run to the Final Four: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The 2025 NCAA Tournament will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in recent memory, and for Duke, it was a defining moment in the post-Coach K era. Under Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils made a remarkable run to the Final Four, showcasing both their depth and resilience. Duke’s path to the Final Four was anything but easy. The team had to navigate through a series of highly competitive matchups, often facing off against some of the most talented teams in the country. Yet, the Blue Devils emerged victorious, displaying a combination of defensive prowess, offensive explosiveness, and strategic brilliance.

Their Final Four appearance solidified Duke’s place as a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, proving that Scheyer has not only maintained but also enhanced the program’s legacy of excellence. The Blue Devils’ high-energy style of play, under Scheyer’s meticulous coaching, made them one of the most feared teams in the tournament. The star power of Duke’s key players, combined with the tactical adjustments made by Scheyer, kept the team on course for a championship.

However, the journey to the title game ended in heartbreak as Duke was eliminated by the Houston Cougars in a fiercely contested and controversial game. In a match that was full of momentum shifts, the Blue Devils were left reeling after a disputed officiating decision in the closing moments. Many critics and fans alike voiced their frustration, arguing that a pivotal call in the final minute swung the game in Houston’s favor, preventing Duke from advancing to the championship game. Despite the sour end, the loss did little to diminish the incredible season Duke had enjoyed under Scheyer.

Jon Scheyer’s Star Player Dominates the Award Circuit

While the Final Four loss was a tough pill to swallow, one of the silver linings of Duke’s season was the stellar play of their star player, who was the centerpiece of the team’s success. Throughout the tournament and the regular season, the player exhibited an incredible ability to take over games, delivering clutch performances when the team needed them most. Their performances didn’t go unnoticed, as they were named Basketball Player of the Year, marking a significant achievement in both their individual career and Duke’s basketball history.

This recognition was part of a season in which the player also claimed several prestigious awards, including ACC Player of the Year and a spot on multiple All-American teams. Their leadership on the court was a driving force behind Duke’s success, particularly in the tournament, where their performance elevated the team and created lasting memories for Blue Devils fans. The star player’s exceptional talent and work ethic were key to propelling Duke to the Final Four and positioning them as one of the best teams in the nation.

In addition to individual accolades, the star player’s on-court chemistry with their teammates helped create a dynamic and cohesive unit. Under Scheyer’s guidance, the team came together to form one of the most formidable units in college basketball, and the player’s awards were a testament to their growth, maturity, and excellence.

Building on a Legacy of Excellence: Scheyer’s Impact

Jon Scheyer’s success has been built on the foundation laid by Coach K, but Scheyer has also brought his own vision and philosophy to the program. His emphasis on both individual player development and team cohesion has helped to create a balanced, high-performance squad. Unlike many coaches, Scheyer has found a way to blend the traditions of Duke basketball—its toughness, discipline, and emphasis on defense—with a more modern, up-tempo style of play that has captured the imaginations of fans.

His ability to recruit top-tier talent has been another key to his success. In addition to the aforementioned star player, Scheyer has brought in some of the top high school prospects in the nation, ensuring that Duke remains one of the premier destinations for elite talent. His emphasis on creating a team-oriented culture while allowing his players to showcase their individual skills has proven to be a winning formula.

Scheyer’s calm and methodical approach to coaching, particularly in high-pressure situations, has also been a major factor in his success. Whether it’s making key in-game adjustments or managing the team’s mindset during the course of a long season, Scheyer has shown an innate ability to keep his players focused and motivated.

The Vision for the Future: Continued Success and Growth

The six-year contract extension is not just a reward for Scheyer’s current success but also an endorsement of the long-term direction of the program. Duke University, in offering the extension, has expressed its full confidence in Scheyer’s ability to continue guiding the Blue Devils to greatness. In his statement, Scheyer reaffirmed his commitment to building on the success that the program has enjoyed over the years. “This program means everything to me,” he said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done, but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead. Our goal is always to be competing for championships, and we will continue to push the limits of what this team can accomplish.”

Scheyer’s vision includes continuing to develop young talent, foster a winning culture, and consistently position Duke at the top of the college basketball hierarchy. With the commitment shown by the university in offering him a long-term extension, it is clear that both Scheyer and Duke are focused on maintaining the program’s success and continuing to build on its rich legacy.

Fan Excitement and the Road Ahead

The Duke fanbase, known for its passion and loyalty, has been extremely supportive of Scheyer throughout his early years as head coach. Despite the controversy surrounding their Final Four exit, the excitement around the program is palpable. Fans are confident that with Scheyer’s leadership, the Blue Devils will continue to be a force in college basketball for years to come.

The energy around the program has only grown, with increased anticipation for the future. With a talented roster, a proven coach, and a culture of excellence, Duke’s basketball program is poised to remain one of the most dominant teams in NCAA basketball.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Under Jon Scheyer

Jon Scheyer’s six-year contract extension is a significant moment for both the coach and the program. With the Blue Devils continuing to play at an elite level, making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, and securing individual accolades, Scheyer has proven that he is the right person to lead Duke into the future. Despite a heartbreaking loss in the Final Four, the overall trajectory of Duke basketball is undeniably positive.

With a strong core of players, a solid recruiting pipeline, and Scheyer’s ability to adapt and evolve, Duke is set to remain a contender for years to come. As they look to build on their success and navigate the challenges of college basketball, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils have the pieces in place for continued success. The future of Duke basketball has never looked brighter, and with Scheyer leading the charge, fans can expect many more thrilling seasons and a sustained championship-caliber program.