With Countdown to Craziness on the horizon, Duke basketball has a massive weekend ahead of them. Cooper Flagg, the most prized recruit in years, will be on campus for his final official visit. To make the weekend even more interesting, Flagg’s recruitment started to have some smoke headed in the University of Connecticut direction. This is the first time Duke has appeared to face any threat for the services of Flagg.
Cooper Flagg in Attendance at Countdown to Craziness
Cooper Flagg is a flat-out star and his highlights have been all over social media for a few years now. While it is well-reported that Flagg is a long-time Duke fan, the Blue Devils will face legitimate pressure in his recruitment. The UConn Huskies and Dan Hurley ride huge momentum as the defending National Champions and made a great impression when Flagg was on campus. Hurley and Co. are tugging at the Flagg family’s heartstrings as Flagg’s mom was a teammate of Donovan Clingan’s mom at Maine.
Flagg’s mom seemed to hint that a decision was on the horizon for Flagg soon after he visits Duke which appeared to be a positive for the Blue Devils. However, Flagg walked that statement back recently and said there was no decision imminent. Huskies fans have to feel good about that because just a few weeks ago when Flagg canceled his Kansas visit, it seemed like full steam ahead to Durham.
Jon Scheyer: Recruiting Wizard
Jon Scheyer has been one of the best recruiters in the country since he joined the Blue Devils coaching staff. When Coach K retired, the questions of whether or not high-level talent would still head to Durham popped up, but Scheyer quickly answered that question. Also, Coach K is very much still a part of the program. Isaiah Evans, one of the five-star commits that will be in attendance tonight has mentioned his conversations with K throughout the recruiting process.
The Cameron Crazies will be in full force tonight. For anyone who knows, there will be a chorus of loud, “Cooper Flagg sit with us” chants all night long. Duke will absolutely rely on the Crazies plus the 3 recent commits in the 2024 class, Kon Knueppel, Darren Harris, and Evans to convince Flagg to sign on the dotted line. The fanbase is second to none and will absolutely make it hard for anyone in that building to say no to Duke.
Additionally, Duke could have a historic weekend if the other uncommitted players attending Countdown to Craziness commit. VJ Edgecombe is a well-rounded wing and Patrick Ngongba II is a physical big. Both are highly regarded. It seems unlikely that both Edgecombe and Flagg would commit to the Blue Devils, but pulling out two of the three would be an incredible class for Scheyer.
As noted by the Duke fanbase, uncommitted players to attend Countdown have a 67% commitment rate in donning that Duke blue. This weekend is certainly not a make-or-break weekend for Scheyer and Duke, however, landing Flagg and more would continue to show the Duke brand is as strong as ever.
Cooper Flagg Prediction
My prediction is Flagg will sign with Duke on early signing day. Dream schools have a remarkable ability to land recruits. There is something to be said about making your childhood dreams come true and Flagg can do that by signing with Duke. Additionally, Flagg’s favorite player is Jayson Tatum and you would be crazy to think they have not been in contact. Tatum is as strong a supporter of the Brotherhood as there ever has been and he may make the difference here. Regardless, the college basketball world is locked into this official visit.
