In the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, Duke University’s approach to building a championship contender has been a refreshing anomaly. While many programs have opted to rely on experienced transfers, the Blue Devils have instead chosen to surround their superstar freshman, Cooper Flagg, with a talented cast of young players.
The decision to build around Flagg, the nation’s No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class, was made clear when he announced his commitment to Duke in October 2023. With Flagg on board, head coach Jon Scheyer knew that he had to find the right pieces to complement his star player. Rather than relying on transfers, Scheyer opted to sign five of ESPN’s top 50 recruits in the 2024 class, including Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel.
The approach has paid off in spectacular fashion, with Duke securing a regular-season ACC championship, a 1-seed in the NCAA tournament’s East region, and one of the strongest campaigns in the past 25 years of college basketball. Flagg, Maluach, and Knueppel have each started every game this season, with Flagg making a strong case for national player of the year, Maluach dominating on the glass and in the paint, and Knueppel providing a scoring punch off the wing.
Duke’s youthful approach has been a departure from the norm in college basketball, where experience and age are often seen as key factors in building a championship contender. However, Scheyer’s decision to trust his young players has been vindicated, with the Blue Devils playing some of their best basketball of the season at the right time.
As Duke prepares to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, their youthful approach will be put to the test. However, with Flagg, Maluach, and Knueppel leading the way, the Blue Devils are confident that they have the talent, chemistry, and determination to bring home a national championship.
In an era where experience and age are often prioritized, Duke’s decision to build around their young players is a testament to the program’s commitment to developing talent and trusting in the abilities of their student-athletes. As the Blue Devils continue to make waves in the college basketball world, their youthful approach will be one to watch in the years to come.
The success of Duke’s youthful approach is a credit to Scheyer’s coaching and recruiting abilities, as well as the talent and dedication of his players. As the Blue Devils look to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, they will be relying on their young players to lead the way. With Flagg, Maluach, and Knueppel at the helm, Duke is poised to make a championship run that will be remembered for years to come.
