The Duke Blue Devils blew the Wake Forest Demon Deacons out of the water with a commanding 93-60 victory at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Despite the lopsided showdown between the ACC rivals, head coach Jon Scheyer sent Cooper Flagg and the rest of the players a strong message, ordering them not to rest on their laurels, as the real season is only just beginning. With March Madness approaching, the Blue Devils will only be content with one result during the NCAA tournament.
Duke holds a narrow lead over its closest pursuers, Clemson and Louisville. Both schools are 1.5 games behind the Blue Devils, as they have played two games left in the NCAA season, while Duke has just one matchup remaining.
Regardless, Scheyer, Flagg and Duke still control their own destiny. A win during college basketball’s Rivalry Week against their archnemesis just south in Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Tar Heels, could be crucial for Duke’s morale heading into the most challenging time of the year: March Madness. The Tobacco Road rivalry game has been circled in red all season long, and it’s right in front of their noses now.
Ahead of such critical games, against the Tar Heels on the road, the ACC tournament and March Madness, Scheyer voiced a very clear and powerful reminder to Flagg and the rest of the team.
Head coach Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils embraces Cooper Flagg #2 during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 03, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina.
“It’s the best time of the year. It’s what you work the entire off season for,” Scheyer stated, via On3. “I think the thing about March too that I’ve learned is, you know, records don’t matter anymore. You’re not entitled to anything. Every game you play, somebody’s season has a potential to end. So, you’re playing and competing against teams that are very hungry.”
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Scheyer’s message is to be received loud and clear by the Blue Devils’ locker room, especially freshman superstar Cooper Flagg, who will participate in the most crucial month of the year for the first time in his career. In case his mind isn’t purely on the NCAA tournament, Scheyer made sure to remind him this is when it counts.
Come for the Duke, you best not miss
Closing out the regular season against North Carolina will be valuable for Duke, as the players will get a taste of facing a bitter rival before stepping into do-or-die situations during the win-or-go-home battles of March Madness. Scheyer is well aware of the hostile environments his team will step into, but instead of shying away or flying under the radar, the Blue Devils’ coach poked the bear.
“For us, like — that’s alright. Let’s beat people that really want to beat us, and they’re competitive,” Scheyer added. “That’s what every game the rest of the year is going to be. So for us, it’s a blessing to be in this position. It’s the best time of year for me.”
Cooper Flagg #2 of the Duke Blue Devils
Scheyer’s message to Flagg
After an emotional Senior Night in Durham, it was freshman Flagg who stole the spotlight as fans chanted for him to stay another year at Duke. A return for his sophomore campaign seems improbable, and Scheyer made a sincere statement about the 18-year-old phenom that felt more like a farewell message.
“The talent speaks for itself. Love coaching his talent,” Scheyer said postgame, via Fox News. “But I love coaching the person. He’s all about the right stuff.”
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In what could’ve been his final home game in front of the ‘Cameron Crazies’, Flagg left his mark. The forward finished the night with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
“I mean, this is the best place in college basketball for sure,” Flagg stated. “I’ve loved every single minute of being here. I’ve loved everybody I’ve met, everybody I’ve been around for this whole year. It’s been an amazing year.”
