Jon Scheyer hails Cooper Flagg for being an unselfish "savant" after Virginia Tech domination

Duke coach Jon Scheyer marveled at Cooper Flagg's selfless performance in the Blue Devils' 88-65 win over Virginia Tech on Tuesday. The freshman forward finished with 24 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists in the victory.

Though Flagg's scoring line was impressive, Scheyer was more impressed with his willingness to facilitate for his teammates and boost the Blue Devils' overall offensive flow.

"He's a savant with the game. He just really has an amazing understanding for what's required to win and how to elevate everybody around them," Scheyer said after the game. "And [Cooper], as a 17 now 18-year-old, you're usually thinking about your numbers, like getting yours."

"Really, he's a modern-day point forward, point guard, whatever you want to call it, but that's what he is. He sees the game that way, he thinks the game that way, and his passing has been such a skill for us. I think he's taking it to another level because he's looking to score more actually."

Cooper Flagg's six assists were his most in the last six games and matched his season's second-best. The Blue Devils struggled out of the gate and could not hold a consistent lead throughout the opening ten minutes.

Virginia Tech kept the game close and was leading 16-14 before Flagg made a 3-point shot to put Duke on top followed by a free throw to make it 18-16 with eight minutes remaining in the half. That seemed to spark the Blue Devils, who went on a 17-2 run. Duke did not trail again and eventually cruised to a comfortable win.

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Duke's Cooper Flagg strives to push his teammates for good

Cooper Flagg, a Newport, Maine native, is not just improving his own game but also working to elevate those around him. He is the team's leading scorer (16.9 per game) and has the most assists (3.7 per game).

After Tuesday's win, he spoke with the reporters where he mentioned the area where he wants to improve most as the season progresses.

"I think for myself, I just want to get better all around," Flagg said. "I just want to keep getting better, keep learning, keep being a sponge for everyone around me, and keep pushing my teammates and having them push me. I mean, I've just learned so much already throughout the season."

Cooper Flagg, a projected 2025 NBA draft top pick, has helped Jon Scheyer's team to an 11-2 overall and 3-0 ACC record.